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 described in the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual. Where relevant, staff and projects must comply with the appropriate Secretary of the Interiors Standards.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. 3001 et seq. (commonly known as the National Historic Preservation Act).