The 2024 NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) Repatriation Grant, administered by the National Park Service (NPS), supports the repatriation of Native American human remains and cultural items. This grant aims to assist Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and museums in complying with NAGPRA regulations to transfer these items to their rightful descendants or communities.

The program’s objective is to help defray costs related to the transportation, packaging, and reburial of repatriated items. Projects eligible for funding must be focused specifically on the repatriation of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony. Eligible activities under the grant include travel for tribal or museum representatives to facilitate the repatriation process, hazardous substance decontamination, and construction of containers for the safe transport of repatriated items. The grant will not fund activities related to advocacy, capital projects, general preservation, or litigation.

For the 2024 cycle, the NPS anticipates a total funding amount of $3,407,000, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000. Approximately 15 to 20 awards are expected. The NPS may adjust the number of awards based on the availability of funds and the number of qualifying applications. Recipients can expect their projects to start after funding has been secured, with a rolling start date expected from August 2024 through May 2025. Each award has an anticipated term of 12 months.

Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, and museums that have control over relevant cultural items and have received federal funding. Applicants must meet specific requirements before applying, including publishing a Notice of Inventory Completion or Notice of Intent to Repatriate in the Federal Register and completing the legal transfer of control of the items being repatriated. Cost-sharing or matching funds are not required.

Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by May 9, 2025, with the option for earlier submission due to rolling evaluations. The application package must include standard forms (e.g., SF-424), a project narrative detailing activities, partnerships, and evaluation plans, and a budget narrative that justifies all proposed expenses. Applicants must also provide letters of commitment from project partners, such as museums or tribal representatives.

The selection process will be based on merit, with proposals evaluated on the clarity and feasibility of project activities, partnerships, and impact. NPS will review applications to ensure they meet eligibility and compliance with NAGPRA regulations before conducting a comprehensive merit review.