FY2025 Historic Preservation Fund - Underrepresented Communities Grants

The Underrepresented Communities Grant Program is administered by the National Park Service under the U.S. Department of the Interior and funded through the Historic Preservation Fund. The program is designed to expand the representation of diverse and historically underrecognized communities in the National Register of Historic Places. By supporting documentation, survey, and nomination efforts, the program aims to ensure that the full breadth of American history and cultural heritage is recognized and preserved. The initiative aligns with broader federal priorities to preserve national heritage and promote inclusive historical narratives. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that identify, document, and nominate historic sites associated with underrepresented communities. Eligible activities include conducting surveys of historic resources, preparing National Register nominations, and amending existing listings to better reflect overlooked histories. Each funded project must result in at least one new or amended nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring tangible preservation outcomes. The program encourages applicants to frame their projects within a broader context of community representation and historical significance. Funding is provided through discretionary grants with an expected total program funding of $1,250,000 and approximately 15 awards. Individual awards range from $15,000 to $100,000. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, though applicants may include additional funding sources to strengthen competitiveness. Administrative and indirect costs are capped at 25 percent of the total project budget. Funds may be used for eligible activities such as research, documentation, survey work, and preparation of nomination materials, but cannot be used for construction, acquisition, or long-term maintenance of historic properties. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, and certified local governments. Additional eligibility restrictions require that applicants align with the National Historic Preservation Act and demonstrate that proposed projects involve resources not owned or controlled by the National Park Service. Projects must also comply with federal environmental and historic preservation review requirements, including NEPA and Section 106 consultation processes. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on July 7, 2026. Applicants are required to complete standard federal forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, along with a project narrative, budget justification, and supporting documentation including letters of support and, where applicable, owner consent. Registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov is required prior to submission and may take several weeks to complete, making early preparation essential. Applications are evaluated based on four equally weighted criteria: significance, planning, feasibility, and sustainability. Reviewers assess the historical importance of the proposed resources, alignment with planning documents, feasibility of execution within a 2–3 year period, and the long-term impact of the project. Projects that demonstrate strong community engagement, clear outcomes, and efficient use of funds are more competitive. Award notifications are expected approximately six months after the application deadline, with project performance anticipated to begin in early 2027 and conclude by the end of 2029. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program staff via email at STLPG@nps.gov or by phone at 202-354-2020. The program represents a significant opportunity for organizations to contribute to a more inclusive and comprehensive national historical record while receiving federal support for preservation planning and documentation efforts.

Focus on clearly demonstrating historical significance and underrepresentation; ensure strong alignment with planning documents; provide a realistic timeline and budget; emphasize long-term sustainability and community impact