The FY2024 Save America's Treasures (SAT) program, funded through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), provides grants to preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections. Administered by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), these grants support preservation or conservation efforts for resources that illustrate or contribute to the cultural and intellectual heritage of the United States.

The total funding for this opportunity is $25.5 million, with awards ranging from $125,000 to $750,000. A dollar-for-dollar, non-federal cost match is required, which may include cash or documented in-kind contributions. No more than 20% of the grant may go toward pre-preservation costs like architectural or engineering services, and projects must be completed within 2-3 years. The anticipated award announcement is August 1, 2025, with projects likely beginning six months after the application deadline.

To be eligible, the resource must be of national significance, either individually designated as a National Historic Landmark or listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its national significance. Only one SAT grant may be awarded per resource, and past SAT grantees for a specific resource are ineligible for further funding. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and federally recognized Native American tribes. The program is also open to federal agencies that are not part of the NPS, provided they collaborate with a nonprofit partner.

Eligible costs include the rehabilitation of historic properties, fire safety improvements, and ADA/ABA accessibility enhancements, provided these meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation. Additionally, the grant can cover site security improvements, costs for establishing preservation easements, and administrative costs up to 25% of the total budget. Ineligible costs include new construction, reconstruction of properties, long-term maintenance, and projects involving moved or ineligible historic properties.

Applications are due by December 12, 2024, and must include standard forms such as the SF-424 series for financial assistance and budget justifications. Applicants must also register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and secure a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Proposals will be evaluated based on the national significance of the resource, the severity of the threat it faces, the feasibility of the project, and its potential to mitigate the threat. The NPS will review all applications for compliance with federal requirements, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Applicants are encouraged to include letters of support, detailed budget justifications, and proof of non-profit status if applicable. For projects involving properties not owned by the applicant, a letter of owner consent is required. Successful applicants will enter into grant agreements with preservation covenants to ensure the long-term protection of the resources.