Since 2014, the NPS has awarded URC grants to diversify the nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The primary purpose of the grant program is the nomination of sites and districts associated with underrepresented communities to the National Register. Grant-supported projects also include related surveys of historic properties associated with underrepresented communities and development of Multiple Property Documentation Forms. Each project results in at least one National Register nomination or amendment.
The Historic Preservation Fund is supported by revenue from Federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, providing financial assistance for a broad range of preservation projects without expending tax dollars.
What We Fund
This grant program supports the survey, inventory, and designation of historic properties that are associated with communities currently underrepresented in the National Register of Historic Places, and among National Historic Landmarks. All funded projects must result in:
- The submission of a new nomination to the National Register of Historic Places or National Historic Landmark program, or
- An amendment to an existing National Register or National Historic Landmark nomination to include underrepresented communities
Application packages must be submitted using Grants.gov in response to a notice of funding opportunity number under Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) 15.966.
Starting Your Research?
If you're looking to see whether a property is listed or not and are having a hard time finding National Register or National Historic Landmark nominations, we can help!
What is Not Funded
- Construction of new buildings
- Acquisition of collections or historic sites
- Long-term maintenance or curatorial work beyond the grant period
- Reconstructing historic properties (recreating all or a significant portion that no longer exists)
- Moving historic properties or work on moved historic properties that are no longer eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places
- Cash reserves, endowments, revolving funds, or fund-raising costs
- Work performed prior to announcement of award
- Work on sites or collections owned by the NPS
- Lobbying or advocacy activities
- Costs for work already completed or funded through other federal programs
- Administrative costs plus indirect costs beyond 25% of total project budget
- Miscellaneous costs, contingencies, reserves, and overhead
Selection Process
NPS personnel and qualified Federal employees will review all complete proposals using the merit review criteria outlined in the application instructions on Grants.gov. Reviewers’ evaluations are based solely on the material provided in the application. Additional materials not specifically required by the application, and materials sent separately from the application, may not be considered. A summary of the review panel comments may be provided to the applicant if requested after the grant process is complete. Matching funds are not required but may be considered as part of the evaluation process. NPS will conduct risk assessments on all projects prior to funding.
Last updated: June 10, 2024