§308903 Grants

Summary

At least 50 percent of the money for these grants must go to projects that protect museum collections and historic places. The Secretary runs a competitive grant process and sets the rules. Groups that want a grant must send an application with whatever information the Secretary asks for. Only collections or places that are both nationally important and at risk can get money. Historic places must either be on the National Register at the national level or be a National Historic Landmark. The project must greatly reduce the threat, have a clear public benefit, and be able to finish on time and on budget. Each project can get only one grant, and projects that also support the Preserve America Program may be preferred. The Secretary will consult with certain preservation organizations when picking projects, but any organization that applied must step aside from that consultation. At least 30 days before awarding grants for a year, the Secretary must give a list of chosen projects to four congressional committees. Grant recipients must cover at least 50 percent of the project cost with cash or donated supplies/services. The Secretary must make sure applicants have a real plan to get that non‑Federal share before giving the grant.