Why It Matters
No federal grant program provides direct funding specifically for military memorials or monuments. A new Congressional Research Service (CRS) report identifies potential funding sources for congressional offices and constituents pursuing military preservation and commemoration projects.
Most states also lack grant programs specifically for military history or commemoration, although federal programs may fund military historic preservation. For applicants, the distinction between a memorial and a preservation project can affect which programs are relevant.
The Big Picture
Congressional offices frequently receive constituent requests for help funding projects such as museum collections and memorials honoring service members and veterans. The guide covers state, local and private memorials and monuments, but excludes national memorials and monuments.
Many listed assistance programs are not designed specifically for military projects, and their eligibility rules can exclude some proposals. The report also says narrow program purposes and competition can limit grant success.
Potential federal resources cover different types of work:
- The National Endowment for the Humanities’ grant programs support humanities projects and have funded military history initiatives.
- The National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program funds battlefield preservation and interpretation. Eligibility varies by grant type and can include governments and nonprofit organizations.
- The Save America’s Treasures program supports the preservation of nationally significant historic properties and collections.
The funded projects illustrate the range of work supported through broader programs. The humanities endowment awarded the Newport Historical Society in Rhode Island a grant in July to digitize documents related to the American Revolution. The Save America’s Treasures program funded rehabilitation of the Commanding Officer’s House at Historic Fort Wayne in Detroit in 2021.
State historic preservation offices can be sources of assistance, including through subgrant programs. State and local funding for commemorative projects varies widely and may be limited.
The Bottom Line
CRS advises grantseekers to monitor federal and organizational websites for current opportunities, since listed programs may not have active grants. Grantseekers may also sign up for alerts or notifications about current grant opportunities.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article
