Question 1

What federal programs fund historic preservation grants?

Accepted Answer

The National Park Service administers the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which flows to State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) for sub-granting. The NEH funds humanities-based preservation. The Save America's Treasures program funds nationally significant historic properties.

Question 2

Can a private property owner get a federal historic preservation grant?

Accepted Answer

Direct federal grants to private property owners are rare, but state SHPOs often have sub-grant programs for private historic properties. The Federal Historic Tax Credit provides a 20% tax credit for rehabilitating certified historic commercial structures — a major incentive for private preservation projects.

Question 3

What is the Historic Preservation Fund?

Accepted Answer

The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) is the primary federal source of funding for preserving America's historic and cultural resources. It is administered by the National Park Service and distributed to state and tribal historic preservation offices, which use it for surveys, nominations, planning, and grants to local preservation projects.

Question 4

Are there grants for preserving tribal cultural sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes — THPOs (Tribal Historic Preservation Offices) receive HPF grants through the National Park Service specifically for identifying and preserving tribal cultural sites. The Administration for Native Americans also funds cultural preservation projects for tribal governments and Native organizations.

Historic Preservation Grants