Released at the beginning of May, the fiscal year (FY) 2026 President’s budget proposes unprecedented cuts to historic preservation funding that, if adopted by Congress, would undermine preservation and community building efforts throughout the United States. Advocates are needed to reach out to their Congressional delegations and explain the positive impact historic preservation investments have in helping build stronger, more resilient communities.

Adding to this challenge is the fact that FY2025 historic preservation funding, which was approved by Congress earlier this year, has not been released to State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, or for already-awarded competitive grant programs under the Historic Preservation Fund.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation shares the concerns of the National Council of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) about the impact delayed federal funding will have in administering national preservation programs at the state level. Most states now face imminent reductions in staff if current year funding is not released. Join the growing coalition of support for historic preservation funding and learn more on the NCSHPO website.

For perspectives and information at the local level, the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) has also released material to help advocates support the Historic Preservation Fund.

Please also visit the National Trust's page on the Historic Preservation Fund for our fact sheet and take action to protect the Historic Preservation Fund.

Looking for specific examples to share as part of your advocacy? Check out this collection of projects, one for each state and Washington, D.C.

NCSHPO:

“There is concern over the future of the HPF, inclusive of the ability of SHPO offices to continue their work benefitting communities across the country. We cannot let that happen – and with the help of Congress, we can ensure that our national historic preservation program continues to be a partnership – fulfilling the commitment made to our historic places. Severing that bond, particularly in the face of our 250th Anniversary in 2026, sends the message that our history, our communities, and what fundamentally tells our American story doesn’t matter.” - Erik Hein, executive director NCSHPO.

• Historic Preservation Under Threat
• SHPOs | Historic Preservation Under Threat

NAPC:

“At NAPC, we believe strongly in the preservation partnership model established by the National Historic Preservation Act—federal, state, and local governments working together to protect our shared heritage. Without federal support, this system breaks down, and local communities are left without vital resources.” - NAPC

• The Historic Preservation Fund and Local Commissions
• The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) & Local Commissions
• How Recent Federal Actions Impact Local Preservation Programs