ABPP - Battlefield Interpretation Grant

The National Park Service, through its American Battlefield Protection Program, has announced the Fiscal Year 2025 Battlefield Interpretation Grant, funding opportunity number P25AS00477. This program is designed to support the preservation, interpretation, and education of historic battlefields and sites of armed conflict in the United States. Funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the program draws on earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to strengthen communities, preserve history, and protect cultural resources. The program provides competitive funding for both scoping and implementation activities aimed at modernizing and enhancing battlefield interpretation, particularly for sites associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War. The grant program has two primary tracks of support. Scoping grants provide funding for the early stages of project development, including research, content creation, stakeholder consultation, exploration of technologies, and development of technical proposals. These grants are expected to range from $20,000 to $50,000, with a project period of one to two years. Implementation grants, in contrast, are intended for applicants who have already completed scoping work and can demonstrate readiness to deliver content and design plans. These awards range from $50,000 to $200,000, with a project period of two to three years. A scoping grant is not a prerequisite for an implementation grant, but applicants must show they have completed preliminary development activities. Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city and township governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments and organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, and private institutions of higher education. Eligible projects must involve education or interpretation at sites listed in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission Report or the Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States. Projects must integrate technology, which can include mobile applications, videos, interpretive signage, or augmented reality, to enhance user experience and broaden historical narratives. Applicants are also encouraged to foster inclusive partnerships with landowners, descendant communities, and other preservation partners. Applications require substantial preparation and documentation. Required components include the SF-424 series of forms, budget details, project narrative, project abstract, letters of commitment for the non-federal cost share, and supporting documentation such as resumes, maps, and design plans. Implementation grant applications must include detailed design documents and draft content. Applicants must also register with SAM.gov and Grants.gov, which can be time-consuming and must be completed prior to submission. Applications must comply with applicable presidential actions and Department of the Interior Secretary’s Orders. The application review process consists of an eligibility review, a comprehensive merit review, and a risk review. Merit review criteria focus on innovation in content development, interpretive and technical approach, administration and implementation, and stakeholder and audience engagement. Each criterion is weighted equally, with a maximum of 25 points each. Applications are assessed for alignment with program goals, clarity of proposed methods, inclusion of diverse perspectives, accessibility, and sustainability. Risk reviews will consider applicants’ financial and administrative capacity, past performance, and compliance history. The total estimated program funding is $1,000,000, with approximately 12 awards expected. A 1:1 non-federal cost share is required, meaning applicants must provide at least 50 percent of the total project cost through eligible non-federal sources, either in cash or in-kind contributions. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov no later than November 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Anticipated award start dates are June 1, 2026, with project performance periods lasting up to three years depending on the grant category. Questions regarding the program can be directed to ABPP@nps.gov or 202-354-2020. Reporting requirements for successful applicants include financial and programmatic reports, compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and adherence to federal data standards and transparency laws.