Federal grant programs / Department of the Interior

Save America's Treasures (15.929)

• Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$150 million
• Grant awards383
• Typical award$400,000
• Awarded in FY 2025$22.7 million
• Size rank689 of 1,823
• Type of assistanceProject grants

Key findings

• Annual funding rose from $15.5 million in fiscal 2021 to $22.7 million in fiscal 2025.
• It is the 689th largest of 1,823 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
• The 20 largest recipients received 20% of the money.
• Awards went to recipients in 50 states and territories.

What the program funds

To provide matching grants for preservation or conservation work on nationally significant intellectual and cultural artifacts and nationally significant historic structures and sites. Intellectual and cultural artifacts include artifacts, collections, documents, sculpture and works of art.

From the federal Assistance Listing. Read the full listing on SAM.gov.

Open opportunities

No opportunity under this program is open or forecast on Grants.gov right now. Programs often post once a year, so the funding history below shows what to expect.

Rules from the program listing

Who can apply

State and Local agencies, Public or Private nonprofit institutions/organizations, State Colleges and Universities, Public and Private Colleges and Universities, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, and Federal agencies funded by the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies with the exception of the National Park Service. Individuals are not eligible applicants. Properties receiving Save America's Treasures (SAT) grant assistance must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places for National significance

What the money can and cannot pay for

Funds may be used for projects resulting in the protection and preservation of nationally significant historic structures and sites, as well as nationally significant collections of cultural artifacts, documents, sculpture and works of art. Projects must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation. No funding is given to projects dealing with acquisition or reconstruction of properties or collections, payment of rent on properties or land, fund-raising, or lobbying. Grantee must execute a preservation easement or preservation agreement for each grant-assisted historic site to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for at least 50 years from the end date of the grant agreement. Properties receiving grant assistance must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places for their national significance. Projects may only receive one Save America’s Treasures grant ever. Sites that receive preservation assistance must accept a preservation easement/covenant. Projects must provide 50% nonfederal matching funds. Restrictions outlined in the authorization language: 54 USC 3089.;

Matching requirements

This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirement: 50% non federal recipient cost share is required under this program.MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Award range and average, in the agency's words

$150,000 - $750,000

Examples of funded projects

Fiscal Year2025: 1) Historic Preservation: Funding is often directed toward the restoration and conservation of historic buildings and landmarks, including roof, window, and masonry repairs, structural stabilization, restoration of historic interiors and facades, and preservation of historic collections and artifacts. 2) Cultural Heritage and Museums: Grants support museums and cultural institutions in conserving and digitizing collections, enhancing public access to historical exhibits, and rehabilitating historic museum buildings. 3) Community and Civic Infrastructure: Funds are used to revitalize community spaces with historical significance, such as opera houses, libraries, and town halls, enhancing accessibility and safety, and supporting adaptive reuse for public benefit. 4) Archaeological and Architectural Research: Funding may also support historic structure reports, reservation planning, and architectural services aligned with federal preservation standards.Fiscal Year2026: 1) Preserving historic buildings and landmarks: Repairing roofs, windows, foundations, chimneys, and exterior masonry to stop leaks, prevent structural damage, and stabilize historic buildings for long?term public use. Strengthening interior features—such as staircases, plaster, woodwork, and finishes—so historic spaces can safely host classes, exhibits, and community gatherings.

Continue reading on SAM.gov

Quoted from the program's federal Assistance Listing. The notice of funding opportunity is the official source for each competition's rules.

Who usually wins

Nonprofits received 53% of the money, state and local governments 40% and colleges and universities 4.8%.

By state

40 states have a page for this program: those that received at least $1 million or 10 awards.

Award amounts are federal obligations reported to USAspending.gov for fiscal 2021 to 2025; see how our data works.