Northwest Ordinance History Grant Program

The Northwest Ordinance History Grant Program is administered by the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a division of the Ohio History Connection (OHC), which serves as the state’s official history organization. OHC is responsible for preserving and promoting Ohio’s historical resources, and through SHPO, it provides funding and technical assistance for projects that protect and interpret historic places. This grant program is designed to advance public understanding of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, a foundational legal framework that shaped the governance and expansion of the United States, particularly influencing the development of Ohio and the broader Northwest Territory. The primary purpose of the program is to support projects that commemorate, interpret, and celebrate the history, legacy, and ongoing impact of the Northwest Ordinance. The initiative emphasizes increasing public awareness of this pivotal historical event while highlighting its connections to Ohio’s Appalachian communities, including their culture, heritage, and historical narratives. Funded projects are expected to engage the public in meaningful ways and contribute to educational and cultural enrichment across eligible regions. Funding supports a broad range of project types, including public programs such as lectures, interpretive events, and heritage tourism initiatives; educational efforts such as curriculum development and student engagement activities; and interpretive resources such as exhibits, signage, and installations. Additional eligible uses include publications in print or digital formats, oral history and community documentation projects, and digital humanities efforts such as websites or applications. The program also allows for bricks-and-mortar preservation projects, provided the properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, local government entities, educational institutions ranging from K-12 schools to universities, federally recognized Tribes with historical connections to Ohio, and public entities such as libraries. Nonprofits that operate Ohio History Connection sites under management agreements are also eligible. However, for-profit businesses and private individuals are explicitly excluded from applying. Additionally, all applicants must be located within one of the 32 counties in Ohio designated as part of Appalachia, which serves as a key geographic eligibility constraint. The application process requires applicants to register through the Ohio History Connection Grant Portal, create an account, and submit their proposal through the system. Required submission components include a completed Work Schedule Form, Budget Form, and Signatures of Authorization Form, all of which must be uploaded as part of the application package. OHC/SHPO staff are available to assist applicants throughout the process and provide ongoing monitoring and support after awards are issued. The program timeline is clearly defined, with the official announcement released on January 16, followed by an application deadline of February 13. Award notifications are scheduled for March 13. Funded projects must be completed by June 30 of the following year, establishing a fixed performance period. While recurrence is not explicitly stated, the structured timeline suggests a defined funding cycle. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the program via the provided email contact for clarification or guidance during the application process.

Ensure alignment with Northwest Ordinance themes and provide complete required documentation