– Historic Preservation Fund- Annual Tribal Historic Preservation Office Grants
Can you apply?
This grant is for federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal nations seeking operational and project funding for their Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs). Eligible applicants include tribes with designated THPOs responsible for reviewing federal undertakings that affect historic properties on tribal lands and in off-reservation historic properties of significance to the tribe. Geographic scope covers all federally recognized tribes nationwide. Funded activities typically include THPO staff salaries, administrative expenses, historic property identification and documentation, cultural resource surveys, historic preservation planning, training and capacity building, and consultation activities supporting the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 review process.
This grant is for federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal nations seeking operational and project funding for their Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs). Eligible applicants include tribes with designated THPOs responsible for reviewing federal undertakings that affect historic properties on tribal lands and in off-reservation historic properties of significance to the tribe. Geographic scope covers all federally recognized tribes nationwide. Funded activities typically include THPO staff salaries, administrative expenses, historic property identification and documentation, cultural resource surveys, historic preservation planning, training and capacity building, and consultation activities supporting the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 review process.
Program description
This funding program supports the operation of Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) within allowable program areas 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 purpose of this program is to provide grants to THPOs for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties as outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) by such means as: survey, planning, technical assistance, physical preservation, review of Federal undertakings, education, listing in the National Register of Historic Places and Tribal Registers. These grants assist THPOs in carrying out the NHPA historic preservation activities that a Tribe agreed to assume from the State Historic Preservation Office, on tribal lands, under their Partnership agreement with the National Park Service. Awards under this program must comply with and support 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal nations seeking operational and project funding for their Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs). Eligible applicants include tribes with designated THPOs responsible for reviewing federal undertakings that affect historic properties on tribal lands and in off-reservation historic properties of significance to the tribe. Geographic scope covers all federally recognized tribes nationwide. Funded activities typically include THPO staff salaries, administrative expenses, historic property identification and documentation, cultural resource surveys, historic preservation planning, training and capacity building, and consultation activities supporting the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 review process.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (for NPS grants)
- Project narrative or statement of work (typically 10-15 pages)
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of THPO designation (tribal resolution, federal documentation)
- Organizational capacity statement and staff resumes
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
- Proof of tribal federal recognition
- Indirect cost rate agreement (if applicable)
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 THPO grants?
Federally recognized Indian tribes with an established Tribal Historic Preservation Office designated under the National Historic Preservation Act are eligible. Your tribe must have a functioning THPO with a Preservation Officer.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 30, 2026. Applications typically open in late April (this year April 24, 2026). Plan to submit well before the deadline.
What activities can be funded?
Grants support THPO operations including staff, administrative costs, historic property surveys, documentation, preservation planning, Section 106 consultation activities, training, and capacity building to fulfill THPO responsibilities.
How competitive is this grant?
Competition is typically moderate. Funding is limited, and awarded amounts vary based on tribe size, existing resources, and organizational capacity. Demonstrating clear operational needs and past stewardship strengthens applications.
What is the typical funding range?
Annual awards vary widely but commonly range from $50,000 to $200,000+ depending on tribe population, THPO workload, and regional needs. Check current funding announcements for specifics.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your tribe's THPO is officially designated under the NHPA and that you can document this status with the application. Include a copy of the tribal resolution and any federal recognition letters.
- Clearly articulate your THPO's workload and capacity needs. Quantify the number of Section 106 consultations, surveys, or properties managed to justify funding requests.
- Develop a realistic budget tied directly to operations—staff salaries, travel for consultation, equipment, training costs. Reviewers expect transparency and measurable outcomes.
- Build partnerships with state historic preservation offices, academic institutions, or other cultural resource organizations to strengthen your proposal and show collaborative commitment to preservation.
- Request multi-year funding or demonstrate how this year's grant builds on previous awards. Show progress from prior THPO grants and explain how additional funds will enhance your preservation capacity.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail when tribes do not clearly document their THPO's official federal designation or provide inadequate evidence of current operational capacity. Another frequent issue is submitting vague or inflated budgets without itemized justification tied to specific THPO functions. Weak applications also miss opportunities to connect their preservation work to broader tribal priorities, cultural continuity, and demonstrable community benefit.
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