Tribal Heritage Grants

Tribal Heritage Grants

Supports federally recognized tribes with grants preserving oral histories, sacred places, and cultural practices.

The Tribal Heritage Grants (THG) program, administered by the National Park Service under the Historic Preservation Fund, provides annual funding to federally recognized Indian Tribes, Native Alaska Villages and Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations to protect and promote their unique cultural heritage. Established and running continuously since 1990, the program has awarded over $17 million in total grants to more than 460 Indian and Alaskan Native communities. The THG program is notably distinct from nearly all other Historic Preservation Fund programs in that no non-federal matching funds are required — recipients bear zero percent of project costs. Funding derives from Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas lease revenues, not from general tax appropriations.

The FY2026 cycle carries an estimated total pool of approximately $900,000, consistent with the FY2025 appropriation level. Applications are due July 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern via grants.gov under NOFO P25AS00501 (Assistance Listing 15.904). Historical individual awards have ranged from $5,000 to $75,000; multi-year awards are possible. Eligible project categories include preservation of oral histories and traditional cultural practices, protection of sacred and historic places, safeguarding of plant and animal species important to tribal traditions, and establishment of tribal historic preservation offices — a separate stream from THPO formula grants. State-chartered tribes that are not federally recognized do not qualify.

Given the modest total pool relative to eligible communities, competition is meaningful. Applications should demonstrate a direct connection to living cultural heritage and document the community's role as the steward of the resources at issue. The annual NOFO is typically published in spring with a mid-summer deadline, making early registration on grants.gov and active coordination with NPS regional contacts key steps in the application process.