The FY2024 Historic Preservation Fund - Tribal Heritage Grants program is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act. This funding opportunity aims to support federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Villages/Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage and traditions. The program is designed to assist these communities in safeguarding their traditional skills, oral histories, significant plant and animal species, sacred and historic places, and the establishment of Tribal historic preservation offices.

The grant program is funded through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which does not require a matching share. However, preference is given to applicants demonstrating community commitment through non-federal contributions and partnership collaborations. Projects funded under this program must align with one of several eligible activities, including locating and identifying cultural resources, preserving historic properties listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, comprehensive preservation planning, documenting oral history and cultural traditions, training and education for historic preservation programs, and interpretation and education initiatives.

Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations as defined by relevant U.S. Code statutes. Projects related to sites or collections owned or leased by the NPS or where the NPS holds a property interest are not eligible. The total estimated program funding for this cycle is $600,000, with awards ranging from a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of $75,000. The program expects to fund approximately 15 awards.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, with a closing deadline of February 27, 2025. The anticipated project start date is August 1, 2025, and projects should be completed by August 1, 2027. Required application documents include standard federal forms (SF-424 series), project narratives, budget justification worksheets, project images, letters of support (if applicable), and tribal resolutions. All applicants must also be registered in SAM.gov and maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Applications will be evaluated based on several merit review criteria, including the cultural or historic preservation issue and need (20 points), project feasibility (50 points), commitment to the project (10 points), and long-term impacts (30 points). Projects demonstrating cross-generational involvement, strong community partnerships, and sustainable preservation efforts may receive additional consideration.

Funds awarded under this program may be used for a variety of eligible costs, including administrative costs necessary for project implementation, preservation planning, interpretation and education efforts, research and documentation, rehabilitation of eligible properties, and accessibility and security improvements. The grant does not fund new construction, acquisition of historic sites or collections, long-term maintenance, reconstruction of historic properties, lobbying activities, or any work performed prior to grant award.