& FY2026 Historic Preservation Fund- History of Equal Rights- Preservation Grants
Can you apply?
This grant is for preserving historic sites that tell the story of equal rights struggles in America. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, and federally recognized Indian tribes, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Projects can include architectural services, historic structure reports, preservation plans, and physical preservation work.
Sites owned or leased by the National Park Service are not eligible. Applicants must own or control the property they wish to preserve.
Program description
The National Park Service”s (NPS) History of Equal Rights Grant Program (HER) will preserve sites related to the struggle of all Americans to achieve equal rights. HER grants are funded by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), administered by the NPS, and will fund a broad range of preservation projects for historic sites including: architectural services, historic structure reports, preservation plans, and physical preservation to structures. Grants are awarded through a competitive process and do not require non-Federal match.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Statement of Significance
- Detailed Project Budget
- Historic Structure Report or property condition assessment
- Organizational documentation (501c3 status, tribal recognition, government authority)
- Letters of support
Program contact
- 👤 National Park Service
- 📧 STLPG@nps.gov
- 📞 202-697-2035
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.966 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$2,990,620
-
$750,000
-
$750,000
-
$750,000
-
$750,000
-
$750,000
-
$750,000
-
$750,000
-
$750,000
-
$750,000
Top States by Funding
- GA 13 awards $8.6M
- AL 3 awards $4.5M
- PA 8 awards $4.5M
- SC 5 awards $3.7M
- MS 5 awards $2.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
State/local governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, and federally recognized tribes. You must own or control the historic property.
What types of projects are funded?
Architectural services, historic structure reports, preservation plans, and physical preservation work on equal rights-related sites.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This grant does not require a non-federal match or local funding contribution.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards range from $15,000 to $750,000 depending on project scope and competition.
When is the application deadline?
The fixed deadline is July 21, 2026. Check the NPS website for future fiscal year deadlines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your narrative on how the site documents a specific struggle for equal rights. Connect local history to national themes.
- Get your property documented early. Historic structure reports and condition assessments strengthen competitiveness significantly.
- Be realistic about project scope and budget. Reviewers fund projects that are clearly scoped and achievable within the requested amount.
- Include letters of support from community members, local historians, or preservation partners. They demonstrate public interest in the project.
- Check whether your site qualifies under the equal rights theme. Vague connections to civil rights will be weaker than sites with direct historical significance.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants propose overly ambitious projects that cannot be completed within the award amount. Projects lack clear connection to equal rights history or focus on generic preservation rather than thematic significance. Organizations underestimate the level of detail needed in project budgets and historic documentation.
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