ABPP – Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant
Can you apply?
This grant is for state and local governments, tribal nations, and nonprofit organizations acquiring interests in eligible historic battlefields. Eligible sites must be Revolutionary War, War of 1812, or Civil War battlefields listed in official NPS surveys and located on U.S. soil outside existing National Park System boundaries. At least 50% of the property must fall within defined battlefield boundaries.
Grant recipients must provide public access to acquired lands and convey perpetual preservation easements to state historic preservation offices or NPS-approved organizations. A dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match is required. Funds cannot be used for land within National Park System legislative boundaries.
All applicants must have capacity to manage and steward the land according to NPS preservation standards.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Program description
Historic battlefields and associated sites of armed conflict are powerful reminders of the shared heritage of all Americans. In an ongoing effort to extend the conservation of natural and cultural resources beyond our park boundaries, the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program (NPS ABPP) promotes the preservation and interpretation of these important places. NPS ABPP supports community-driven stewardship of historic resources through four grant opportunities: Preservation Planning, Battlefield Restoration, Battlefield Interpretation, and Battlefield Land Acquisition.NPS ABPP administers Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants (BLAG) to assist State and local governments, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations with the preservation of eligible Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield lands through acquisition of fee-simple or less-than-fee (easement) interests. Funding for the BLAG program is made available from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and is awarded competitively. Applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis throughout the year. Each grant requires a dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match. Grants are available to acquire interests in eligible Civil War battlefields listed in the Civil War sites Advisory Commission’s (CWSAC) Report on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields (1993) and in the principal battlefields of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 identified in NPS ABPP”s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007) (Survey Reports).As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, NPS ABPP encourages projects that promote and expand preservation as well as enhance our understanding of the origins of the United States. NPS ABPP BLAG funds may not be used to acquire land or interests in land within the legislative boundary of a unit of the National Park System. Grant recipients are required to provide for public access and enjoyment of lands or interests in lands acquired with NPS ABPP funds in a manner consistent with the preservation goals of the program. Land acquired with these funds will be subject to the LWCF non-conversion requirements. Grant recipients and their nonprofit partners who acquire an interest in eligible lands must convey a perpetual preservation easement on the land to the appropriate State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or to another organization acceptable to the National Park Service and SHPO.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Conservation Organization
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Grant application form (NPS ABPP-specific)
- Project narrative describing the battlefield, property, and preservation plan
- Budget and budget narrative with documented matching funds
- Property appraisal or preliminary valuation
- Deed and title documentation
- SHPO letter of support and preliminary easement language
- Maps showing property location within defined battlefield boundaries
- Evidence of public access plan
- Organizational capacity documentation
Program contact
- 👤 National Park Service
- 📧 ABPP_BLAG@nps.gov
- 📞 202-697-2035
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.928 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$10,477,172
-
$4,577,855
-
$4,128,440
-
$3,971,530
-
$2,440,495
-
$2,025,502
-
$1,980,050
-
$1,908,626
-
$1,838,389
-
$1,828,276
Top States by Funding
- VA 47 awards $35.5M
- TN 13 awards $16.9M
- PA 9 awards $6.5M
- NJ 3 awards $3.2M
- MS 7 awards $1.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.928). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2019 | $3,060,056 | |
| 2020 | $9,742,326 | |
| 2021 | $5,416,626 | |
| 2022 | $13,806,437 | |
| 2023 | $17,033,515 | |
| 2024 | $11,798,151 | |
| 2025 est. | $14,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $14,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants?
State and local governments, tribal nations, and nonprofit organizations can apply. Applicants must be able to provide matching funds and manage the property according to NPS standards.
What types of battlefields are eligible?
Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefields listed in official NPS surveys. The property must be at least 50% within defined battlefield boundaries and located outside existing National Park System lands.
Is there a deadline?
Yes, applications are due September 30, 2026. However, NPS accepts and reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, so earlier submission may improve competitiveness.
What's the matching requirement?
You must provide a dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match. This can come from state funds, private donations, or other sources acceptable to NPS.
What happens to the land after acquisition?
Recipients must ensure public access, convey perpetual preservation easements to state historic preservation offices, and comply with Land and Water Conservation Fund non-conversion requirements.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by confirming your target battlefield is listed in official NPS Survey Reports with a defined boundary code. Unlisted sites require defensible boundary documentation using National Register Bulletin guidelines.
- Secure matching funds early. The dollar-for-dollar match is mandatory, so identify specific funding sources (state appropriations, foundations, donors) before submitting.
- Get buy-in from your state historic preservation office before applying. They'll review your perpetual easement language and must approve the preservation organization.
- Document property ownership and clear title issues upfront. NPS reviews appraisals and deed language carefully, so engage real estate counsel early.
- Emphasize 250th Anniversary connections if applicable. NPS is prioritizing projects that enhance understanding of America's founding during this pivotal year.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting applications for battlefields not listed in official NPS Survey Reports or lacking required battlefield boundary codes. Underestimating the non-Federal match requirement or proposing vague funding sources instead of committed dollars. Failing to secure state historic preservation office approval and perpetual easement language before submission.
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