Opportunity Information: Apply for P26AS00019
The FY2026 ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant (BLAG) is a competitive National Park Service (NPS) funding opportunity designed to help communities permanently protect significant historic battlefield land associated with the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Administered through the NPS American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), the grant focuses specifically on preservation through land acquisition, supporting community-led efforts that keep these nationally important landscapes intact and available for public benefit. BLAG is one of four ABPP grant tracks, alongside Preservation Planning, Battlefield Restoration, and Battlefield Interpretation, but BLAG is the one dedicated to acquiring land interests to prevent loss, fragmentation, or incompatible development.
BLAG funds can be used to acquire either full ownership (fee simple) or partial interests such as conservation easements (less-than-fee). The goal is straightforward: secure lasting protection for eligible battlefield lands by helping State and local governments, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations purchase properties or easements that preserve battlefield resources. Funding comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and any land acquired with BLAG support is subject to LWCF requirements, including the well-known non-conversion rule that restricts changing the protected land to other uses without approval and replacement provisions.
Eligibility is tightly tied to nationally recognized battlefield inventories. For Civil War sites, the land must relate to battlefields identified in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission (CWSAC) Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993). For Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites, the land must relate to principal battlefields identified in the NPS ABPP Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007), often referred to as the Survey Reports. To qualify, an eligible battlefield must have a battlefield or "survey" code in the Survey Reports, be located on U.S. soil (within U.S. boundaries), and be outside the exterior boundaries of any unit of the National Park System. A key restriction is that BLAG money cannot be used to acquire land (or interests in land) that lies within the legislative boundary of a National Park System unit.
The location test is also very specific: the acquisition generally needs to be at least 50 percent within the recognized battlefield boundary, and if a property overlaps a boundary, more than half of the property must fall inside the eligible battlefield boundary to be considered. For many sites, NPS has already defined boundaries through spatial data that accompanies the Survey Reports, and applicants can access battlefield boundary maps for free through the NPS DataStore. For eligible sites that do not have survey-defined boundaries, including those labeled as "Needing Further Study" in the 2007 report, applicants must propose defensible boundaries using established federal guidance, particularly National Register Bulletin No. 40 (battlefield identification and evaluation) and/or National Register Bulletin No. 21 (defining property boundaries).
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated throughout the year, with an original closing date listed as September 30, 2026. There is no stated limit on how many applications an eligible applicant may submit, and both new projects and requests to renew or supplement existing projects can compete in the same pool. While the notice lists an award ceiling of 0 (typically meaning the ceiling is not specified in the posting rather than that awards are zero), awards are competitive and tied to available LWCF funding.
Cost sharing is a core requirement: every BLAG award must be matched dollar-for-dollar with non-federal funds. In practical terms, applicants should expect to document committed matching resources and be prepared to show that the acquisition can close with the combined federal and non-federal amounts. Beyond the purchase itself, the program is structured to ensure long-term preservation and meaningful public benefit. Recipients are required to provide for public access and enjoyment of the lands or interests acquired with ABPP funds, in ways that align with the program's preservation goals (so access expectations must be balanced with protecting sensitive resources and maintaining the historic character of the site).
Permanent protection is reinforced through a required perpetual preservation easement. Grant recipients and their nonprofit partners that acquire an interest in eligible lands must convey a perpetual preservation easement to the appropriate State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or to another organization that is acceptable to both NPS and the SHPO. This requirement is meant to ensure that, regardless of ownership changes in the future, the battlefield values that justified the federal investment remain protected over the long term.
Finally, the FY2026 framing places special emphasis on the approaching 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. While the program remains open to eligible Civil War projects as well, ABPP explicitly encourages projects that expand preservation and deepen understanding of the nation’s origins, signaling that well-justified acquisitions connected to Revolutionary War and War of 1812 history may align strongly with the program’s commemorative focus for this period.
Key administrative details from the posting include: Funding Opportunity Number P26AS00019; agency National Park Service; assistance listing/CFDA 15.928; instrument type Grant; category Discretionary; and eligible applicants that include State governments, counties, cities or townships, federally recognized Tribal governments, other Tribal organizations, and nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding institutions of higher education).Apply for P26AS00019
- The National Park Service in the other sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY2026 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 2025-08-28.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-09-30. (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, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FY2026 ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant (BLAG) FAQs
What is the FY2026 ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant (BLAG)?
BLAG is a competitive National Park Service (NPS) funding opportunity administered through the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP). It helps communities permanently protect significant historic battlefield land associated with the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War by funding land acquisition (either full ownership or partial interests like conservation easements).
What is the main purpose of BLAG funding?
The program is focused on preservation through acquisition. The goal is to prevent loss, fragmentation, or incompatible development by securing lasting protection for eligible battlefield lands and keeping these landscapes intact for public benefit.
How is BLAG different from other ABPP grant tracks?
BLAG is one of four ABPP tracks. The other tracks are Preservation Planning, Battlefield Restoration, and Battlefield Interpretation. BLAG is specifically the track dedicated to acquiring land interests (fee simple or less-than-fee) to permanently protect battlefield resources.
Who administers this grant program?
The grant is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) through the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP).
What types of acquisitions can BLAG funds support?
BLAG funds can be used to acquire:
- Full ownership (fee simple acquisition)
- Partial interests such as conservation easements (less-than-fee acquisition)
Where does the funding come from?
Funding comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Lands acquired with BLAG support are subject to LWCF requirements.
What is the LWCF non-conversion rule and why does it matter for BLAG?
Lands acquired with BLAG support are subject to LWCF requirements, including the non-conversion rule. This rule restricts converting protected land to other uses unless approved, and it includes replacement provisions. This is part of what reinforces long-term protection of the acquired battlefield lands.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- State governments
- Counties
- Cities or townships
- Federally recognized Tribal governments
- Other Tribal organizations
- Nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding institutions of higher education)
Are institutions of higher education eligible?
No. Nonprofits are eligible (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), but institutions of higher education are explicitly excluded.
What conflicts or wars are covered by this funding opportunity?
BLAG supports acquisition projects tied to significant historic battlefield land associated with the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.
What makes a battlefield site eligible?
Eligibility is tied to nationally recognized battlefield inventories. The battlefield must be recognized in the relevant federal reports and meet the program rules (including location and National Park System boundary restrictions).
What Civil War sites are eligible?
For Civil War projects, the land must relate to battlefields identified in the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission (CWSAC) Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields (1993).
What Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites are eligible?
For Revolutionary War and War of 1812 projects, the land must relate to principal battlefields identified in the NPS ABPP 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.
Do eligible Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefields need a specific code?
Yes. To qualify, an eligible battlefield must have a battlefield or "survey" code in the 2007 Survey Reports.
Does the battlefield have to be located in the United States?
Yes. The eligible battlefield must be on U.S. soil (within U.S. boundaries).
Can BLAG funds be used to buy land inside a National Park System unit?
No. A key restriction is that BLAG money cannot be used to acquire land (or interests in land) that lies within the legislative boundary of a National Park System unit. Eligible sites must be outside the exterior boundaries of any unit of the National Park System.
Is there a minimum portion of the property that must fall within the recognized battlefield boundary?
Yes. The acquisition generally needs to be at least 50 percent within the recognized battlefield boundary. If a property overlaps the boundary, more than half of the property must fall inside the eligible battlefield boundary to be considered.
Where can applicants find battlefield boundary maps?
Applicants can access battlefield boundary maps for free through the NPS DataStore, using the spatial data that accompanies the Survey Reports.
What if the eligible battlefield site does not have survey-defined boundaries?
For eligible sites without survey-defined boundaries (including those labeled "Needing Further Study" in the 2007 report), applicants must propose defensible boundaries using established federal guidance, particularly National Register Bulletin No. 40 (battlefield identification and evaluation) and/or National Register Bulletin No. 21 (defining property boundaries).
Is this funding opportunity competitive or first-come, first-served?
It is competitive. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated throughout the year, but awards are competitive and tied to available LWCF funding.
When are applications due?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with an original closing date listed as September 30, 2026.
How many applications can an eligible applicant submit?
The posting does not state a limit on how many applications an eligible applicant may submit.
Can existing projects apply again for more funding?
Yes. Both new projects and requests to renew or supplement existing projects can compete in the same pool.
Is there a maximum award amount?
The notice lists an award ceiling of 0. In practice, this typically indicates the ceiling is not specified in the posting rather than that awards are zero. Awards are competitive and depend on available LWCF funding.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes. Every BLAG award must be matched dollar-for-dollar with non-federal funds.
What does a dollar-for-dollar match mean for applicants?
It means the applicant must provide non-federal matching funds equal to the federal amount requested. Applicants should expect to document committed matching resources and be prepared to show that the acquisition can close using the combined federal and non-federal amounts.
Does BLAG require public access to the acquired land?
Yes. Recipients are required to provide for public access and enjoyment of lands or interests acquired with ABPP funds, in ways that align with preservation goals. Access expectations should be balanced with protecting sensitive resources and maintaining the historic character of the site.
Is permanent protection required after acquisition?
Yes. Permanent protection is reinforced through program requirements, including LWCF restrictions and a required perpetual preservation easement.
What is the perpetual preservation easement requirement?
Grant recipients and their nonprofit partners that acquire an interest in eligible lands must convey a perpetual preservation easement to the appropriate State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) or to another organization acceptable to both NPS and the SHPO.
Why is the perpetual preservation easement required?
The easement is meant to ensure that even if ownership changes in the future, the battlefield values that justified the federal investment remain protected over the long term.
Does the FY2026 cycle prioritize certain projects?
The FY2026 framing places special emphasis on the approaching 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. While Civil War projects remain eligible, ABPP explicitly encourages projects that expand preservation and deepen understanding of the nation’s origins, which may align strongly with Revolutionary War and War of 1812 acquisitions.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?
The Funding Opportunity Number is P26AS00019.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number?
The Assistance Listing/CFDA number is 15.928.
What type of award instrument is used?
The instrument type is a Grant, and the category is Discretionary.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other
Next opportunity: DoW, Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy – Early-Career Investigator Award
Previous opportunity: Fair Housing Initiatives Program - Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI)
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 P26AS00019
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (P26AS00019) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY25 VIETNAM WARTIME ACCOUNTING INITIATIVE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS Apply for HQ003425NFOEASD10 Funding Number: HQ003425NFOEASD10 Agency: Washington Headquarters Services Category: Other Funding Amount: $550,000 |
| 9/11 Memorial Act Grant Apply for P25AS00350 Funding Number: P25AS00350 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| FY2025 ABPP - Battlefield Restoration Grants Apply for P25AS00475 Funding Number: P25AS00475 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| FY25-OLS-Railroad Rights-of-Way and Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Information and Education Program Apply for FR OLS 25 001 Funding Number: FR OLS 25 001 Agency: DOT - Federal Railroad Administration Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant Program Apply for DHS USCG STATE 2026 Funding Number: DHS USCG STATE 2026 Agency: United States Coast Guard Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO Programs Benefiting Displaced Iraqis and Syrian Refugees Apply for PRM ANE NOI 01 Funding Number: PRM ANE NOI 01 Agency: Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program Apply for DHS FEMA C UAS 161 Funding Number: DHS FEMA C UAS 161 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other Funding Amount: $250,000,000 |
| FIFA World Cup Grant Program (FWCGP) Apply for DHS FEMA FWCGP 160 Funding Number: DHS FEMA FWCGP 160 Agency: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other Funding Amount: $74,000,000 |
| Archeological Inventory Survey of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (FLFO), Phase 2 Apply for P26AS00028 Funding Number: P26AS00028 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Notice of Funding Opportunity (Latvia) Apply for 2026 01 Funding Number: 2026 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Latvia Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 - Brazil Apply for FY26 BSB 410601 Funding Number: FY26 BSB 410601 Agency: U.S. Mission to Brazil Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| 2026 CTR Non-Proliferation Programing Apply for DFOP0017675 Funding Number: DFOP0017675 Agency: Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| International Religious Freedom Fund (I-REFF) Emergency Assistance Apply for DFOP0017721 Funding Number: DFOP0017721 Agency: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other Funding Amount: $4,853,409 |
| Veterans Legacy Grants Program Apply for VA NCA VLGP FY2026 Funding Number: VA NCA VLGP FY2026 Agency: Veterans Legacy Grants Program Category: Other Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026: Strengthen U.S.–Kazakhstan Partnerships Through Alumni-Led Innovation Apply for DOS KAZ AST ECA 26 001 Funding Number: DOS KAZ AST ECA 26 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan Category: Other Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| Cartel Recruitment Understanding & Suppression Hub (CRUSH Apply for OFOP0002504 Funding Number: OFOP0002504 Agency: Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Countering Cartel Recruitment in Mexico Apply for OFOP0002496 Funding Number: OFOP0002496 Agency: Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| FY 2026 English Language Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Program Apply for DFOP0017779 Funding Number: DFOP0017779 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $14,000,000 |
| FY 2026 Community College Administrator Program Apply for DFOP0017811 Funding Number: DFOP0017811 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $550,000 |
| FY 2026 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellowship Apply for DFOP0017815 Funding Number: DFOP0017815 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other Funding Amount: $4,467,000 |
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 "P26AS00019", 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.