FY25 Bureau of Land Management Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management- Bureau wide

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior, has announced the FY25 Cultural and Paleontological Resource Management grant opportunity, aimed at supporting projects that preserve, manage, and increase access to the nation’s cultural and natural heritage on public lands. Through the Cultural Heritage and Paleontology Programs, BLM oversees archaeological and historical sites, artifact collections, traditional cultural places, and paleontological resources. These programs aim to educate the public, foster conservation stewardship, and maintain environmental standards while encouraging recreation and partnership with tribal and local communities. This funding opportunity encourages partnerships to conduct research, conserve heritage resources, and enhance public access and education regarding cultural and paleontological assets. Projects may include inventory and excavation studies, monitoring and stabilizing at-risk resources, managing digital and physical heritage data, training students and professionals, and engaging Native American communities. Additional activities supported include collections preservation, museum access expansion, and the development of interpretive sites. The total funding available is $410,000, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $30,000. Up to 17 awards are expected. There is no cost-sharing requirement. The program will fund cooperative agreements, and awardees should anticipate substantial involvement from BLM, including project oversight, collaboration, and approvals throughout the project lifecycle. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public and private higher education institutions, federally and non-federally recognized tribal organizations, and qualifying nonprofit organizations. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible. Applications open on June 10, 2025, and must be submitted by July 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET through Grants.gov. Applicants must register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Required documentation includes standard federal assistance forms (SF-424, SF-424A), project narratives, budget narratives, lobbying disclosures (if applicable), and any research-specific documents like biographical sketches and current/pending support forms. All materials must comply with specified formats and page limits. Proposals will be evaluated based on merit review criteria such as the statement of need, technical approach, alignment with BLM interests, qualifications, and past performance. Final award decisions may also consider applicant risk and management review. Awards will be announced electronically and are anticipated to begin on September 25, 2025, with a project period of up to five years ending September 24, 2030. Interested applicants can direct questions to George Herbst, the HQ National Cultural and Paleontological Resource Lead at gherbst@blm.gov, or Patricia Glass, the Awarding Officer, at pglass@blm.gov or 303-236-6505. BLM encourages early engagement to ensure all application and registration requirements are met in a timely manner.

Ensure registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov is completed well in advance. Use the suggested format attachments (A for proposal, B for budget). Clearly justify all budget items and avoid unallowable costs.