Opportunity Information: Apply for P25AS00478
The FY2025 ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant (BLAG) is a competitive National Park Service funding opportunity designed to help protect historic battlefield land tied to the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. The program sits within the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), which supports community-driven work to preserve and interpret battlefield resources beyond the boundaries of national park units. BLAG specifically focuses on permanently safeguarding threatened battlefield landscapes by helping recipients acquire either full ownership (fee simple) or partial ownership interests such as conservation or preservation easements (less-than-fee). Funding comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and projects are judged competitively as applications are submitted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Only state and local governments are eligible to apply directly, including state agencies as well as county and city or township governments. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible applicants on their own, but they can still participate by partnering with an eligible government that has jurisdiction over the property interest being acquired. In that setup, the state or local government remains the official grant recipient and functions as a pass-through entity for the federal funds, while the nonprofit may carry out acquisition-related activities in coordination with the government partner. There is no stated limit on how many applications an eligible applicant can submit, and requests to renew or supplement existing projects can compete alongside brand-new proposals.
A central requirement of BLAG is the cost share: every grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar with non-federal funding. In practice, that means the applicant must bring an equal amount of eligible match to the table (for example, state or local appropriations, private donations, or other non-federal sources) to complete the acquisition. While the notice does not list an award ceiling, it makes clear that awards are competitive and tied to the availability of LWCF resources.
To qualify, the land must be part of an eligible battlefield identified in specific national battlefield survey documents. Civil War sites must be listed in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission report, Report on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields (1993). Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites must be among the principal battlefields identified in ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007), commonly referenced as the Survey Reports. Eligible battlefields must (1) have an assigned battlefield or survey code in those Survey Reports, (2) be located on U.S. soil/within U.S. boundaries, and (3) be outside the exterior boundaries of any unit of the National Park System. BLAG funds cannot be used to acquire land or interests in land within the legislative boundary of a National Park System unit, which is an important screening factor for prospective applicants.
The program also applies a clear geographic eligibility test for the parcel being acquired. Generally, the acquisition should lie at least 50 percent within the recognized battlefield boundary for the eligible site. If a property overlaps the battlefield boundary, more than half of the property must be inside the boundary for the application to be eligible. For most sites, those boundaries are established through ABPP spatial data associated with the Survey Reports, and applicants can access battlefield boundary maps for free through the NPS DataStore. If a site does not have a survey-defined boundary (including locations labeled as "Needing Further Study" in the 2007 report), the applicant must propose defensible boundaries using established National Register guidance, including National Register Bulletin 40 (battlefield identification and evaluation) and/or National Register Bulletin 21 (defining National Register property boundaries).
BLAG-funded acquisitions come with long-term stewardship and public benefit obligations. Recipients must provide for public access and enjoyment of lands or interests acquired with ABPP funds, and that access must be consistent with preservation goals, meaning the public benefit cannot undermine the resource being protected. In addition, land acquired with LWCF-supported funds is subject to LWCF non-conversion requirements, which generally prevent the property from being converted to non-conservation uses without federal review and replacement requirements. Another key requirement is permanence: grant recipients and their nonprofit partners must convey a perpetual preservation easement to the appropriate State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or to another organization that both the National Park Service and the SHPO find acceptable. This is intended to ensure the historic landscape values remain protected over time even if ownership changes.
The opportunity is open through a rolling evaluation process with an original closing date of December 31, 2025 (Funding Opportunity Number P25AS00478; CFDA 15.928). The National Park Service also highlights a thematic emphasis as the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, encouraging projects that not only preserve land but also strengthen understanding of the nation’s origins. In short, BLAG is a preservation-focused acquisition program aimed at permanently protecting significant battlefield landscapes through state and local leadership, with required non-federal matching funds, strict site eligibility rules tied to federal battlefield surveys, and lasting conservation obligations including public access and perpetual easement protection.Apply for P25AS00478
- The National Park Service in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY2025 ABPP - Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.928.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2025-01-03.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-12-31. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FY2025 ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant (BLAG) FAQs
What is the FY2025 ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant (BLAG)?
BLAG is a competitive National Park Service (NPS) funding opportunity under the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) that helps permanently protect historic battlefield land associated with the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War by supporting land acquisition.
What is the main purpose of BLAG funding?
The program is designed to permanently safeguard threatened battlefield landscapes by helping recipients acquire land or interests in land so those historic resources can be preserved over the long term.
Which wars and battlefield types are covered by this opportunity?
BLAG supports acquisitions tied to eligible battlefields associated with the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.
Who is eligible to apply directly for BLAG?
Only state and local governments are eligible to apply directly. This includes state agencies and local government entities such as county, city, or township governments.
Are nonprofit organizations eligible applicants?
No. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply on their own. However, they may participate by partnering with an eligible state or local government that has jurisdiction over the property interest being acquired.
How can a nonprofit participate if it cannot apply directly?
A nonprofit can partner with an eligible state or local government. In that arrangement, the government is the official grant recipient and serves as a pass-through entity for federal funds, while the nonprofit may carry out acquisition-related activities in coordination with the government partner.
Is there a limit on how many applications an eligible applicant can submit?
The notice does not state a limit on the number of applications an eligible applicant may submit.
Can renewal or supplemental requests be submitted, or only new projects?
Requests to renew or supplement existing projects can compete alongside brand-new proposals.
What types of acquisition does BLAG fund?
BLAG can support acquiring full ownership (fee simple) or partial ownership interests such as conservation or preservation easements (less-than-fee).
Where does BLAG funding come from?
Funding comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
How are applications reviewed?
Projects are judged competitively, with applications submitted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
What is the cost share requirement?
Every BLAG award must be matched dollar-for-dollar with non-federal funding. The applicant must provide an equal amount of eligible non-federal match to complete the acquisition.
What sources can be used for the required non-federal match?
The notice provides examples such as state or local appropriations, private donations, or other non-federal sources.
Is there an award ceiling?
The notice does not list an award ceiling, but it emphasizes that awards are competitive and depend on the availability of LWCF resources.
What battlefield sites are eligible for BLAG funding?
Eligible battlefields must be identified in specific national battlefield survey documents. Civil War sites must be listed in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission report Report on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields (1993). Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites must be among the principal battlefields identified in ABPP’s Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007), often called the Survey Reports.
What are the baseline site eligibility tests for a battlefield?
Eligible battlefields must (1) have an assigned battlefield or survey code in the Survey Reports, (2) be located on U.S. soil/within U.S. boundaries, and (3) be outside the exterior boundaries of any unit of the National Park System.
Can BLAG funds be used to acquire land inside a National Park System unit?
No. BLAG funds cannot be used to acquire land or interests in land within the legislative boundary of a National Park System unit.
What is the parcel-level geographic eligibility requirement?
Generally, the parcel being acquired should lie at least 50 percent within the recognized battlefield boundary. If a property overlaps the battlefield boundary, more than half of the property must be inside the boundary for the application to be eligible.
Where can applicants find official battlefield boundary maps?
For most sites, boundaries are established through ABPP spatial data associated with the Survey Reports. Applicants can access battlefield boundary maps for free through the NPS DataStore.
What if an eligible site does not have a survey-defined boundary?
If a site does not have a survey-defined boundary (including locations labeled as "Needing Further Study" in the 2007 report), the applicant must propose defensible boundaries using established National Register guidance, including National Register Bulletin 40 and/or National Register Bulletin 21.
What long-term obligations come with a BLAG-funded acquisition?
BLAG-funded acquisitions include stewardship and public benefit obligations. Recipients must provide for public access and enjoyment that is consistent with preservation goals, and the land is subject to LWCF non-conversion requirements. The program also requires permanent protection through a perpetual preservation easement.
Is public access required for land acquired with BLAG funds?
Yes. Recipients must provide for public access and enjoyment of lands or interests acquired with ABPP funds, and that access must be consistent with preservation goals so that public use does not undermine the resource being protected.
What are LWCF non-conversion requirements in this context?
Land acquired with LWCF-supported funds is generally restricted from being converted to non-conservation uses without federal review and replacement requirements.
Is a perpetual preservation easement required?
Yes. Grant recipients and their nonprofit partners must convey a perpetual preservation easement to the appropriate State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or to another organization acceptable to both the National Park Service and the SHPO.
Why is the perpetual preservation easement required?
The intent is to ensure the historic landscape values remain protected over time, even if ownership changes.
When does this funding opportunity close?
The opportunity is open through a rolling evaluation process with an original closing date of December 31, 2025.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA listing for this program?
Funding Opportunity Number: P25AS00478. CFDA: 15.928.
Does the program have any special emphasis for this cycle?
Yes. NPS highlights a thematic emphasis as the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, encouraging projects that preserve land and strengthen understanding of the nation’s origins.
Does BLAG only support work inside national parks?
No. ABPP supports community-driven work to preserve and interpret battlefield resources beyond the boundaries of national park units, and BLAG specifically requires that eligible battlefields be outside the exterior boundaries of any unit of the National Park System.
What does it mean that the program is competitive and rolling?
Applications are reviewed as they are submitted, and funding decisions are made competitively based on the review process and the availability of LWCF resources.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers
Previous opportunity: The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Slovakia
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for P25AS00478
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (P25AS00478) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY2025 NAGPRA Repatriation Grants Apply for P25AS00474 Funding Number: P25AS00474 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2024 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Apply for DHS 24 MT 047 00 98 Funding Number: DHS 24 MT 047 00 98 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other Funding Amount: $150,000,000 |
| 2025 Preservation Technology and Training Cooperative Agreements Apply for P25AS00212 Funding Number: P25AS00212 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2024 Flood Mitigation Assistance Apply for DHS 24 MT 029 000 98 Funding Number: DHS 24 MT 029 000 98 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DRL FY24 Global Equality Fund Programs Apply for DFOP0017096 Funding Number: DFOP0017096 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,250,000 |
| USAID Policy Reform Support activity Apply for RFI 720 656 2025 POLICY Funding Number: RFI 720 656 2025 POLICY Agency: Mozambique USAID-Maputo Category: Other Funding Amount: $31,500,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Managua Annual Program Statement Apply for PDS MGA APS FY25 01 Funding Number: PDS MGA APS FY25 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Nicaragua Category: Other Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Statement of Interest: Accountability for Mass Atrocities Program Statement Round One Apply for DFOP0017128 Funding Number: DFOP0017128 Agency: Office of Global Criminal Justice Category: Other Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Small Business Innovation Research FY2025 Phase II Apply for NOAA OAR TPO 2025 0002 Funding Number: NOAA OAR TPO 2025 0002 Agency: DOC NOAA - ERA Production Category: Other Funding Amount: $690,000 |
| FY25 Public Diplomacy Section Notice of Funding Opportunity Apply for PDS ABV NOFO FY25 01 Funding Number: PDS ABV NOFO FY25 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Nigeria Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Santiago Public Diplomacy Annual Program Statement Apply for STGO APS FY2025 Funding Number: STGO APS FY2025 Agency: U.S. Mission to Chile Category: Other Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Congo Basin Conclave 2 – Cultural Component Apply for AF DRC FY25 03 Funding Number: AF DRC FY25 03 Agency: U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| DRL Strengthening Governance by Improving Legislative Drafting and Bolstering Youth Civic Engagement in Pakistan Apply for DFOP0017108 Funding Number: DFOP0017108 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Congo Basin Conclave 2 - Cultural Component Apply for AF DRC FY25 07 Funding Number: AF DRC FY25 07 Agency: U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Congo Basin Conclave 2 – Administrative Component Apply for AF DRC FY25 06 Funding Number: AF DRC FY25 06 Agency: U.S. Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo Category: Other Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM Apply for BH 001 FY2025 Funding Number: BH 001 FY2025 Agency: U.S. Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Category: Other Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025 Apply for PDS BUJUMBURA FY25 02 Funding Number: PDS BUJUMBURA FY25 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to Burundi Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2025 Apply for EMB BANGUI PDS AEIF FY25 001 Funding Number: EMB BANGUI PDS AEIF FY25 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Central African Republic Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Abidjan PDS Annual Program Statement Apply for PDS SIV 100 FY25 APS Funding Number: PDS SIV 100 FY25 APS Agency: U.S. Mission to Cote d Ivoire Category: Other Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| EDA Philadelphia FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program Apply for EDA PHI TA PRO 2018 2005550 Funding Number: EDA PHI TA PRO 2018 2005550 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Other Funding Amount: $300,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "P25AS00478", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.