FY2025 Historic Preservation Fund - Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grants

The Historic Preservation Fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grants program is administered by the National Park Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Established in 1988, the program is designed to support the preservation and stabilization of historic structures located on the campuses of accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The initiative reflects a broader federal commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and recognizing the historical significance of HBCU institutions and their built environments. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for projects that document, preserve, and rehabilitate historic campus properties that are either listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as National Historic Landmarks. Funding supports both physical preservation efforts and preparatory activities such as surveys, planning, and nomination development. All funded work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation, ensuring that projects meet established federal preservation standards. Funding is available for a range of eligible activities, including architectural and engineering plans, historic structure reports, preservation planning, and the repair or rehabilitation of historic buildings. While both construction and non-construction activities are eligible, administrative and indirect costs are capped at 25 percent of the total project cost, and pre-preservation expenses cannot exceed 20 percent of the total budget. Projects focused solely on planning activities are subject to a lower funding range. Certain activities are explicitly excluded, including new construction, acquisition of property, and long-term maintenance beyond the grant period. Eligibility is restricted to accredited HBCU institutions, including both public and private institutions of higher education. Applicants must demonstrate that the property involved meets National Register criteria or is in the process of being nominated. If the property is not yet listed, applicants must include preparation or amendment of a nomination as part of the project scope. Institutions must also maintain compliance with federal requirements such as SAM.gov registration and must be prepared to execute preservation easements tied to the level of funding received. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and the process requires completion of multiple federal forms and supporting documentation. Required components include standard forms such as SF-424 series documents, a project abstract, a detailed project narrative addressing evaluation criteria, a budget justification, and supporting worksheets such as project images and National Register eligibility documentation. Additional documentation may include letters of support, proof of nonprofit status if applicable, and financial statements. Applications are evaluated based on significance, urgency of need, effectiveness of mitigation, and feasibility, with each criterion weighted equally. The application deadline is July 28, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to begin early due to the complexity of required registrations and documentation. Award notifications are anticipated approximately six months after the deadline, and funded projects are expected to begin around November 2026, with a performance period extending up to three years. Questions and technical assistance are available through the National Park Service via the program email contact.

Strong applications clearly demonstrate historical significance, urgent preservation need, and feasible project execution aligned with federal preservation standards