– Historic Preservation Fund- Annual State Historic Preservation Office Grants
Can you apply?
This grant is for State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) to conduct historic preservation activities and stewardship programs. Eligible applicants are state government agencies officially designated as the State Historic Preservation Office and federally recognized Indian tribes or their designated representatives. Activities supported include survey and inventory of historic properties, nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places, architectural and historical documentation, and technical assistance to property owners. Funding is available in all U.S. states and territories. These grants support foundational preservation work that strengthens state and tribal capacity to identify, protect, and manage historic resources.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) to conduct historic preservation activities and stewardship programs. Eligible applicants are state government agencies officially designated as the State Historic Preservation Office and federally recognized Indian tribes or their designated representatives. Activities supported include survey and inventory of historic properties, nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places, architectural and historical documentation, and technical assistance to property owners. Funding is available in all U.S. states and territories. These grants support foundational preservation work that strengthens state and tribal capacity to identify, protect, and manage historic resources.
Program description
This funding program supports the operation of State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) in the 50 states, 5 territories, 3 Freely Associated States, and District of Columbia within allowable program areas as described in the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq). Where relevant, staff and projects must comply with the appropriate Secretary of the Interior”s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation.The purposes of this program are to provide matching grants to States for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties by such means as: survey, planning, technical assistance, physical preservation, Federal tax incentives available for historic properties, nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, distribution of funding to Certified Local Governments, and to assist Federal, State, and Local Government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private individuals in carrying out historic preservation activities. Awards under this program must comply with and support 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) to conduct historic preservation activities and stewardship programs. Eligible applicants are state government agencies officially designated as the State Historic Preservation Office and federally recognized Indian tribes or their designated representatives. Activities supported include survey and inventory of historic properties, nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places, architectural and historical documentation, and technical assistance to property owners. Funding is available in all U.S. states and territories. These grants support foundational preservation work that strengthens state and tribal capacity to identify, protect, and manage historic resources.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative or work plan describing proposed historic preservation activities, timelines, and expected outputs
- Detailed budget and budget narrative justifying all costs
- Organizational capacity documentation (staff qualifications, past performance, partnerships)
- Evidence of official SHPO or THPO designation and state/tribal authorization
- Letters of support from key partners or local governments if applicable
- Documentation of match funds or cost-share commitment (if required)
Program contact
- 👤 National Park Service
- 📧 STLPG@nps.gov
- 📞 202-697-2035
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.904 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$5,000,000
-
$4,250,000
-
$2,178,979
-
$2,178,979
-
$2,178,979
-
$1,970,659
-
$1,970,659
-
$1,970,659
-
$1,869,150
-
$1,787,942
Top States by Funding
- NY 6 awards $10.4M
- IL 7 awards $9.9M
- SC 2 awards $9.3M
- MI 6 awards $8.5M
- CA 4 awards $8.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.904). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2019 | $86,540,815 | |
| 2020 | $98,269,149 | |
| 2021 | $92,560,917 | |
| 2022 | $104,708,882 | |
| 2023 | $140,910,324 | |
| 2024 | $132,084,997 | |
| 2025 est. | $120,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $119,999,999 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia are eligible. Additionally, Indian tribes may apply through their designated Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO). Private nonprofit organizations may also qualify if they hold an official designation to act as a SHPO.
What activities and expenses does this grant support?
Grants support historic preservation activities including survey and inventory programs, National Register nominations, architectural documentation, historic structure reports, preservation planning, and technical assistance to property owners and local governments. Operating costs for the preservation office and professional development may also be eligible.
What is the typical funding range and project period?
Grants typically range from $25,000 to several hundred thousand dollars depending on state needs and available appropriations. Most grants support projects conducted over one to two fiscal years, though the specific funding amount varies annually based on congressional appropriations.
How competitive is this grant?
All eligible SHPOs and THPOs typically receive annual funding allocation, making this less competitive than discretionary grants. However, demonstration of strong preservation capacity, work plans, and match funds can strengthen applications. Some states receive higher allocations based on documented need and historical activity levels.
What is the application and award timeline?
Applications open April 24, 2026, and are due June 30, 2026. Awards are typically announced in late fall or early winter following the application deadline. Funded projects generally begin in the subsequent fiscal year.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Develop a clear, detailed work plan that aligns preservation activities with state or tribal preservation priorities and demonstrates capacity to execute the project within the funding period.
- Document partnership and coordination efforts with local governments, nonprofits, and property owners to show how SHPO/THPO funding leverages broader preservation action.
- Include quantifiable metrics and outcomes (number of surveys completed, nominations submitted, properties assisted) so reviewers can assess impact and accountability.
- Emphasize how your preservation office serves underrepresented or under-resourced areas, addresses gaps in historic resource documentation, and supports equitable preservation outcomes.
- Ensure all budget costs are reasonable and directly tied to preservation activities; provide detailed cost justifications and evidence of match funds or cost-share commitments if applicable.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often lack specific, measurable objectives and instead make vague statements about preservation work. Reviewers need clear deliverables and timelines. Additionally, weak documentation of the state or tribal preservation office's capacity and partnerships can undermine competitiveness. Finally, failing to explain how the funding addresses documented gaps in historic resource identification or to justify costs in the detailed budget narrative weakens applications.
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