← Browse

Military Memorials, Monuments, and Museums: Selected Resources for Federal, State, and Local Funding

Military Memorials, Monuments, and Museums: Selected Resources for Federal, State, and Local Funding
Updated May 21, 2024 (R47337)
Jump to Main Text of Report

Summary

This report provides selected resources to aid congressional offices with constituent grantseekers in identifying potential funding opportunities for military-related historic preservation and commemoration projects (referred to collectively in this report as "military-related initiatives"). Examples of military-related historic preservation projects include museum collections, exhibitions, and projects that explore aspects of military history. Examples of military-related commemoration projects include monuments and memorials to honor servicemembers and veterans. This report identifies potential funding opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels for military-related historic preservation and commemoration projects. It also includes sources of potential funding from private organizations, general grant resources on how to identify private organizations, relevant CRS grant products, and a table with state-level grant programs available in each state and territory.

This report is intended to serve as a guide to locating potential grant programs for military-related initiatives. It is not intended to be an exhaustively comprehensive resource on all possible funding avenues for this topic.


Introduction

Congressional offices frequently receive requests from constituent grantseekers interested in funding for military-related historic preservation and commemoration projects (collectively referred in this report as "military-related initiatives"). Common military-related historic preservation projects desiring funding include museum exhibits or collections that highlight military history. Frequent military-related commemoration initiatives desiring funding include state, local, and private monuments and memorials to honor servicemembers and veterans. For the purposes of this report, the term "military-related commemoration initiative" does not include national monuments and memorials.

This report is intended to serve as a guide to aid congressional offices with constituent grantseekers in identifying possible sources of funding for military-related initiatives. It provides selected potential federal, state, and local governmental assistance opportunities. It also identifies selected nongovernmental sources of possible funding, general resources for identifying private grantmaking organizations, relevant CRS products on grants, and includes a table of selected state-level grant program websites available for each state and territory. Examples of previously funded military-related projects are also included throughout, where available.

The governmental resources for military historic preservation and commemoration projects constitute the bulk of this report. This portion of the report is organized into two categories: (1) "Historic Preservation Initiatives" and (2) "Commemorative Initiatives." Each category contains examples of entities and programs that are potential sources of funding for that category. There may be some overlap between the two categories, so it is possible that some programs and entities included in one category may also provide funding opportunities applicable to projects in the other category.

The governmental resources for historic preservation initiatives and commemorative initiatives are further categorized as either federal, state, or local level programs, depending on which entity is primarily responsible for the program administration, regardless of the original source of funds. For example, a grant program that is administered by a state-level entity but uses federal funds would be listed as a state-level resource. Funding for governmental grant programs is complex and varies widely by program. Identifying the funding structure for each program is beyond the scope of this report.

The remainder of the report contains resources on private organizations, CRS products, and a table of state-level grant program websites.

While the grants landscape is generally vast in scope and complexity, the narrow purposes of many grant programs—and the strong competition for funds—means that the success rate in obtaining grants may be limited. Also, note that many of the assistance programs listed here are not explicitly designed for military-centered initiatives, and there may be few (if any) funding opportunities for certain kinds of projects.

This report is not intended to be a comprehensive resource on all possible funding avenues for this topic.

Historic Preservation Initiatives

Various entities, including museums, historical societies, state and local governments, institutes of higher education, and nonprofits, may seek funding assistance for preservation projects related to military history. This section identifies possible sources of funding at the federal and state levels of government.

Federal Resources

Various federal entities may provide funding assistance for military historic preservation initiatives. Some of the programs listed below are specifically focused on military-related initiatives, while other programs focus more broadly on historic preservation initiatives. Where possible, particularly for programs with broader purposes, examples of previous funding awards for military historic preservation projects are included.

For congressional offices with constituent grantseekers seeking an introduction to the federal grants landscape, refer to CRS Report RL34012, Resources for Grantseekers, by Maria Kreiser, which provides an overview of federal grants, identifies the different types of entities eligible for funding, and provides key resources that may help grantseekers identify relevant federal grant opportunities.

National Endowment for the Humanities

Standing Together: The Humanities and the Experience of War
https://www.neh.gov/veterans/standing-together

Standing Together is an organization-wide initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to "promote understanding of the military experience and to support returning veterans. NEH seeks grant proposals that explore war and its aftermath, promote discussion of the experience of military service, and support returning veterans and their families."1

NEH has awarded numerous grant awards for military history. For example, the Virginia Historical Society received an NEH grant to assist with the preservation of its U.S. military history materials, which document the lives of soldiers primarily between 1914 and 1975.2

Eligibility for NEH grants varies by program, but grant awardees typically include cultural institutions such as museums, archives, libraries and institutes of higher education, and individual scholars.3 For guidance on matching a project proposal to an NEH program, refer to https://www.neh.gov/grants/match-your-project.

National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) administers several grant programs to assist with historic preservation initiatives. Below are selected NPS historic preservation grant programs that may provide funding assistance for military historic preservation initiatives. For more information on the historic preservation programs of the NPS and federal historic preservation in general, refer to CRS Report R45800, The Federal Role in Historic Preservation: An Overview, by Mark K. DeSantis.

American Battlefield Protection Program
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/index.htm

The American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) awards funding to assist with the preservation and interpretation of "significant historic battlefields and sites of armed conflict on American soil."4 NPS offers four types of grants through this program:5

  • Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants
  • Battlefield Interpretation Grants
  • Battlefield Restoration Grants
  • Preservation Planning Grants

Eligibility varies by program but may include state, local, and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations.6 For application information and guidance, visit https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/apply-for-grants.htm.

For additional background information on the ABPP, refer to CRS In Focus IF11329, American Battlefield Protection Program, by Mark K. DeSantis.

Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program7
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1379/index.htm

The Japanese American Confinement Sites (JACS) grant program provides funding assistance "for the preservation and interpretation of incarceration sites where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II."8 These sites include the 10 War Relocation Authority sites, as well as other historically significant locations, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, where Japanese Americans were detained during World War II.9

As an example of a project funded through the JACS program, the Alaska Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League received a JACS grant in 2021 to support an oral history project to record the stories from descendants and friends of Japanese Americans who lived in Alaska at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor.10

Eligible entities are those organizations that seek to preserve Japanese American confinement sites and their history and include state and local governments, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized Indian tribal governments.11 For grant application and instructions, visit https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1379/grant-application.htm.

Maritime Heritage Grants Program
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/maritimeheritage/maritime-heritage-grants.htm

The Maritime Heritage Grants program is administered by NPS in partnership with the Maritime Administration (MARAD). The program awards grants for initiatives that seek to promote the preservation and education of historic maritime resources.12 As an example of a previously funded military project, the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum in Albany, New York, which houses the USS Slater, a World War II-era Destroyer Escort,13 received funding to transport the ship to a new location to address preservation concerns associated with the hull and mast.14

Eligible entities include state and local governments, federally recognized tribes, and nonprofits.15 For application information, visit https://www.nps.gov/maritime/grants/apply.htm.

Save America's Treasures Grant Program – Preservation Projects16
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/save-americas-treasures-grants.htm

The Save America's Treasures Grant program is administered jointly by NPS, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the National Endowment for the Humanities. It promotes the preservation of America's nationally significant historic properties. 17

Grant funding is awarded for two types of projects: projects for the preservation of historic properties; and projects for collections projects, such as artifacts, museum collections, documents, and sculptures. NPS manages the preservation grants, which are reserved for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places for national significance or listed as a national historic landmark. Grant funding for collections projects is managed by the IMLS.18 For more information on the collections component, see "Institute of Museum and Library Services" below.

As an example of a preservation project funded under this program, the city of Detroit, Michigan, received grant funding in 2021 for the rehabilitation of the Commanding Officer's House at Historic Fort Wayne.19

Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, educational institutions, federally recognized Indian Tribes20, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.21 For application information visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/sat-grant-info.htm.

Underrepresented Communities Grant Program
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/underrepresented-community-grants.htm

The Underrepresented Communities grant program seeks to increase the diversity of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.22 Potential projects include "surveys and inventories of historic properties associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register, as well as the development of nominations to the National Register for specific sites."23

As an example of a project funded through the Underrepresented Communities grant program, the city of Pasco, Washington, received funding to examine historic properties associated with Pasco's African-American communities and changes in the communities' population during World War II.

Eligible entities are State Historic Preservation offices, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Natives Villages/Corporations, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and Certified Local Governments. For application information, visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/urc-grant-info.htm.

Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

Inspire! Grants for Small Museums
https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/inspire-grants-small-museums

The Inspire! Grants for Small Museums grant program supports small museums with a variety of projects including exhibitions, digital learning resources, and collections management. For example, in FY2019, the Virginia National Guard Museum received funding for a training program to teach interns how to organize and preserve the museum's archaeology collections.24

Museums for America
https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/museums-america

The Museums for American grant program provides assistance to museums of any size for endeavors that promote the capacity to meet the needs of museum patrons. These grants may fund diverse projects including exhibitions, collections management, professional development, and educational programs. For example, in FY2018, the Boston Athenaeum in Massachusetts received grant funding for a cataloging project of posters from the Richard W. Cheek World War II Graphic Arts collection.25

Museum Grants for African American History and Culture
https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/museum-grants-african-american-history-and-culture

The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture grant program provides funding to initiatives that support African American museums. Projects may include professional development, institutional capacity, and museum and archival collections at both African American museums and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). For example, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, Texas, was awarded a grant in FY2018 for a multifaceted endeavor focused on incorporating new exhibition technology, improving collection management methods, and developing educational programming.26

Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program
https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/native-americannative-hawaiian-museum-services-program

The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program is designed to "support Indian Tribes and organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians in sustaining heritage, culture, and knowledge ... "27 For example, in FY2020, the Chickaloon Native Village received funding for its Nay'dini'aa Na' Kayax Nahwgholnicde project to catalog the military contributions of Indigenous peoples and the effects of military service.28

Save America's Treasures—Collections Projects
https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/save-americas-treasures

IMLS administers the collections projects grants component of the NPS Save America's Treasures Grant Program. Collections must be nationally significant and include artifacts, museum collections, documents, and sculptures.29 For example, the Naval War College Museum received funding in 2022 to inventory, catalog, and digitize its collection, which includes manuscripts, oral history interviews, books, letters, and journals related to military history.

State Resources

Various state government entities may offer funding opportunities and other assistance for military historic preservation projects. This section provides an overview of selected entities that may be sources of funding. The entities listed here are not intended to reflect a comprehensive list of all available at the state level.

Military History Grant Programs

There are several states that administer specific programs for the preservation of military history, including

  • The Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board administers the Veteran's Heritage Grants Program30
  • The Tennessee War Commission administers the Civil War Sites Preservation Fund and the Tennessee Wars Commission Grant Fund31
  • The Texas Historical Commission administers a Military Sites Program32

The majority of states do not have grant programs geared specifically towards military history, and it may be necessary for grantseekers to identify possible funding opportunities from state programs that are broader in scope.

Historic Preservation Entities

A potential source of funding for military historic preservation initiatives may be state-level agencies or other entities that focus on preserving state history. Although these entities vary widely by state, agency, department, or division, names may include historical or heritage commissions, historical societies, archives, and historic or cultural resources. Although uncommon, there are some state entities that administer specific grant programs for the preservation of military history.

Grantseekers may wish to reach out to the state entity responsible for historic preservation to inquire about possible grant programs. Here are a few examples of previously awarded grants for military preservation projects:

  • In 2021, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission awarded its Cultural and Historical Support Grants to several entities, including the Braddock Battlefield History Center and the Eldred World War II Museum Inc.33
  • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection was recommended for a Special Category Historic Preservation Grant for FY2023 from the Florida Division of Historical Resources for its restoration project of Fort Clinch State Park Barracks.34
  • In 2018, the Fort Douglas Military Museum used grant funding from the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service for a project involving a historic map collection.35

See the Appendix at the end of this report for a table of selected state- and territory-level grant program websites from state historic preservation entities. These program websites may contain funding opportunities for military historic preservation projects.

Other State Entities

While state-level agencies that focus on historic preservation initiatives are a likely source of potential funding, other state grant programs may also provide assistance for military history preservation projects. The types of state entities and programs vary widely by state. The following are examples of previously awarded funds for military projects:

  • The Indiana Destination Development Corporation awarded grant funding to the Indiana Military Museum in Vincennes for the expansion of an "existing display area as well as the development of a 1,200 square feet, 50-seat theater."36
  • Empire State Development, an entity dedicated to economic development across New York State,37 awarded grant funding to the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park for upgrades to the Veterans Memorial Garden and the USS Little Rock.38
  • In 2020, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded a Public Museum Capital grant to the Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum in Rockford, Illinois.39

Commemorative Initiatives

This section provides selected sources of potential government funding for state, local and private military commemorative initiatives, and includes examples of military commemorative efforts. Funding opportunities for national monuments and memorials are outside the scope of this report.40 All references to monuments and memorials refer to state, local, and private commemorative initiatives.

In general, government funding for military commemorative initiatives is limited. At the federal level, there are no grant programs that provide direct funding specifically for military memorials or monuments. At the state and local levels, limited funding may be available for commemorative projects, but funding assistance varies widely by state and locality.

The following potential state and local government funding sources are not a comprehensive list of all possible sources of governmental funding. In addition, because government funding opportunities may be limited, it may be useful for grantseekers to solicit assistance from private entities, such as nonprofit organizations, corporations, and foundations, as well as individual donations. For example, the construction of the African American Veterans Monument, unveiled in September 2022 at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park in Buffalo, New York, was funded by contributions from New York State, charitable donations, and private businesses41

Refer below to section "Nongovernmental Organizations" for examples of potential private sources of funding, and to the section "Additional Resources" for more information on how to identify private funding sources.

State Resources

Various state government entities may administer grant programs that could potentially provide funding for military commemorative initiatives. Although some states have specific grants programs for military commemorative projects, the majority of states do not, so grantseekers may seek funding from grant programs with broader objectives. The following are examples of specific military grant programs available in certain states, as well as selected state government entities that may provide funding assistance through broader grant funding programs. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible state-level sources.

Military Commemorative Grant Programs

When soliciting funding, grantseekers may wish to determine if there are grant programs specifically for military commemorative initiatives available at the state level. The following states administer specific programs for military monuments and memorials or administer programs that explicitly state the monuments and memorials projects are eligible. For state programs that focus more broadly on military historic preservation initiatives, see "Military History Grant Programs" above.

  • The Alaska Veterans Memorial Endowment Fund provides grants both for the maintenance of existing monuments and memorials and the creation of new ones to honor veterans and the military.42
  • The Massachusetts Veterans Heritage Grant Program awards funding for the maintenance or enhancement of existing military monuments and memorials.43
  • For fiscal years 2022 and 2023, the Minnesota Department of Administration administered a Veterans Memorial Grants program for local units of government.44
  • The Oregon Veterans and War Memorial Grant Program awards funding for the creation and rehabilitation of military memorials to honor Oregon military personnel and veterans.45

Natural Resources/Parks and Recreation Entities

Because the majority of states do not administer grant programs specifically dedicated to military commemorative initiatives, grantseekers may wish to seek opportunities from broader state-level grant programs. One possible source of state grants for military monuments and memorials may be state natural resources department or similar entities, such as parks and recreation departments. Since many military monuments and memorials are installed in parks or other public spaces, these projects may be eligible for outdoor and recreation-oriented grants offered by these state agencies. Refer to the examples below of previously awarded grants from these types of state entities:

  • In 2020, the California Department of Parks and Recreation awarded funds to the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department for improvements to the city's Veterans Memorial Park, including the addition of a memorial garden to honor veterans.46
  • In 2019, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism awarded a Park and Recreation Development grant to Bamberg County to build a Veterans Memorial Park with benches dedicated to Bamberg County veterans.47
  • In 2019, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources approved a NatureWorks grant for the village of Attica for the development of Attica's Veterans Memorial Park project. The initiative proposed the addition of memorials and flags in honor of the U.S. Armed Forces, benches for reflection, and remembrance bricks in honor of local veterans.48

Refer to the Appendix at the end of this report for a selected list of state- and territory-level grant program websites from state parks and recreation entities. These program websites may contain grant opportunities for military commemorative initiatives.

Other State Entities

State-level parks and recreation entities are not the only potential sources of possible state government funding. Because state entities and programs vary so widely by state, there is no comprehensive list of all possible state-level sources. Grantseekers might consider making inquiries with the state entities listed in the "State Resources" for military historic preservation initiatives, and also search for state grant programs with broader purposes and objectives. For example, the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management approved a Small Town Economic Assistance Program grant in 2022 for the town of Harwinton, Connecticut to support upgrades to the town's Veterans War Memorial.49

Local Resources

Local units of governments, such as municipalities or counties, may also be possible sources of funding for military commemorative initiatives. Grantseekers may wish to reach out to local bodies such as town councils, local parks and recreation departments, and county governments to discuss potential funding opportunities. The following example projects received assistance from local governments:

  • In 2021, the San Diego County Government in California, through its Neighborhood Reinvestment Program awarded the Rotary Club of Vista, California a grant to complete the Vista Military Memorial Wall, which honors the military service of Vista Residences from all military branches.50
  • Providence City Council in Rhode Island provided monetary assistance in 2019 to the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy for a project to restore Rhode Island's Soldiers and Sailors Monument.51
  • The City of Norwalk, Connecticut, through its Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs Committee and Veterans Committee, provided funding for the creation of a monument to honor the city's Purple Heart recipients.52
  • In September 2021, the Pensacola City Council in Florida agreed to award funds for both the creation of a monument honoring women veterans as well as a statue in honor of General Daniel "Chappie" James, the first African American to become a four-star General in the U.S. Air Force.53

Nongovernmental Organizations

In addition to government funding opportunities, private entities may also be a potential source of funding for military historic preservation and commemoration projects. The following entities are examples of organizations that might provide financial assistance or general support for military-related initiatives. This is not an exhaustive list of all possible private funding resources.

Community-based Organizations

Community-based organizations, such as the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and Kiwanis Club, may be able to provide funding for military-related initiatives or serve as fundraising partners, particularly for commemorative projects that seek to honor military personnel and veterans. Refer to the following examples from some community-based organizations.

  • As of May 2022, numerous Lions Club chapters are listed among the donors for a veteran monuments restoration project in Waconia, Michigan.54
  • In 2022, the Lincoln East Rotary Club donated funds to help maintain and enhance the Veterans Memorial Garden in Lincoln, Nebraska.55
  • In 2020, the Bowling Green chapter of the Kiwanis Club in Ohio donated $5,000 for the construction of a Veterans Memorial Plaza in Wood County.56

Foundations

Private, corporate, and community foundations are possible sources of nongovernmental funding for grantseekers. As defined by the Council on Foundations,57 a foundation "supports charitable activities by making grants to unrelated organizations or institutions or to individuals for scientific, educational, cultural, religious, or other charitable purposes."58 Foundations narrowly focused on military issues, as well as foundations with broader scopes, may be able to provide assistance for military-related projects.

An example of a foundation with a focus on military initiatives is the Pritzker Military Foundation, a component of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library.59 This foundation provides grant funding for projects related to preserving and promoting military history and supporting servicemembers and veterans.60 For 2021, the foundation allocated grant funding in numerous areas, including military history, cultural institutions, and historic preservation.61 For the latest application information, visit https://www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org/apply/.

Grantseekers may also seek funding assistance from foundations that have broader missions, such as regional foundations. For example, in 2020 the Carlsbad Community Foundation in New Mexico awarded a grant to the Carlsbad Veterans Memorial Park Committee for the purchase of a Vietnam-era combat helicopter.62

For informational resources on foundations, see "Additional Resources" below.

Humanities Councils

Humanities councils are independent, nonprofit entities affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities to promote the humanities within each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. To encourage public awareness of the humanities, these councils administer various types of grant programs.63 These organizations may provide funding for military-related initiatives. For example, in 2024 the organization Idaho Humanities awarded the Warhawk Air Museum a grant to support a Global War on Terror exhibit.64

For contact and website information for the humanities councils in each state and territory, visit https://www.neh.gov/about/state-humanities-councils.

Veterans Service Organizations

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are "organizations that aid and serve veterans, servicemembers, dependents, and survivors."65 For military commemorative initiatives, grantseekers may wish to reach out to local chapters as potential fundraising partners. For example, a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post in Pawcatuck, Connecticut partnered with the town of Stonington to raise funds for the creation of a veterans' monument dedicated to the Stonington residents who have served in the armed forces since World War I.66

For more information on VSOs, refer to CRS Report R46412, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Frequently Asked Questions, by Tamar B. Breslauer.

Additional Resources

The following selected resources may help grantseekers identify additional sources of grant funding.

Candid
https://candid.org/

Candid is an information portal that serves as a gateway to the foundation grantseeking process. Users can identify private funding sources (including national, state, community, and corporate foundations), explore online training modules, and access guidelines on grant writing proposals.

Candid has a network of local libraries, community foundations, and other nonprofit resource centers that provide full public access to their subscription database, The Foundation Directory Online. See their Funding Information Network page to find a local participating organization, https://candid.org/improve-your-nonprofit/funding-information-network.

State Grant Resources (The Grantsmanship Center)
https://www.tgci.com/funding-sources

The State Grant Resources tool from the Grantsmanship Center lists the top grantmaking, community, and corporate foundations for each state.

Community Foundation Locator (Council on Foundations)
https://www.cof.org/page/community-foundation-locator

The Community Foundation Locator from the Council on Foundations is an interactive map that allows users to find community foundations across the United States. Community foundations are grantmaking public charities that operate within a specific geographic area and work to provide funding to nonprofit organizations in their communities.67

Relevant CRS Reports

The following CRS reports are also freely available to the public at https://crsreports.congress.gov/.

CRS Report RL32159, How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal, by Maria Kreiser

CRS Report RL34012, Resources for Grantseekers, by Maria Kreiser

CRS Report R45800, The Federal Role in Historic Preservation: An Overview, by Mark K. DeSantis

CRS In Focus IF11329, American Battlefield Protection Program, by Mark K. DeSantis

CRS Report R46813, Department of Veterans Affairs: Burial Benefits and the National Cemetery Administration, by Scott D. Szymendera and Tamar B. Breslauer68

Appendix. State and Territory Grant Programs

This table contains selected state and territory grant program websites. These websites may contain information on grant programs that may offer funding assistance for military-related initiatives. CRS identified grant program websites from departments and agencies with purposes related to parks and recreation, natural resources, historic preservation, and other similar entities. This table is not a comprehensive list of all state and territory grant program websites.

Table A-1. Selected Grant Resources by State/Territory

State/

Territory

State Government Grant Websites

AK

Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/grants/index.htm

Alaska Office of History and Archaeology
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/oha/designations/grants.htm

AL

Alabama Historical Commission
https://ahc.alabama.gov/Resources/grants.aspx

AR

Arkansas Heritage Division
https://www.arkansasheritage.com/available-grants/division-of-arkansas-heritage-grants

Arkansas Historic Preservation Program
https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-preservation/about/available-grants

Arkansas State Archives
https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-state-archives/arkansas-state-archives-about/available-grants

AS

American Samoa Historic Preservation Office*
Executive Offices of the Governor
AS Government/Historic Preservation Office
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Phone: 684-699-2316

AZ

Arizona State Parks and Trails
https://azstateparks.com/grants/

CA

California Department of Parks and Recreation
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29752

California Natural Resources Agency
https://resources.ca.gov/grants

California Office of Historic Preservation
https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1073

CO

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department
https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/GrantPrograms.aspx

History Colorado
https://www.historycolorado.org/grants-incentives

CT

Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Historic-Preservation/02_Review_Funding_Opportunities/Grant-Opportunities/

DC

District of Columbia Office of Planning
https://planning.dc.gov/page/preservation-grants

DE

Delaware Heritage Commission
https://heritage.delaware.gov/grants/

Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation
https://destateparks.com/Know/Grants

FL

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
https://floridadep.gov/Grants
Florida Division of Historical Resources
https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/grants/

GA

Georgia Department of Community Affairs
https://www.dca.ga.gov/georgia-historic-preservation-division/tax-incentives-grants/georgia-heritage-grant-0

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
https://gadnr.org/grants

GU

Guam State Historic Preservation Office
https://historicguam.net/

HI

Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
https://sfca.hawaii.gov/grants/

IA

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
https://iowaculture.gov/about-us/about/grants

Iowa Department of Natural Resources
https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Grants-Other-Funding

ID

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/grants-and-funding/

Idaho State Historical Society
https://history.idaho.gov/grants/

IL

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/grants/Pages/default.aspx

IN

Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology
https://www.in.gov/dnr/historic-preservation/financial-assistance/

Indiana Division of Outdoor Recreation
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/recreation/grants/

KS

Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks
https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/Grants

Kansas Historical Society
https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-historical-society-grants/18575

KY

Kentucky Historical Society
https://history.ky.gov/participate/support-local-history

LA

Louisiana Office of Cultural Development
https://www.crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/historic-preservation/grants/index

Louisiana Office of State Parks
https://www.lastateparks.com/grant-opportunities-for-outdoor-recreation

MA

Massachusetts State Historic Records Advisory Board
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcshrab/shrab-grants-and-programs.htm

Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
https://www.mass.gov/land-and-recreation-grants-loans

Massachusetts Historical Commission
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcmppf/mppfidx.htm

ME

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/grants/index.shtml

Maine Historic Preservation Commission
https://www.maine.gov/mhpc/programs/grants

MD

Maryland Department of Natural Resources
https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/grantsandloans.aspx

Maryland Historical Trust
https://mht.maryland.gov/Pages/funding/grants.aspx

MH

Marshall Islands State Historic Preservation Office
Phone: 011-692-625-4642
Email: rmihpo@ntamar.net

MI

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_81684,00.html

MN

Minnesota Department of Administration
https://mn.gov/admin/government/grants/arts-cultural-heritage-fund/competitive-grants/

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/recreation/index.html

MO

Missouri State Parks
https://mostateparks.com/page/55065/outdoor-recreation-grants

MP

Northern Marianas Islands Department of Community and Cultural Affairs
http://dcca.gov.mp/

MS

Mississippi Department of Archives and History
https://www.mdah.ms.gov/historic-preservation/preservation-planning-development#grants

Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/outdoor-recreational-grants/

MT

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/

Montana Historical Society
https://mhs.mt.gov/Shpo/RMRH/

NC

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
https://www.dncr.nc.gov/programs-services/grants-opportunities

North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office
https://www.hpo.nc.gov/grants-historic-preservation-projects

ND

North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department
https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/business/grants

North Dakota State Historical Society
https://www.history.nd.gov/hp/grants.html

NE

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
http://outdoornebraska.gov/grants/

NH

New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources
https://www.nh.gov/nhdhr/grants/

New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation
https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/find-a-trail/grants

NJ

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
https://www.nj.gov/dep/grantandloanprograms/

New Jersey Historic Trust
https://www.nj.gov/dca/njht/programs/overview/

NM

New Mexico Historic Preservation Division
http://www.nmhistoricpreservation.org/programs/grants.html

NV

Nevada State Historic Preservation Office
https://shpo.nv.gov/homepage/commission-for-cultural-centers-and-historic-preservation-ccchp

Nevada Division of State Parks
http://parks.nv.gov/about/grant-programs

NY

New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
https://parks.ny.gov/grants/grant-programs.aspx

OH

Ohio History Connection
https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserve/local-history-services/history-fund

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/buy-and-apply/apply-for-grants/grants

OK

Oklahoma Historical Society
https://www.okhistory.org/about/grants

OR

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/gra/pages/gra-overview.aspx

PA

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/Pages/default.aspx

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Preservation/Grants-Funding/Pages/default.aspx

PR

Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office*
P.O. Box 9023935
San Juan, PR 00902-3935
Phone: 787-721-3737

RI

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/planning/grants/

Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission
https://preservation.ri.gov/preserve-protect/financial-assistance/grants

SC

South Carolina Department of Archives and History
https://scdah.sc.gov/historic-preservation/programs/grants

South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
https://www.scprt.com/grants

SD

South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
https://gfp.sd.gov/partnerships/

South Dakota State Historical Society
https://history.sd.gov/preservation/fundingopportunities.aspx

TN

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/res-recreation-educational-services/res-recreation-educational-services-grants0.html

Tennessee Historical Commission
https://www.tn.gov/historicalcommission/federal-programs.html

TX

Texas Historical Commission
https://thc.texas.gov/preserve/grants-tax-credits-and-funding

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/grants/

UT

Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board
https://ushrab.org/guidelines/

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation
https://recreation.utah.gov/grants/

VA

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/grants-funding

Virginia Department of Historic Resources
https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/grants/

VI

Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office
https://dpnr.vi.gov/state-historic-preservation-office/

VT

Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
https://accd.vermont.gov/historic-preservation/funding

Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, Agency of Natural Resources
https://fpr.vermont.gov/about/grants

WA

Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
https://dahp.wa.gov/grants-and-funding/grants-contracts

Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
https://rco.wa.gov/recreation-and-conservation-office-grants/

WI

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/Grants.html

WV

West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History
https://wvculture.org/agencies/archives-and-history/grants-provided

WY

Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources
https://wyospcr.wyo.gov/index.php/administration/grants

Source: Table compiled by CRS from various state and territory government websites and the National Park Service website "State Historic Preservation Offices."

Notes: For states or territories where no grants program website was identified, the website or contact information of the State Historic Preservation Office is provided.

* Indicates that the contact information was identified from the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers at https://ncshpo.org/directory/.


The following CRS analysts and librarians provided valuable contributions to this report:

Tamar Breslauer, Senior Research Librarian, Domestic Social Policy (DSP)

Abigail Coupe, Research Assistant, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade (FDT)

Carol Davis, former Senior Research Librarian, DSP

Mark DeSantis, Analyst in Natural Resources Policy, Resources, Science and Industry (RSI)

R. Sam Garrett, Specialist in American National Government, Government and Finance (G&F)

Maria Kreiser, Senior Research Librarian, G&F

Jennifer Manning, Senior Research Librarian, G&F

Heather Salazar, former Analyst in Veterans Policy, DSP

Barbara Salazar Torreon, Senior Research Librarian, FDT

Footnotes

1.

NEH, "Standing Together," at https://www.neh.gov/veterans/standing-together.

2.

NEH, "Preservation and Access: Military History," at https://www.neh.gov/veterans/preservation-and-access-military-history.

3.

NEH, "About the National Endowment for the Humanities," at https://www.neh.gov/about.

4.

NPS, "What We Do," at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/whatwedo.htm.

5.

NPS, "American Battlefield Protection Program," at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/index.htm.

6.

NPS, "Apply for Grants," at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/apply-for-grants.htm.

7.

The JACS grant program was authorized by Congress in 2006 (P.L. 109-441).

8.

NPS, "Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program," at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1379/index.htm.

9.

See P.L. 109-441. The 10 War Relocation Authority sites are Gila River, Granada, Heart Mountain, Jerome, Manzanar, Minidoka, Poston, Rohwer, Topaz, and Tule Lake.

10.

NPS, "National Park Service commemorates Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, announces $3.15 million in grants to preserve and interpret World War II Japanese American Confinement Sites," press release, May 19, 2021, at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/aanhpi_2021.htm.

11.

See P.L. 109-441.

12.

NPS, "Maritime Heritage Grants," at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/maritimeheritage/maritime-heritage-grants.htm.

13.

USS Slater-Destroyer Escort Historical Museum at https://ussslater.org/.

14.

NPS, "National Maritime Heritage Grant Recipients," at https://www.nps.gov/maritime/grants/recipients.htm.

15.

NPS, "Maritime Heritage Grants—Who May Apply," at https://www.nps.gov/maritime/grants/pdf/WhoMayApply.pdf.

16.

The Save America's Treasures grant program is authorized under 54 U.S.C. Ch. 3089.

17.

NPS, "Save America's Treasures Grants," at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/save-americas-treasures-grants.htm.

18.

Ibid.

19.

NPS, "National Park Service and Partner Agencies Announce $15.5 million in Save America's Treasures Grants," press release, September 10, 2021, https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/sat-grant-2021.htm.

20.

To search for federally recognized tribes, visit https://www.bia.gov/service/tribal-leaders-directory/federally-recognized-tribes.

21.

NPS, "Save America's Treasures Application Information," at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/sat-grant-info.htm.

22.

The National Register of Historic Places (or National Register) stands as the United States' "official list" of properties significant in "American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and culture" (54 U.S.C. §302101). The National Register is maintained by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and in particular by NPS under the authority of NHPA, as amended.

23.

NPS, "Underrepresented Community Grants," at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/underrepresented-community-grants.htm.

24.

IMLS, "Virginia Department of Military Affairs (Virginia National Guard Museum)," at https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/ma-35-19-0144-19.

25.

IMLS, "Boston Athenaeum," at https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/ma-30-18-0320-18.

26.

IMLS, "Buffalo Soldiers National Museum," at https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/mh-00-18-0011-18.

27.

IMLS, "Native American/Native Hawaiian Museums Services Program," at https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/native-americannative-hawaiian-museum-services-program.

28.

IMLS, "Chickaloon Native Village," at https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/mn-245530-oms-20.

29.

NPS, "Save American's Treasures Grants," at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/save-americas-treasures-grants.htm.

30.

See Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "SHRAB Grants and Programs," at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/archives/shrab/shrab-grants.htm.

31.

See Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, "Tennessee Wars Commission," at https://www.tn.gov/environment/about-tdec/grants/thc.html.

32.

The Texas Historical Commission supports projects related to preserving Texas military history but may not necessarily offer grants. See https://www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/military-history.

33.

Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, "The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Awards More Than $2 Million In Grants to Museums, Historical Organizations, Local Governments and Academic Institutions," press release, December 8, 2021, at https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/phmc-details.aspx?newsid=400.

34.

Florida Division of Historical Resources, "Special Category Historic Preservation Grants FY2023 Final Ranking Project List," at https://files.floridados.gov/media/704898/fy2023-sc-ranking-list.pdf.

35.

Janell Tuttle, "USHRAB Grants Help Museums Organize Collections," Utah Division of Archives and Records Service, May 3, 2018, at https://archivesnews.utah.gov/2018/05/03/ushrab-grants-help-museums/.

36.

Justus O'Neil, "The Indiana Destination Development Corporation Awards $450,000 Through Nine Grants," VisitIndiana.com, March 8, 2024, at https://www.visitindiana.com/articles/post/the-indiana-destination-development-corporation-awards-450000-through-nine-grants/.

37.

Empire State Development, "Our Mission Statement," at https://esd.ny.gov/about-us.

38.

Regional Economic Development Councils, "Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park Improvement Capital," at https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/cfa/project/255824.

39.

Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum, "Illinois Department of Natural Resources Public Museum Capital Grants Program Awards Veterans Memorial Hall $192,000," press release, November 19, 2020, at http://veteransmemorialhall.com/news/21/illinois-department-of-natural-resources-public-museum-capital-grants-program-awards-veterans-memorial-hall-192-000.

40.

For further information on commemorative memorials, see CRS Report R45741, Memorials and Commemorative Works Outside Washington, DC: Background, Federal Role, and Options for Congress, by Jacob R. Straus and Laura B. Comay.

41.

Cathy Free, "New Monument Honors Service of Black Americans in 12 U.S. Wars," Washington Post, October 6, 2022, at https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/10/06/buffalo-monument-black-veterans/.

42.

Alaska State Office of Veterans Affairs, "Veterans Memorial Endowment Fund," at https://veterans.alaska.gov/endowment-fund/.

43.

Massachusetts State Historic Records Advisory Board, "SHRAB Grants and Programs," at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/archives/shrab/shrab-grants.htm.

44.

Minnesota Department of Administration, "Competitive Grant Opportunities," at https://mn.gov/admin/government/grants/arts-cultural-heritage-fund/competitive-grants/.

45.

Oregon Heritage, "Grants," at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Grants.aspx.

46.

Patricia Martellotti, "Santa Maria Gets $2 Million Grant to Remodel Veterans Memorial Park," News Channel 12 3 11, March 5, 2020, at https://keyt.com/lifestyle/community/2020/03/05/santa-maria-gets-2-million-grant-to-remodel-veterans-memorial-park/.

47.

Bamberg County Government, "Bamberg County Citizens Work Together to Create Veterans Memorial Park," press release, December 3, 2018, at https://www.bambergcountysc.gov/bamberg-county-citizens-work-together-to-create-veterans-memorial-park.

48.

Seneca County Government, "Attica Veterans Memorial Development to Get $83,380 Grant," press release, November 19, 2019, at https://senecacountyohio.gov/3036-2/.

49.

Connecticut Office of the Governor, "Governor Lamont Approves $31.3 Million in State Grants to 77 Small Towns for Infrastructure Improvements," press release, September 19, 2022, at https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2022/09-2022/Governor-Lamont-Approves-State-Grants-to-77-Towns-for-Infrastructure-Improvements.

50.

Linda McIntosh, "Rotary Club Receives Grant to Finish Military Memorial Wall Project," The San Diego Tribune, May 14, 2021, at https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/north-county-community-news/story/2021-05-14/rotary-club-receives-grant-to-finish-military-memorial-wall-project.

51.

Providence City Council, "City Council Awards $50K to Help Restore Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Kennedy Plaza," press release, January 24, 2019, at https://council.providenceri.gov/2019/01/24/city-council-awards-50k-to-help-restore-soldiers-and-sailors-monument-in-kennedy-plaza/.

52.

Abigail Brone, "Norwalk Secures Funding for Purple Heart Monument at Veteran's Park," The Hour, September 20, 2021, at https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Norwalk-secures-funding-for-Purple-Heart-monument-16473771.php.

53.

Jim Little, "Pensacola Agrees to Help Fund Gen. 'Chappie' James Statue and Women Veterans Monument," Pensacola News Journal, September 9, 2021, at https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/2021/09/09/pensacola-help-fund-chappie-james-statue-and-womens-veteran-monument/5776042001/.

54.

Al Lohman, "Work on Monument Progresses as Funding Grows," Sun Patriot Newspapers, May 26, 2022, at https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_patriot/community/work-on-monument-progresses-as-funding-grows/article_ed07382a-dcf1-11ec-b1c6-3fc33e420920.html.

55.

Maggie Stuckey-Ross, "East Rotary Donates $50K to Veterans Memorial Garden," Lincoln Journal Star, April 1, 2022, at https://journalstar.com/niche/neighborhood-extra/east-rotary-donates-50k-to-veterans-memorial-garden/article_1cd72219-1bb6-516d-b15b-57178a1f67ca.html. (Note: A subscription is required to access article).

56.

Jan Larson McLaughlin, "BG Kiwanis Club Donates to New Wood County Veterans Memorial," BG Independent News, January 16, 2020, at https://bgindependentmedia.org/bg-kiwanis-club-donates-to-new-wood-county-veterans-memorial/.

57.

The Council on Foundations is a nonprofit membership association. See more at https://cof.org/about.

58.

Council on Foundations, "Foundation Basics," at https://cof.org/content/foundation-basics.

59.

See Pritzker Military Museum & Library, at https://www.pritzkermilitary.org/.

60.

Pritzker Military Foundation, "Our Focus," at https://www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org/our-focus/.

61.

Pritzker Military Foundation, "Our Grants," at https://www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org/our-grants/.

62.

Carlsbad Community Foundation, "Carlsbad Community Foundation Announces Grant Award to Benefit Carlsbad Veterans Memorial Park," press release, June 25, 2020, at https://carlsbadfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Foundation-Announces-Grant-Award-to-Benefit-Carlsbad-Veterans-Memorial-Park.pdf.

63.

NEH, "Office of Federal/State Partnership," at https://www.neh.gov/divisions/fedstate.

64.

Idaho Humanities, "Idaho Humanities Council Awards $74,837 in Grants in Winter 2024," press release, March 14, 2024, at https://idahohumanities.org/idaho-humanities-council-awards-february2024/.

65.

CRS Report R46412, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Frequently Asked Questions, by Tamar B. Breslauer.

66.

VFW, "A 'Unique Moment' VFW members help raise funds for Connecticut monument," press release, March 22, 2022, at https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2022/3/a-unique-monument and Town of Stonington, "Stonington Veterans Monument Project" at https://www.stonington-ct.gov/selectmens-office/pages/stonington-veterans-monument-project.

67.

Council on Foundation, "Community Foundations," at https://www.cof.org/foundation-type/community-foundations-taxonomy.

68.

This CRS report contains information about the VA's Veterans Cemetery Grant program, which provides assistance to states, federally recognized tribes, and U.S. territories for "establishing (or improving) state and tribal veterans cemeteries."