& FY2026 Historic Preservation Fund – Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations managing subgrant programs that support historic property rehabilitation in rural communities.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, State Historic Preservation Offices, Certified Local Governments, and special district governments (excluding school districts) located in CLGs.
Eligible subgrant projects must involve properties listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and located in rural (nonmetropolitan) areas as defined by USDA. Projects must be within the grantee's jurisdiction and cannot involve federally-owned or leased properties.
This grant is for organizations managing subgrant programs that support historic property rehabilitation in rural communities.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, State Historic Preservation Offices, Certified Local Governments, and special district governments (excluding school districts) located in CLGs.
Eligible subgrant projects must involve properties listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and located in rural (nonmetropolitan) areas as defined by USDA. Projects must be within the grantee's jurisdiction and cannot involve federally-owned or leased properties.
Program description
The goal of the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Subgrants Program is to fund subgrant programs that support the rehabilitation of historic properties to foster economic development in rural communities. These subgrant programs, managed by States, Tribes, Certified Local Governments, special district governments, and non-profits will select, fund, and manage preservation projects for historic properties to include architectural/engineering services and physical preservation.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Public University
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations managing subgrant programs that support historic property rehabilitation in rural communities.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, State Historic Preservation Offices, Certified Local Governments, and special district governments (excluding school districts) located in CLGs.
Eligible subgrant projects must involve properties listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and located in rural (nonmetropolitan) areas as defined by USDA. Projects must be within the grantee's jurisdiction and cannot involve federally-owned or leased properties.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative describing the historic property and rehabilitation plan
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Evidence of National Register listing or eligibility
- USDA rural area verification for project location
- Organization documentation (nonprofit status, board resolution, etc.)
- Architectural/Engineering plans or assessments
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
-
$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.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.966). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2023 est. | $64,000,000 | |
| 2024 | $4,698,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $60,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $60,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
State Historic Preservation Offices, Tribal HPOs, Certified Local Governments, special districts (except schools), and nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status. Applicants will manage subgrants that fund individual projects.
What types of properties are eligible?
Properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, located in USDA-defined rural/nonmetropolitan areas, and within the grantee's jurisdiction.
Can federal properties receive funding?
No. Properties owned, leased, or with federal government interest are ineligible.
What does "rural" mean for this program?
USDA nonmetro counties including open countryside, rural towns under 5,000 people, and urban areas up to 50,000 outside larger metros. Use the USDA eligibility tool to confirm.
What activities can be funded?
Rehabilitation of historic properties, including architectural/engineering services and physical preservation work that fosters economic development.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm the property is listed or eligible for the National Register before applying. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office for verification.
- Use the USDA rural eligibility tool to verify your project location qualifies as nonmetropolitan under this program's definition.
- Emphasize economic development outcomes in your application. Explain how rehabilitation creates jobs or revitalization benefits.
- Work with your State Historic Preservation Office or Certified Local Government early. They manage the subgrant selection process.
- Budget for architectural and engineering services as part of your project plan. These are explicitly eligible costs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications overlook the rural/nonmetro requirement. Many assume any small town qualifies, but the USDA definition is specific. Verify eligibility before investing application effort.
Applicants propose projects outside their jurisdiction. Projects must fall within the grantee's geographic scope or authority.
Proposals lack clear economic development connection. The program requires explaining how rehabilitation fosters economic activity, not just preservation for its own sake.
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