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Underrepresented Communities Grants.

Grants help identify, document, and nominate historic places associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register.

Offered byNational Park Serviceverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

This is a documentation and designation program rather than a rehabilitation grant. Chester projects should begin with a community-defined history and a qualified survey or nomination team.

Best for: Recognizing overlooked local places and histories through survey and National Register documentation.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Eligible governments, tribes, and other entities specified in the current notice

Applicants excluded by the source

  • Private property owners applying for rehabilitation construction

Eligible uses

  • Survey and documentation
  • National Register nominations associated with underrepresented communities

Uses excluded by the source

  • Building rehabilitation and construction

Application

How to start.

  1. Define the underrepresented history and community partnership.
  2. Consult Illinois SHPO about survey and nomination standards.
  3. Monitor the NPS program page and Grants.gov for the next competition.

Timing: The 2026 opportunity closed July 7, 2026.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • The program funds documentation, not physical rehabilitation.
  • Funded projects must submit a new or amended National Register or National Historic Landmark nomination.

A completed designation can support future preservation planning and incentive eligibility but does not itself guarantee funding.

Evidence

Official sources.