In March 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation released our annual report recommending funding levels for vital federal preservation programs. Historic preservation is not just about protecting our past—it is essential to preserving the very places, stories, and traditions that define us as a nation. Programs housed under the National Park Service like the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), Cultural Programs, and more, are vital resources in this effort, safeguarding America’s irreplaceable treasures and driving economic growth, community identity, and sustainability through the reuse of historic buildings.

Looking into FY 2026 the report urges Congress to make critical investments in historic preservation including investing $225 million in the HPF.

By advocating for robust funding for preservation, we ensure that we can continue to protect the places that tell the stories of our nation’s past, present, and future. Together, we can work toward safeguarding America’s heritage by protecting and enhancing these programs.

As the budget cycle moves forward the National Trust remains committed to advocating for funding these essential programs and will update the report as more details emerge.

Reach out to your members of Congress now to urge them to robustly fund and reauthorize the HPF!