FY2025 Historic Preservation Fund - Tribal Heritage Grants

The National Park Service administers the Tribal Heritage Grants program under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act. This federal funding opportunity is designed to support federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Villages or Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations in preserving and protecting cultural heritage and historic resources. The program is funded through the Historic Preservation Fund and reflects a broader federal commitment to safeguarding Indigenous traditions, cultural practices, and historically significant sites across the United States. The primary purpose of this grant program is to enable Tribes and affiliated organizations to carry out projects that protect cultural identity and heritage. Eligible activities include documenting oral histories, preserving traditional ecological knowledge such as plant and animal uses, conducting surveys of culturally significant sites, and supporting the establishment or enhancement of Tribal Historic Preservation Offices. The program also supports planning and physical preservation work for properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as educational and interpretive initiatives that promote awareness of tribal heritage. Funding is awarded competitively, with an estimated total program funding of 967,422 dollars distributed across approximately 12 awards. Individual awards range from 15,000 dollars to 100,000 dollars. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which lowers barriers to participation for eligible applicants. However, administrative costs associated with managing the grant may not exceed 25 percent of the total project cost, and lower administrative cost ratios are viewed favorably during evaluation. Applicants must submit their proposals through Grants.gov and complete several required forms, including the SF-424 series, a project abstract, a detailed project description, and a budget justification. Additional documentation may include project images, proof of nonprofit status if applicable, letters of support, and documentation related to National Register eligibility. Applicants are required to maintain active registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, and the application process may take several weeks to complete due to these prerequisites. Applications are evaluated through a structured merit review process based on four primary criteria: cultural or historic preservation need, feasibility of the project plan, demonstrated commitment from the Tribe or organization, and long-term impacts of the proposed work. Feasibility carries the greatest weight, emphasizing realistic timelines, qualified personnel, and justified budgets. Projects are also assessed for their ability to deliver lasting benefits and community engagement, including intergenerational knowledge transfer and partnerships. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 27, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Award notifications are expected approximately six months after the deadline, and funded projects are anticipated to begin around December 1, 2026, with a performance period extending through November 30, 2029. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the National Park Service via email at STLPG@nps.gov or by phone at 202-354-2020. This program is offered annually, providing recurring opportunities for eligible entities to seek funding for cultural preservation initiatives.

Focus heavily on feasibility and detailed work plans as it carries the highest scoring weight; keep administrative costs low to improve competitiveness; clearly demonstrate long term cultural impact and community involvement