Annually each Spring, Congressional offices provide the opportunity to hear directly from constituents about what you’d like them to support for appropriations.
Many Senate and House offices are awaiting official guidance from their respective appropriation committees before opening their submission process for FY27. However, some offices have already opened their portals and/or posted instructions on their FY27 process.
That means it’s time to detail your HPF request!
Visit your Congressmembers’ websites to see if they have opened their submission portal for FY 2027 Appropriations requests.
Do not delay, as these deadlines tend to both appear and pass quickly – don’t miss your opportunity to make a programmatic request to fund the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF)!
Why Should Constituents Submit?
1. Put the HPF on the Member’s Radar
Funding is ultimately determined by the Senate Appropriations Committee & House Appropriations Committee — making submission to those members particularly important.
But don’t overlook your non-committee congressmembers! They rely on the volume and quality of requests they receive to prioritize, and in turn can relay to their committee colleagues that they’ve “received multiple formal requests.”
If no one submits a request — it’s easy for an issue to be overlooked.
2. Signal Local Support
Multiple submissions demonstrate real, district-level demand — not just a Washington-based ask.
3. Protects Programs in Tight Budget Years
In times of concerted efforts to reduce spending (like now), programs without visible constituent backing may be more vulnerable to cuts.
Ensure silence is not interpreted as indifference!
4. Builds Rapport
Submitting a formal request allows you to build a relationship or maintain ongoing connection with an office. A formal request may trigger further discussion with legislative staff and position you or your organization as an engaged stakeholder whom that office can rely on in the future for your expertise.
Completing Requests
Though each office has a unique submittal process, the following may assist you in completing your historic preservation funding requests:
| Proposal/Request Type: | Programmatic Funding Request |
| Program Title & Account: | Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) |
| Description: | The HPF assists state and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices to identify and champion historic places, and funds competitive grant projects – supporting historic preservation initiatives in communities nationwide |
| Appropriations Subcommittee/Bill: | Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies |
| Requested Funding Level: | $250 million for HPF |
| FY 2026 Funding Level: | $181.059 million for HPF |
| FY 2027 President’s Budget Request: | TBA [FY 2026 = $11 million] |
| State Impacts: | Describe how this funding directly impacts your state |
| Additional Info | Include any relevant details & data from your state, including preservation initiatives and relevant grant programs. Attach Fund the HPF | SHPO & THPO one pagers |
Congressional offices simultaneously accept requests for FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending for specific project funding, through a separate submittal process.
