Heritage Partnership (15.939)
Heritage Partnership (Assistance Listing 15.939) is run by the National Park Service, part of the Department of the Interior. It awarded $135 million in 213 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $635,188 per award on average. No funding opportunity is open on Grants.gov right now.
The typical award was $500,000. Half of the 213 awards fell between $410,000 and $596,000, and they ranged from $19,000 to $2.8 million.
- Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$135 million
- Grant awards213
- Typical award$500,000
- Awarded in FY 2025$27.6 million
- Size rank719 of 1,823
- Type of assistanceCooperative agreements
Key findings
- Annual funding rose from $23.4 million in fiscal 2021 to $27.6 million in fiscal 2025.
- It is the 719th largest of 1,823 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
- The 20 largest recipients received 43% of the money.
- Awards went to recipients in 31 states and territories.
What the program funds
The purpose of the Heritage Partnership Program funding is to carry out programs and projects that engage National Heritage Area (NHA) recipients, partners, communities, and/or visitors in shared environmental stewardship. It promotes greater public and private participation in preservation, conservation, education, and outdoor recreation programs and activities, and builds resource stewardship ethics in is participants. Goals for each National Heritage Area are set forth in each of their designation legislation, but in general, the goal of designation as a National Heritage Area is to preserve and interpret for the educational and inspirational benefit of present and future generations the unique and significant contributions to our national heritage. This heritage is shown through certain historic and cultural lands, waterways, and structures. By preserving and interpreting this heritage, NHAs are able to encourage a broad range of economic opportunities enhancing the quality of life within the designated area, and provide a management framework to assist state/local government entities, non-profits, and others in developing policies and programs that will preserve, enhance, and interpret the cultural, historical, natural, recreation, and scenic resources of the heritage area.
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, local, or tribal government or other public entity, an educational institution, or a private nonprofit organization.
What the money can and cannot pay for
Funding and/or assistance is managed by an agency, nonprofit or other organized party identified in the public law that created the National Heritage Area. Funding is to accomplish intended purpose specified within each individual National Heritage Area's public law. Funding applies to interpretation and education, recreation, preservation and conservation and economic development of the region applied specifically to the nationally important story for which they were established.
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula. 50% 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
Range: $150,000 - $710,000 Average: $411,000
Examples of funded projects
Fiscal Year2025: 1. Community Engagement and Heritage Preservation - Funding supports projects that bring together local communities, partners, and visitors to care for historic and cultural resources. These projects include educational programs, outreach initiatives, and events that celebrate local traditions and history. Activities may involve creating signage, hosting lectures, and developing materials that help people navigate and appreciate their surroundings. 2. Environmental Stewardship and Outdoor Recreation - Funding is used to promote environmental stewardship by encouraging public and private participation in conservation and outdoor recreation. Projects may include restoring native landscapes, maintaining trails, and organizing outdoor activities that connect people to nature and teach them about local ecosystems. 3. Economic Development and Tourism - Funding helps boost local economies by supporting heritage tourism and community events. Projects may involve marketing outreach, developing tourism infrastructure, and providing financial support to local organizations and staff. These efforts attract visitors, create jobs, and strengthen regional identity. 4. Conservation and Resource Management - Funding supports the conservation of natural, scenic, and cultural resources. Projects may include preserving historic sites, protecting watersheds, and managing parks or trails.
Funding history and past recipients
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Heritage Partnership (15.939) awarded $135 million across 213 grant awards, an average of $635,188 per award.
Who usually wins
Nonprofits received 80% of the money, state and local governments 10% and colleges and universities 2.6%.
| Recipient type | Awards | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonprofits | 164 | $108 million | 80% |
| State and local governments | 26 | $13.8 million | 10% |
| Other | 17 | $10.3 million | 7.6% |
| Colleges and universities | 6 | $3.5 million | 2.6% |
By state
28 states have a page for this program: those that received at least $1 million or 10 awards.
| State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 30 | $15.1 million |
| Massachusetts | 21 | $9.6 million |
| New York | 17 | $9.5 million |
| Mississippi | 6 | $7.2 million |
| Colorado | 15 | $7.2 million |
| West Virginia | 15 | $7.2 million |
| South Carolina | 5 | $5.9 million |
| Connecticut | 10 | $5.7 million |
| Ohio | 3 | $5.6 million |
| Louisiana | 5 | $5.4 million |
| Virginia | 13 | $5.0 million |
| Illinois | 4 | $4.9 million |
| Georgia | 4 | $4.8 million |
| Arizona | 10 | $4.2 million |
| Washington | 4 | $3.6 million |
| Iowa | 2 | $3.5 million |
| North Carolina | 2 | $3.5 million |
| Maryland | 8 | $2.5 million |
| Alabama | 3 | $2.5 million |
| Michigan | 2 | $2.5 million |
| Tennessee | 2 | $2.4 million |
| Alaska | 5 | $2.4 million |
| Kansas | 2 | $2.4 million |
| North Dakota | 1 | $2.4 million |
| Nevada | 4 | $2.4 million |
| Utah | 5 | $2.4 million |
| New Mexico | 5 | $2.4 million |
| New Jersey | 4 | $1.9 million |
| California | 2 | $787,500 |
| Maine | 3 | $146,787 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | 1 | $146,787 |