Historic Preservation Fund
The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), celebrating its 50 year in 2026, is key to promoting the historic and cultural places of importance across our nation. The HPF helps states and Tribes fulfill their federally-mandated obligations to protect and preserve historic and archeological sites of importance in the U.S. Since 1976, the HPF has facilitated more than 100,000 listings on the National Register, enabled the survey of millions of acres for cultural resources, and leveraged hundreds of billions of dollars in private investment through the Historic Tax Credit.
What We’re Fighting For
Recent budget proposals from the Administration have threatened to nearly eliminate funding for the HPF. As the main source of funds for historic preservation, we are fighting to ensure that the HPF remains authorized and Congress provides robust funding.
- We fight back against threats to eliminate HPF funding and push Congress to support robust funding for the HPF.
- We advocate for long-term authorization of the HPF.
- We work closely with the Historic Preservation Caucus to ensure continued bipartisan support for the HPF.
- We lobby for the timely release of critical HPF funding to states, tribes, and localities to carry out their important work in the face of disruptions and uncertainty.
What You Can Do
Funding
The HPF provides critical funding to all 59 State Historic Preservation Offices, over 200 Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, and important competitive preservation grant programs. The HPF is subject to the annual Congressional Appropriations process and requires consistent advocacy to ensure adequate and necessary funding.
- As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, urge your members of Congress to reject harmful cuts and instead support a historic, $250 million for the HPF. Read our Fund the HPF Issue Brief here.
Reauthorization
The HPF was established for states and tribes to carry out their federally mandated responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Action. While Congress appropriates funding for the HPF annually, annual deposits into the HPF needs to occasionally be reauthorized. Currently, the HPF’s authorization is set to expire in September of 2026. The bipartisan Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the HPF for 10 years and increase the authorized level from $150 million to $250 million annually.
- Urge your members of Congress cosponsor the HPF Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3418) and support long-term reauthorization of the HPF in moving legislation. Read our Reauthorize the HPF Issue Brief here.
Background
In 1976 Congress established the HPF to support the initiatives mandated by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Modeled after the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the HPF receives its funding through a small percentage of offshore oil and gas lease revenue from the outer-continental shelf (OCS) – not taxpayer dollars. Deposits into HPF are authorized at $150 million annually.
The HPF, administered by the National Park Service, supports State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO’s) and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and was later expanded to support several competitive grant programs.
While funding levels have varied over the years, recent proposals from the Administration have nearly eliminated funding for the HPF. Luckily Congress has consistently rejected these proposals, demonstrating the HPF’s bipartisan support.
Unfortunately, Congress hasn’t passed a long-term authorization since 2016, relying on inconsistent, one-year authorizations, causing uncertainty for states and tribes to carry out their important work. Additionally, the HPF’s authorization of $150 million has not been increased since the program was established and has not kept up with inflation or the expansion of the program. A lapse in funds could stall revitalization projects across the country and interrupt review of federal projects.
We urge Congress to renew their commitment to preserving America’s history as we commemorate America’s 250 anniversary and the 50 anniversary of the HPF.