Courtesy of Sealaska Heritage Institute.
The goal of NAGPRA grants is to increase the number of successful returns of Native American human remains and cultural items.
What types of grants do you offer?
There are two types of NAGPRA Grants available:
Consultation/Documentation Grants support the efforts of museums, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations in consulting and documenting NAGPRA-related human remains and cultural items in non-Federal collections.
Repatriation Grants defray costs associated with the packaging, transportation, contamination removal, and/or storage of NAGPRA-related human remains and cultural items.
Who is eligible to apply?
Museums with NAGPRA collections, Indian Tribes (including Alaska Native tribes and villages), and Native Hawaiian organizations, all as defined under NAGPRA, are eligible to apply.
What activities are eligible for funding?
Generally, direct project costs for personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, consultants, and other costs such as stipends or training are eligible. Work on non-NAGPRA collections, general operating support, general cultural resources activities, and construction are not eligible activities.
Will you be offering the grants next year?
Funds for supporting NAGPRA grant are appropriated annually by Congress and depend on a final Federal budget for the National Park Service.
When are funding opportunities announced?
Funding Opportunity Announcements are posted on Grants.gov annually, usually in November or December. You can subscribe to saved searches to receive email notifications when NAGPRA grant opportunities become available. We recommend searching by Assistance Listing 15.922.
When is the deadline to apply?
The deadline for Consultation/Documentation grants is typically in mid-March, while the deadline for Repatriation grants is typically in mid-May. Applicants may submit applications any time after the annual Funding Opportunity Announcement is posted on Grants.gov.
If I apply for a NAGPRA grant, how long will it take for me to receive my funding?
It depends. Many factors go into the processing, review, and approval of grant applications. Applicants should anticipate at least 4-6 months turnaround time for NAGPRA award announcements.
How do I submit an application?
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applicants should review information about registering in and using Grants.gov.
Can I submit more than one application in a single year?
Yes. There is no limit on how many applications you may submit in a single year, however each application must be for a separate, discrete project.
Can I have more than one open award at the same time?
Yes. You may have more than one active award at the same time. An applicant’s capacity to manage multiple grants at once is evaluated during the application review.
What must I include in my application?
The Funding Opportunity Announcement will have the complete list of required forms and documentation for each grant application.
What is the review process for applications?
The application review process for both grant programs consists of an initial review for eligibility and completeness, a merit review, a budget review, and a risk assessment.
Who has received NAGPRA grants?
A full list of past grantees is available.
Last updated: April 17, 2025