Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants

Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants

Supports annual LWCF grants permanently protecting threatened Revolutionary War War of and Civil War battlefield lands.

The Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants program, administered by the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) under the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, funds permanent acquisition of threatened battlefield lands from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. The program is financed through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), supported by energy development revenues, under Assistance Listing 15.926. FY2026 awards totaled $7,469,893, announced on March 19, 2026, distributed across five states: Tennessee ($5,770,804), Georgia ($1,184,319), Virginia ($364,975), Mississippi ($91,956), and Louisiana ($57,839). Notable individual awards included $4.8 million for the Town of Murfreesboro to acquire 37 acres at Stones River Battlefield and $973,527 for the City of Chattanooga to protect 30 acres at Wauhatchie Battlefield.

Eligible applicants are state governments, tribal governments, local governments (counties, cities, and towns), and nonprofit partners. For-profit organizations, individuals, and universities are not eligible. A 50 percent non-federal match is required, meaning local and private co-investment must be committed before the federal grant can be awarded. All acquired lands must lie outside the legislative boundaries of any existing National Park unit, as the program is specifically designed to protect battlefield lands not already under federal management. Awards are selected through a competitive review process.

The FY2026 cycle is closed; the FY2027 NOFO is expected to be posted on grants.gov in late 2026 or early 2027. Applicants should contact the ABPP in advance of the NOFO publication to discuss site eligibility and documentation requirements. A credible willing seller agreement, documented threat of development or loss, and a secured or highly committed match are essential elements of competitive applications.