FY2025 - Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund (ESHPF)- Capacity

The Budget Justification Worksheet for Historic Preservation Fund Grants outlines the necessary framework for project budgeting, specifically emphasizing the separation of administrative and program costs. All budget elements must be eligible, reasonable, and directly applicable to the project, and they must align with the SF-424A and SF-424C forms. Administrative costs, capped at 25% of the overall project budget, include expenses necessary for the management of grant activities. Key sections of the worksheet include the breakdown of costs for personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies and materials, contractual/consultant fees, and construction/conservation materials and labor. Each item must be itemized and justified, with restrictions on wages for personnel and consultants based on Federal salary standards. Indirect costs can be submitted for reimbursement based on either a negotiated rate or a 10% de minimis rate. The worksheet also contains a questionnaire to assess the organization's financial management capabilities. It mandates disclosure of non-Federal funding sources, potential overlaps in funding, and previous grants received. This structured approach ensures transparency and accountability in the funding process for historic preservation initiatives.

The document outlines the Project Description Worksheet for applicants seeking funding through the Save America’s Treasures grant program. It includes instructions related to merit review criteria critical for application assessment, which can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on Grants.gov. Key components of the application process include providing information about the historic resource, such as its name, address, ownership status, and the grant program being applied for. Applicants must specify the federal share requested, their own financial commitment, and whether they have previously received funding. The worksheet contains sections for responses to four merit criteria, each limited to 6,000 characters, as well as a project timeline. Overall, the document serves as a structured guide to help applicants accurately complete their proposals, ensuring all pertinent details are included for effective evaluation by the funding agency. This structured approach underlines the document's purpose of facilitating the application process for preservation projects.

The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the FY2025 Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund (ESHPF), with a total funding of $48 million for recovery projects related to historic and cultural resources impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. This program is aimed at State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices for capacity-building activities rather than physical preservation. Eligible applicants include state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and specific nonprofits, provided their jurisdictions experienced major disaster declarations. No cost-sharing is required, and the application process is facilitated through Grants.gov, with a submission deadline of June 12, 2025. Key evaluation criteria include project significance, urgency, feasibility, and sustainability, each scored out of 25 points. The NPS emphasizes adherence to federal regulations and project guidelines, requiring comprehensive documentation and a detailed budget. Post-award administration involves compliance with established federal standards, reporting requirements, and oversight to ensure the effective use of funds. The aim of this funding opportunity is to support the rehabilitation and preservation of cultural heritage while addressing the challenges posed by recent natural disasters.

The Project Images Worksheet provides guidelines for including photographs in applications for National Park Service projects. Applicants are required to submit high-quality images depicting current conditions at historic sites or resources involved in the project, emphasizing any damage or immediate threats. A minimum of one photo per elevation and one overall image is necessary, showcasing both the community and the specific historic properties. Each photo must include a caption and credit for the source, reinforcing NPS’s ownership rights to these materials. The document also directs applicants to a link for additional application tips and frequently asked questions. This worksheet serves as an important tool for applicants to visually represent their projects in alignment with federal grant and RFP requirements, enhancing understanding and assessment by the review committees.