Historic Preservation Fund – Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grants
Can you apply?
This grant is for accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) only. Eligible properties must be listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as contributing to a historic district. Work must document, preserve, or stabilize historic structures on HBCU campuses. Projects may include survey, nomination, or preservation planning. All work must follow the Secretary of Interior's Standards and Guidelines.
Properties eligible but not yet listed require a Determination of Eligibility from their State Historic Preservation Office. Projects may prepare or amend National Register nominations as part of the grant. Awards range from $50,000 to $750,000.
Program description
In 1988, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Preservation grant program was established to document, preserve, and stabilize historic structures on HBCU campuses. Historic resources on campuses of accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places either individually or as contributing to a National Register or National Historic Landmark historic district are eligible for this program. Projects must meet major program selection criteria and all work must follow the Secretary of the Interior”s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation. Projects may also fund survey, nomination, and preservation planning for historic HBCU campuses.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative describing the historic property and preservation work
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Determination of Eligibility or National Register listing documentation
- Evidence of HBCU accreditation status
- Secretary of Interior Standards compliance statement
Program contact
- 👤 National Park Service
- 📧 STLPG@nps.gov
- 📞 202-697-2035
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 15.932 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.932). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2012 est. | $500,000 | |
| 2019 | $7,760 | |
| 2021 | $9,684,275 | |
| 2022 | $9,700,000 | |
| 2023 | $9,700,000 | |
| 2024 | $10,670,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $11,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $11,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities may apply. Your institution must be listed on the NCES College Navigator as an HBCU.
What types of properties are eligible?
Historic structures on your HBCU campus that are listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Properties must be individual listings or contribute to a historic district.
Do I need a National Register listing to apply?
No, but if your property isn't listed, you must submit a Determination of Eligibility from your State Historic Preservation Office with your application.
What activities can the grant fund?
Documentation, preservation, and stabilization of historic structures. You can also fund National Register surveys, nominations, and preservation planning as part of your project.
What are typical funding amounts?
Awards range from $50,000 to $750,000 depending on project scope and competitiveness of applications.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start the National Register nomination or Determination of Eligibility process early. These take time and are required or strongly recommended for your application.
- Align all proposed work with the Secretary of Interior's Standards and Guidelines. Projects that deviate from these standards will face rejection or require substantial revision.
- Build a strong preservation plan in your narrative. Reviewers want to see clear documentation of the historic significance and condition of your property.
- Connect campus preservation to institutional mission and student benefit. Show how the project supports education, research, or student engagement.
- Budget carefully for any nomination or survey work. If your property needs a National Register nomination, include realistic costs and timeline in your budget narrative.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirmed National Register eligibility or a State Historic Preservation Office determination. Proposing work that doesn't follow Secretary of Interior Standards. Failing to document why the historic structure matters to your HBCU's mission and history.
Similar grants
- OPEN Collaborative Care for Perinatal Mental Health R2 — New York State Office of Mental Health
- OPEN SOI 1260 NY Kicks — New York State Office of Children and Family Services
- OPEN FY2025 Historic Preservation Fund- African American Civil Rights- History Grants — National Park Service
- OPEN FY2025 Historic Preservation Fund- African American Civil Rights- Preservation Grants — National Park Service
- OPEN U.S. Talent Program for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada — U.S. Mission to Canada