Historic Preservation Fund – Underrepresented Communities Grants
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to expand representation in the National Register of Historic Places. Eligible applicants include state historic preservation offices, tribal historic preservation offices, federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native villages and corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations, certified local governments, and nonprofit tax-exempt U.S. organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status). Projects must document historic sites associated with underrepresented communities and result in at least one new or amended National Register nomination. Sites owned or controlled by the National Park Service are not eligible.
This grant is for organizations seeking to expand representation in the National Register of Historic Places. Eligible applicants include state historic preservation offices, tribal historic preservation offices, federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native villages and corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations, certified local governments, and nonprofit tax-exempt U.S. organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status). Projects must document historic sites associated with underrepresented communities and result in at least one new or amended National Register nomination. Sites owned or controlled by the National Park Service are not eligible.
Program description
The National Park Service”s (NPS) Underrepresented Communities Grant Program (URC) is intended to expand listings in the National Register of Historic Places to include communities that are currently underrepresented. URC grants are funded by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), and are administered by the NPS. Projects include surveys and nominations of historic sites associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register. Every URC grant project MUST result in at least one new or amended nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations seeking to expand representation in the National Register of Historic Places. Eligible applicants include state historic preservation offices, tribal historic preservation offices, federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native villages and corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations, certified local governments, and nonprofit tax-exempt U.S. organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status). Projects must document historic sites associated with underrepresented communities and result in at least one new or amended National Register nomination. Sites owned or controlled by the National Park Service are not eligible.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative describing the historic sites and underrepresented communities
- Documentation of underrepresentation in the National Register
- Preliminary National Register nomination or research plan
- Project budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of organizational tax-exempt status (for nonprofits)
- Letters of support from community members or partners
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 entities, certified local governments, and nonprofits can apply. The organization must be tax-exempt and U.S.-based. Projects must target underrepresented communities.
What must my project accomplish?
Every project must result in at least one new or amended nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Surveys and preliminary research alone are not sufficient.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $15,000 to $100,000. No cost sharing is required, making this accessible to smaller organizations.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is July 7, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling, so submit well in advance.
Can I use funds for preliminary research or surveys?
Yes, surveys and nominations are core project activities. However, your project must culminate in a National Register nomination.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on underrepresented communities early. Show which communities lack representation in the National Register and why your project fills that gap.
- Plan the nomination timeline carefully. Confirm that your project can complete at least one National Register nomination within the grant period.
- Partner with subject matter experts. Historians, community members, and preservation professionals strengthen credibility and research quality.
- Document community voice throughout. Include interviews, oral histories, or community input to demonstrate authentic engagement.
- Use award funds to support visible progress. Show how grant money directly advances the nomination—research, documentation, writing, and submission fees.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Projects fail to result in a completed National Register nomination. Don't confuse eligibility with readiness; ensure you can submit a nomination by project end. Applicants overlook underrepresentation analysis. Clearly explain which communities are missing and why your sites matter historically. Organizations underestimate the nomination process timeline. The National Register review takes months; build in adequate time for revision and resubmission.
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