Historic Preservation Fund Grant Program: Archaeological Category (IN)

The Historic Preservation Fund Grant Program in Indiana supports archaeological projects through matching grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Administered by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, this program focuses on enhancing cultural resource management and includes funding for archaeological surveys and National Register nominations. Eligible applicants include local governments, universities, and not-for-profit organizations, with a preference for Certified Local Governments. Approximately $500,000 to $600,000 is available annually.

Project Categories
Depending on Congressional appropriation, the DHPA awards approximately $500,000 to $600,000 each year in HPF matching grants for projects in three categories. The maximum grant request ranges from $50,000 to $75,000 depending on the project category: Architectural & Historical Category, Archaeological Category, and Acquisition & Development Category.
Phase I Archaeological Surveys on previously unsurveyed portions of DNR-owned properties including Fish & Wildlife Areas, Nature Preserves, State Forests, and State Parks.Phase I Archaeological Surveys that address data deficiency priorities identified by the DHPA.National Register nominations for eligible archaeological sites and resources.
Grant requests in this category can range from $10,000 to $50,000 and are subject to a 70/30 matching ratio.
Approximately 25% to 30% of available HPF grant funding is awarded in this category.

Eligibility

Historic buildings or structures to be documented or rehabilitated with grant federal funds must already be listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the time of application.Eligible applicants include: local governments, colleges and universities, and not-for-profit organizations with tax exempt status.The U.S. Department of Justice has determined that religious organizations are eligible to participate in the HPF Grant Program.For-profit entities are eligible to apply in the Archaeological Category only.How must grant funds be matched?Acceptable forms of matching funds include cash from any non-federal source, in-kind donations of goods and services at documented fair market value, and volunteer labor valued at minimum wage. In general, at least 90% of the local match for any project should be in the form of cash.All matching funds must be on-hand and available at the time of application; there is little time for fundraising after receipt of a grant award.

Ineligibility

Private individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible to receive competitive grant funds in the Architectural and Historical or the Acquisition and Development Categories.