Historic Preservation Fund Grant

The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Grant is a federally supported program administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA). Funded through the National Park Service, the HPF aims to assist preservation projects that support the state's cultural resource management goals. Each year, Indiana distributes approximately $500,000 to $600,000 in matching grant funds through a competitive grant round. The program is structured around three project categories: Architectural and Historical, Archaeological, and Acquisition and Development. Applications are available through the State Agency Grant Opportunities platform, and project-specific forms and instructions must be downloaded from the site before submission. Eligibility for HPF grants is limited to U.S.-based entities including local governments, colleges and universities, and not-for-profit organizations with tax-exempt status. Religious organizations may also apply. Projects must relate to properties or sites already listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the time of application. The grant funding is restricted to non-income-producing, publicly accessible buildings or quasi-public facilities such as house museums or historical society buildings. Income-producing properties are not eligible for HPF grants but may seek alternative financial support through state or federal tax credits. Applicants are required to contribute a non-federal match for all grant categories. Matching ratios vary depending on the applicant and project type: 70/30 for colleges and universities conducting archaeological surveys in priority areas, 60/40 for Certified Local Governments (CLGs) for any project type, and a standard 50/50 match for all other applicants. All matching funds must be secured and available at the time of application, as fundraising during the grant period is not allowed. Acceptable match sources include cash contributions, in-kind services, and volunteer labor, though at least 90% of the match should be cash. The HPF grant is reimbursement-based. Recipients cover initial project costs and request reimbursement by submitting documented expenses. Reimbursements are typically processed within 30 days of approval, with the final 15% of the grant held until the project is reviewed and approved by DHPA. All rehabilitation or development work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Federally required protective covenants of 5 to 15 years will apply based on the grant amount awarded. A complete application must include a detailed project timetable, a budget supported by cost estimates, documented matching funds, and supporting materials such as staff résumés, maps, photos, and letters of support. The application must be submitted via the Euna Grants Management System. Each project category has specific instructions, forms, and evaluation criteria that must be followed. Evaluation is based on predetermined criteria updated annually and subject to public comment. The application window for the FY26 HPF cycle opened on March 16, 2026, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on June 5, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced after the DHPA receives confirmation from the National Park Service, with the earliest project start date being October 1, 2026. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2028. For assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Malia Vanaman, the DHPA Grants Manager, at [email protected] or 317-232-1648.