The National Park Service (NPS) American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) has announced the availability of approximately $17.4 million in funding through its Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant (BLAG) program. This program supports the preservation of eligible Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield lands through fee-simple or easement acquisitions. The funding, made available through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), requires a dollar-for-dollar non-federal match and is open to state and local governments. Nonprofit organizations may participate by partnering with eligible governmental entities.

The program has no set ceiling or floor for award amounts, but prior awards have ranged from $30,000 to $2,000,000, with some exceeding this range. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until December 31, 2025, or until succeeded by another funding announcement. All applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and adhere to the requirements outlined in the notice, including registration in SAM.gov for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Eligible sites include battlefields listed in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission's 1993 report and the 2007 NPS ABPP Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States. Acquisitions must be at least 50% within the defined boundaries of these eligible sites. Applications may also propose acquisitions for sites without survey-defined boundaries if defensible boundaries are established following NPS guidelines.

The program requires applicants to submit a mandatory project narrative addressing key evaluation criteria, including historical significance, resource analysis, preservation strategy, and the qualifications of the applicant and partners. Additional documents, such as maps, photos, and resumes, may also be required. Budget details must be presented through Standard Forms (SF-424, SF-424A, or SF-424C, as applicable) and a detailed budget narrative. Cost-sharing contributions must be evidenced through a letter of commitment from the funding source.

The program encourages projects that engage diverse preservation partners and promote public access and enjoyment of the acquired lands while adhering to preservation goals. All lands acquired with BLAG funds are subject to perpetual preservation easements and the LWCF non-conversion requirements. NPS emphasizes the importance of pre-application consultations to discuss proposed acquisitions and preservation strategies.

Applications will be evaluated based on historical significance, threat level to the site, preservation strategy, sustainability, and the capacity of the applicant. As part of a broader effort to conserve cultural and natural resources, the BLAG program aligns with NPS’s goal to address climate vulnerabilities and increase green spaces, particularly in metropolitan areas.

Applicants must ensure compliance with federal financial assistance requirements and prepare all required documentation for submission. Questions about the program or application process can be directed to the NPS ABPP team via the provided email. This funding opportunity offers an essential resource for preserving significant historic battlefields and enhancing the nation’s cultural heritage.