Norman Y. Mineta Japanese American Confinement Education Grants

The National Park Service, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, administers the Preservation of Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program, which includes the Norman Y. Mineta Japanese American Confinement Education grants. This funding opportunity is designed to support large-scale educational initiatives that increase public understanding of the forced confinement of Japanese Americans during World War II. The program is rooted in federal legislation that emphasizes the importance of preserving this history and promoting awareness of civil liberties, equal justice, and the historical experiences of Japanese Americans. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund impactful educational projects led by Japanese American organizations. These projects must address critical educational gaps related to the confinement experience and be capable of reaching broad and diverse audiences across the United States. The National Park Service prioritizes initiatives that are innovative, technically feasible, and sustainable over time, ensuring that the lessons of this historical period remain accessible to future generations. Projects are expected to align with educational standards and deliver meaningful learning outcomes. Funding for this opportunity totals approximately two million dollars, with at least two awards anticipated. Each award must be no less than seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, although final award amounts will depend on application quality and available appropriations. A key requirement of this program is a fifty percent non-federal cost share, meaning applicants must match federal funds with non-federal contributions such as cash, in-kind services, or materials. This match can be secured during the grant period and does not need to be fully available at the time of application, though it must be clearly documented in application materials. Eligibility is limited to private nonprofit organizations located within the United States that meet the statutory definition of a Japanese American organization. These organizations must demonstrate a mission and track record of promoting understanding of the Japanese American experience. Applicants may collaborate with partners but must serve as the primary responsible entity for the project. The program strongly encourages projects that incorporate multiple formats, such as educational curricula, digital media, exhibits, films, and public programming, to maximize reach and engagement. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple required components such as standard federal forms, a detailed project narrative, a budget narrative, and supporting documentation. The project narrative is a critical component and must address specific evaluation criteria, including organizational capacity, project need, work plan, budget justification, audience reach, sustainability, and community engagement. Applicants must also provide an organizational profile demonstrating alignment with eligibility requirements and the ability to successfully execute the proposed project. Applications are due by June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The National Park Service anticipates announcing award recipients in late spring 2026, with project start dates expected in summer 2026 and an overall performance period generally spanning two to four years. The anticipated project period for this funding cycle runs from approximately September 2026 through September 2028. Applicants may contact the program directly via email for questions and are encouraged to begin required system registrations early, as federal registration processes can take several months. Applications undergo a multi-step review process, including eligibility screening, merit review based on nine weighted criteria, and final selection by the Secretary of the Interior. Evaluation emphasizes organizational suitability, project impact, feasibility, budget reasonableness, personnel qualifications, audience reach, sustainability, and community engagement. Priority consideration is given to smaller organizations with fewer than one hundred employees. Successful projects will demonstrate strong public engagement and long-term educational value, contributing to national understanding of Japanese American confinement and its relevance to contemporary issues of justice and civil rights.

Ensure strong alignment with review criteria especially audience reach, sustainability, and cost share documentation; prioritize multi-format projects with national impact; clearly demonstrate organizational eligibility and capacity