This report provides selected resources to aid congressional offices with constituents seeking 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 for potential funding from private organizations, general grant resources that describe how to identify private organizations, relevant CRS grant products, and a table with state-level grant program websites 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 exhaustive resource on all possible funding avenues for this topic. Furthermore, the organizations and programs listed below may not necessarily have active grant programs at this time. Constituent grant seekers may wish to monitor organizational and federal grant websites and sign up for any alerts or notifications for information about current grant opportunities.
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. Funding opportunities for national monuments and memorials are outside the scope of this report.1
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.
This report focuses on governmental resources for military historic preservation and commemoration projects and 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 certain projects may not be eligible for them.
This report is not intended to be a comprehensive resource on all possible funding avenues for this topic. Furthermore, the organizations and programs listed below may not necessarily have active grant programs. Constituent grantseekers may wish to monitor organizational and federal grant websites and sign up for any alerts or notifications for information about current grant opportunities. For guidance on identifying active federal grant opportunities, refer to CRS Report RL34012, Resources for Grantseekers and CRS In Focus IF12910, Searching for Federal Grants: An Overview of Resources. These reports provide an overview of federal grants, identify the different types of entities eligible for funding, and provide key resources that may help grantseekers identify relevant federal grant opportunities.
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.
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. 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, and CRS In Focus IF12910, Searching for Federal Grants: An Overview of Resources which provide overviews of federal grants, identify the different types of entities eligible for funding, and provide key resources that may help grantseekers identify relevant federal grant opportunities.
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) provides grant funding for initiatives that support the humanities. Humanities topics include history, literature, archaeology, law, language, philosophy, and ethics.2
NEH has awarded numerous grants for military history projects:
Eligibility for NEH grants varies by program, but grant awardees typically include cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, and libraries, as well as institutes of higher education and individual scholars.6 For guidance on matching a project proposal to an NEH program, refer to https://www.neh.gov/grants/match-your-project. To browse current and forecasted funding opportunities, visit https://www.neh.gov/grants/listing.
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."7 NPS offers four types of grants through this program:8
Eligibility varies by program but may include state, local, and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations.9 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 Program10
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."11 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.12
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.13
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.14 To learn more about JACS grants, including information on future application cycles, visit https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1379/jacs-grants.htm.
Norman Y. Mineta Japanese American Confinement Education Grants15
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1379/index.htm
The Norman Y. Mineta Japanese American Confinement Education (JACE) grants are a category of grants administered as part of the JACS program. JACE grants provide funding assistance for "large, impactful projects that educate the public about the historical importance of Japanese American incarceration during World War II."16
In 2025, several entities received JACE grants, including the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation. The Foundation was awarded funding to support an educational program that uses the Nikkei Community Platform, a social media tool that enables survivors and descendants to connect with each other and share stories.17
Entities eligible for JACE grants are Japanese American organizations.18 To learn more about JACE grants, including information on future application cycles, visit https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1379/jace-grants.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.19
Maritime Heritage grant funding is directly available only for state historic preservation offices (SHPOs)20 and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.21 These entities, referred to as prime recipients upon receiving funding, may use the grant to execute in-house projects or administer competitive subgrant programs to eligible entities.22 Maritime Heritage subgrants are available to state, tribal, or local governments or nonprofit organizations. Organizations interested in any potentially available subgrants should reach out to the prime recipient in the state where their project is located.23 For additional information on eligible entities and the differences between prime grant awards and subgrant awards, visit https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1220/maritime-heritage-grant-faqs.htm.
As an example of a previously awarded subgrant for a military history project, in 2022 the Clinton County Historical Association received a Maritime Heritage subgrant to fund a remote sensing survey of the Revolutionary War Gunboat Spitfire in Lake Champlain, New York.24
For general information on the Maritime Heritage Grant program, including program cycles and application guidance, visit https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1220/nmhg-general-information.htm.
Save America's Treasures Grant Program – Preservation Projects25
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. 26
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.27 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.28
Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, educational institutions, federally recognized Indian Tribes29, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.30 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.31 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."32
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.
Inspire! Grants for Small Museums
https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/inspire-grants-for-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.33
Museums for America
https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/museums-for-america
The Museums for America 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.34
Museum Grants for African American History and Culture
https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/museum-grants-for-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.35
Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program
https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/native-american-native-hawaiian-museum-services
The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program "supports Native American Tribes (including Alaska Native Villages and Corporations) and nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians in sustaining heritage, culture, and knowledge."36 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.37
Save America's Treasures—Collections Projects
https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/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.38 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.
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.
There are several states that administer specific programs for the preservation of military history, including
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.
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:
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.
While state-level agencies that focus on historic preservation initiatives are a potentially relevant source of 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:
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.49 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 businesses.50
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.
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 might consider seeking 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.
When soliciting funding, grantseekers may wish to determine if there are grant programs specifically for military commemorative initiatives available at the state level. Refer to the following examples of states that administer specific programs for military monuments and memorials or administer programs that specify that monument and memorial projects are eligible. For state programs that focus more broadly on military historic preservation initiatives, see "Military History Grant Programs" above.
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:
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.
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. Grantseekers may also consider searching state government websites for 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.58
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 projects received assistance from local governments:
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, 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:
Private, corporate, and community foundations are possible sources of nongovernmental funding for grantseekers. As defined by the Council on Foundations,66 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."67 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.68 This foundation provides grant funding for projects related to preserving and promoting military history and supporting servicemembers and veterans.69 For 2024, the foundation allocated grant funding in numerous areas, including military history, cultural institutions, and historic preservation.70 For the 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.71
For informational resources on foundations, see "Additional Resources" below.
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.72 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.73
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 (VSOs) are "organizations that aid and serve veterans, servicemembers, dependents, and survivors."74 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.75
For more information on VSOs, refer to CRS Report R46412, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Frequently Asked Questions, by Tamar B. Breslauer.
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 To find a local participating organization, visit https://candid.org/resources/candid-near-you/.
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.76
The following CRS reports are also freely available to the public at https://www.congress.gov/crs-products.
CRS Report RL32159, How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal, by Maria Kreiser
CRS Report RL34012, Resources for Grantseekers, by Maria Kreiser
CRS In Focus IF12910, Searching for Federal Grants: An Overview of Resources, by Maria Kreiser and Kathleen E. Marchsteiner
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. Breslauer77
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.
|
State/ Territory |
State Government Grant Websites |
|
AK |
Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Alaska Office of History and Archaeology |
|
AL |
Alabama Historical Commission |
|
AR |
Arkansas Heritage Division Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Arkansas State Archives |
|
AS |
American Samoa Historic Preservation Office* |
|
AZ |
Arizona State Parks and Trails |
|
CA |
California Department of Parks and Recreation California Natural Resources Agency California Office of Historic Preservation |
|
CO |
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department History Colorado |
|
CT |
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development |
|
DC |
District of Columbia Office of Planning |
|
DE |
Delaware Heritage Commission Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation |
|
FL |
Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
|
GA |
Georgia Department of Community Affairs Georgia Department of Natural Resources |
|
GU |
Guam State Historic Preservation Office |
|
HI |
Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts |
|
IA |
State Historical Society of Iowa Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
|
ID |
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Idaho State Historical Society |
|
IL |
Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
|
IN |
Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology Indiana Division of Outdoor Recreation |
|
KS |
Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Kansas Historical Society |
|
KY |
Kentucky Historical Society |
|
LA |
Louisiana Office of Cultural Development Louisiana Office of State Parks |
|
MA |
Massachusetts State Historic Records Advisory Board Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Massachusetts Historical Commission |
|
ME |
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Maine Historic Preservation Commission |
|
MD |
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland Historical Trust |
|
MH |
Marshall Islands State Historic Preservation Office |
|
MI |
Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
|
MN |
Minnesota Department of Administration Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
|
MO |
Missouri State Parks |
|
MP |
Northern Marianas Islands Department of Community and Cultural Affairs |
|
MS |
Mississippi Department of Archives and History Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks |
|
MT |
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Montana Historical Society |
|
NC |
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office |
|
ND |
North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department North Dakota State Historical Society |
|
NE |
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission |
|
NH |
New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation |
|
NJ |
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection New Jersey Historic Trust |
|
NM |
New Mexico Historic Preservation Division |
|
NV |
Nevada State Historic Preservation Office Nevada Division of State Parks |
|
NY |
New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
|
OH |
Ohio History Connection Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
|
OK |
Oklahoma Historical Society |
|
OR |
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department |
|
PA |
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission |
|
PR |
Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office* |
|
RI |
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission |
|
SC |
South Carolina Department of Archives and History South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism |
|
SD |
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks South Dakota State Historical Society |
|
TN |
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Tennessee Historical Commission |
|
TX |
Texas Historical Commission Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
|
UT |
Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation |
|
VA |
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Virginia Department of Historic Resources |
|
VI |
Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office |
|
VT |
Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, Agency of Natural Resources |
|
WA |
Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office |
|
WI |
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
|
WV |
West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History |
|
WY |
Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources |
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)
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, former Senior Research Librarian, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade (FDT)
| 1. |
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. |
| 2. |
NEH, "About the National Endowment for the Humanities," https://www.neh.gov/about. |
| 3. |
NEH, "NEH Announces $34.79 Million for 97 Humanities Projects," August 1, 2025, https://www.neh.gov/news/neh-announces-3479-million-97-humanities-projects. |
| 4. |
NEH, "Sailors Speak: The Impact of War on Naval Veterans, their Families, and the Country," 2021, https://apps.neh.gov/publicquery/AwardDetail.aspx?gn=AV-279609-21. |
| 5. |
NEH, "Little Stories of the Great War: Ohioans in World War I," 2015, https://apps.neh.gov/publicquery/AwardDetail.aspx?gn=PW-228244-15. |
| 6. |
NEH, "About the National Endowment for the Humanities," https://www.neh.gov/about. |
| 7. |
NPS, "American Battlefield Protection Program: What We Do," https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/whatwedo.htm. |
| 8. |
NPS, "American Battlefield Protection Program: What We Do," https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/whatwedo.htm. |
| 9. |
NPS, "American Battlefield Protection Program: Apply for Grants," https://www.nps.gov/orgs/2287/apply-for-grants.htm. |
| 10. |
The JACS grant program was authorized by Congress in 2006 (P.L. 109-441). |
| 11. |
NPS, "Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program," https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1379/index.htm. |
| 12. |
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. |
| 13. |
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, https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/aanhpi_2021.htm. |
| 14. |
See P.L. 109-441. |
| 15. |
The Norman Y. Mineta Japanese American Confinement Education Grants were authorized by Congress in 2023 (P.L. 117-328). |
| 16. |
NPS, "Norman Y. Mineta Japanese American Confinement Education Grants," updated November 21, 2025, https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1379/jace-grants.htm. |
| 17. |
NPS, "JACE Grant Project Summaries," updated November 21, 2025, https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1379/2025-jace-grant-project-summaries.htm. |
| 18. |
In this context, a Japanese American organization is defined as "a private nonprofit organization within the United States established to promote the understanding and appreciation of the ethnic and cultural diversity of the United States by illustrating the Japanese American experience throughout the history of the United States." See P.L. 117-328. |
| 19. |
NPS, "Maritime Heritage Grants," updated December 14, 2023, https://www.nps.gov/subjects/maritimeheritage/maritime-heritage-grants.htm. |
| 20. |
For a list of SHPOs, see https://ncshpo.org/directory/. |
| 21. | |
| 22. |
NPS, "Maritime Heritage Grants: General Grant Information," updated March 5, 2025, https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1220/nmhg-general-information.htm. |
| 23. |
NPS, "Maritime Heritage Grants: FAQs," updated January 8, 2025, https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1220/maritime-heritage-grant-faqs.htm. |
| 24. |
NPS, "Maritime Heritage Grants: Current and Past Recipients," updated July 30, 2024, https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1220/nmhg-grant-recipients.htm. Project information is located in the interactive map titled "Previously Funded Projects." |
| 25. |
The Save America's Treasures grant program is authorized under 54 U.S.C. Ch. 3089. |
| 26. |
NPS, "Save America's Treasures Grants," https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/save-americas-treasures-grants.htm. |
| 27. |
NPS, "Save America's Treasures Grants," https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/save-americas-treasures-grants.htm. |
| 28. |
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. |
| 29. |
To search for federally recognized tribes, visit https://www.bia.gov/service/tribal-leaders-directory/federally-recognized-tribes. |
| 30. |
NPS, "Save America's Treasures Application Information," https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/sat-grant-info.htm. |
| 31. |
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. |
| 32. |
NPS, "Underrepresented Community Grants," https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/underrepresented-community-grants.htm. |
| 33. |
IMLS, "Virginia Department of Military Affairs (Virginia National Guard Museum)," https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/ma-35-19-0144-19. |
| 34. |
IMLS, "Boston Athenaeum," https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/ma-30-18-0320-18. |
| 35. |
IMLS, "Buffalo Soldiers National Museum," https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/mh-00-18-0011-18. |
| 36. |
IMLS, "Native American/Native Hawaiian Museums Services Program," https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grant-programs/native-american-native-hawaiian-museum-services. |
| 37. |
IMLS, "Chickaloon Native Village," https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/mn-245530-oms-20. |
| 38. |
NPS, "Save American's Treasures Grants," https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservationfund/save-americas-treasures-grants.htm. |
| 39. |
See Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "SHRAB Grants and Programs," https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/archives/shrab/shrab-grants.htm. |
| 40. |
See Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, "Tennessee Wars Commission," https://www.tn.gov/environment/about-tdec/grants/thc.html. |
| 41. |
The Texas Historical Commission supports projects related to preserving Texas military history but may not necessarily offer grants. See https://thc.texas.gov/learn/military-history. |
| 42. |
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, https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc/newsroom/the-pennsylvania-historical—museum-commission-awards-more-than-2-million-in-grants-to-museums-historical-organizations-local-governments-and-academic-institutions0. |
| 43. |
Florida Division of Historical Resources, "Special Category Historic Preservation Grants FY2023 Final Ranking Project List," https://files.floridados.gov/media/704898/fy2023-sc-ranking-list.pdf. |
| 44. |
Janell Tuttle, "USHRAB Grants Help Museums Organize Collections," Utah Division of Archives and Records Service, May 3, 2018, https://archives.utah.gov/2018/05/03/ushrab-grants-help-museums/. |
| 45. |
Justus O'Neil, "The Indiana Destination Development Corporation Awards $450,000 Through Nine Grants," VisitIndiana.com, March 8, 2024, https://www.visitindiana.com/articles/post/the-indiana-destination-development-corporation-awards-450000-through-nine-grants/. |
| 46. |
Empire State Development, "Our Mission Statement," https://esd.ny.gov/about-us. |
| 47. |
Regional Economic Development Councils, "Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park Improvement Capital," https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/cfa/project/255824. |
| 48. |
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, http://veteransmemorialhall.com/news/21/illinois-department-of-natural-resources-public-museum-capital-grants-program-awards-veterans-memorial-hall-192-000. |
| 49. |
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. |
| 50. |
Cathy Free, "New Monument Honors Service of Black Americans in 12 U.S. Wars," Washington Post, October 6, 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/10/06/buffalo-monument-black-veterans/. |
| 51. |
Alaska State Office of Veterans Affairs, "Veterans Memorial Endowment Fund," https://veterans.alaska.gov/endowment-fund/. |
| 52. |
Massachusetts State Historic Records Advisory Board, "SHRAB Grants and Programs," https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/archives/shrab/shrab-grants.htm. |
| 53. |
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, "New Veterans Memorials and Commemorations RFP and Grant Opportunity," press release, December 18, 2024, https://mn.gov/mdva/blog/?id=1066-661547. For information on grants from the Minnesota Department of Administration, visit https://mn.gov/admin/government/grants/. |
| 54. |
Oregon Heritage, "Grants," https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Grants.aspx. |
| 55. |
Laura Place, "Veterans Memorial Park to be renovated with $2 million state parks grant," Santa Maria Times, March 9, 2020, https://santamariatimes.com/news/local/veterans-memorial-park-to-be-renovated-with-2-million-state-parks-grant/article_47a23e01-92c4-554f-b4ff-158db13afd08.html. |
| 56. |
Bamberg County Government, "Bamberg County Citizens Work Together to Create Veterans Memorial Park," press release, December 3, 2018, https://www.bambergcounty.sc.gov/news/bamberg-county-citizens-work-together-create-veterans-memorial-park. |
| 57. |
Seneca County Government, "Attica Veterans Memorial Development to Get $83,380 Grant," press release, November 19, 2019, https://senecacountyohio.gov/3036-2/. |
| 58. |
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, https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2022/09-2022/governor-lamont-approves-state-grants-to-77-towns-for-infrastructure-improvements?language=en_US. |
| 59. |
Linda McIntosh, "Rotary Club Receives Grant to Finish Military Memorial Wall Project," The San Diego Tribune, May 14, 2021, https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/north-county-community-news/story/2021-05-14/rotary-club-receives-grant-to-finish-military-memorial-wall-project. |
| 60. |
Providence City Council, "City Council Awards $50K to Help Restore Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Kennedy Plaza," press release, January 24, 2019, https://council.providenceri.gov/2019/01/24/city-council-awards-50k-to-help-restore-soldiers-and-sailors-monument-in-kennedy-plaza/. |
| 61. |
Abigail Brone, "Norwalk Secures Funding for Purple Heart Monument at Veteran's Park," The Hour, September 20, 2021, https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Norwalk-secures-funding-for-Purple-Heart-monument-16473771.php. |
| 62. |
Jim Little, "Pensacola Agrees to Help Fund Gen. 'Chappie' James Statue and Women Veterans Monument," Pensacola News Journal, September 9, 2021, https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/2021/09/09/pensacola-help-fund-chappie-james-statue-and-womens-veteran-monument/5776042001/. |
| 63. |
Al Lohman, "Work on Monument Progresses as Funding Grows," Sun Patriot Newspapers, May 26, 2022, https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_patriot/community/work-on-monument-progresses-as-funding-grows/article_ed07382a-dcf1-11ec-b1c6-3fc33e420920.html. |
| 64. |
Maggie Stuckey-Ross, "East Rotary Donates $50K to Veterans Memorial Garden," Lincoln Journal Star, April 1, 2022, 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). |
| 65. |
Jan Larson McLaughlin, "BG Kiwanis Club Donates to New Wood County Veterans Memorial," BG Independent News, January 16, 2020, https://bgindependentmedia.org/bg-kiwanis-club-donates-to-new-wood-county-veterans-memorial/. |
| 66. |
The Council on Foundations is a nonprofit membership association. See more at https://cof.org/about. |
| 67. |
Council on Foundations, "Foundation Basics," https://cof.org/content/foundation-basics. |
| 68. |
See Pritzker Military Museum & Library, https://www.pritzkermilitary.org/. |
| 69. |
Pritzker Military Foundation, "Our Focus," https://www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org/our-focus/. |
| 70. |
Pritzker Military Foundation, "Our Grants," https://www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org/our-grants/. |
| 71. |
Carlsbad Community Foundation, "Carlsbad Community Foundation Announces Grant Award to Benefit Carlsbad Veterans Memorial Park," press release, June 25, 2020, https://carlsbadfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Foundation-Announces-Grant-Award-to-Benefit-Carlsbad-Veterans-Memorial-Park.pdf. |
| 72. |
NEH, "Division of Federal/State Partnership," https://www.neh.gov/divisions/fedstate. |
| 73. |
Idaho Humanities, "Idaho Humanities Council Awards $74,837 in Grants in Winter 2024," press release, March 14, 2024, https://idahohumanities.org/idaho-humanities-council-awards-february2024/. |
| 74. |
CRS Report R46412, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Frequently Asked Questions, by Tamar B. Breslauer. |
| 75. |
VFW, "A 'Unique Moment' VFW members help raise funds for Connecticut monument," press release, March 22, 2022, https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2022/3/a-unique-monument; and Town of Stonington, "Stonington Veterans Monument Project" https://www.stonington-ct.gov/selectmens-office/pages/stonington-veterans-monument-project. |
| 76. |
Council on Foundation, "Community Foundations," https://cof.org/foundation-type/community-foundations. |
| 77. |
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." |