The FY 2024 Historic Preservation Fund grant for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from the National Park Service (NPS) aims to document, preserve, and stabilize historic structures on HBCU campuses. Eligible applicants are accredited HBCUs, and eligible properties must either be listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Projects that focus on pre-preservation planning can receive grants between $50,000 and $75,000, while physical preservation grants can range from $50,000 to $750,000. Importantly, projects must align with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation, and all work must support the historic and architectural integrity of the properties in question.

Applications are submitted through Grants.gov by January 28, 2025, and applicants are encouraged to begin the process well before this deadline due to registration requirements and potential complexity in preparing the application. Applicants must submit the SF-424 series of federal forms, a project abstract, a narrative addressing evaluation criteria, and a detailed budget narrative. The application package should also include relevant attachments, such as images, letters of support if applicable, and proof of nonprofit status for qualifying organizations. Properties owned by a party other than the applicant require a letter of consent from the property owner to perform preservation work and to establish any necessary easements or covenants.

Projects are evaluated based on four key criteria: significance (25 points), need/urgency (25 points), mitigation of threat (25 points), and feasibility (25 points), with reviewers assessing each criterion for factors like the historical importance of the property, the urgency of its preservation needs, the proposed impact of preservation efforts, and the qualifications of the project team. Budgets are reviewed to ensure that requested funds are necessary, reasonable, and appropriately allocated to project needs. The NPS performs initial eligibility reviews, followed by comprehensive merit evaluations. Projects that successfully address each criterion and align with the program’s mission will proceed to the selection stage.

Award announcements are anticipated by August 1, 2025, with projects expected to be completed within three years. Selected projects must comply with federal requirements, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and follow NEPA environmental assessments to ensure that project work does not harm the historic character of the resource. Grant recipients must submit periodic financial and performance reports, adhering to federal oversight policies. The NPS also requires a preservation covenant or easement for certain funding levels, which will bind the property to preservation standards for a set duration, determined by the amount of federal assistance provided.

Eligible costs include direct preservation expenses, accessibility improvements compliant with ADA, site security, fire safety upgrades, and reasonable administrative expenses capped at 25% of the project budget. The program does not fund new construction, routine maintenance, or activities that duplicate federally funded projects. Upon completion, projects must be maintained by the grantee in accordance with NPS guidelines, ensuring the preservation of HBCU heritage and historical resources.