Timeline
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Applications Due: Friday, April 3, 2026 – by 5:00pm
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Awards Announced: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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Funds Available: Friday June 5, 2026
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Project Completion Date: Friday, December 31, 2027 (no later than)
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Project Reports Due: Friday February 4, 2028
Introduction
The Keweenaw NHP Advisory Commission is offering Keweenaw Heritage Grant opportunities to owners and operators of historic properties and providers of history programs in support of projects that further the preservation and interpretation of the story of copper on the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants must be a designated Keweenaw Heritage Site, a non-profit organization, a local or regional government, an academic institution, or a federally recognized Indian tribe. As a reminder, prior Heritage Grant recipients must submit project completion reports to be eligible to apply.
Project Eligibility
For the 2026 grant program, the proposed project or program must be: located within the boundaries of Keweenaw NHP; affiliated with an existing Keweenaw Heritage Site; or located at the Cliff Mine, along Torch Lake, or within the community of Painesdale.
The purpose of the grant program is to provide enhancement funds for a broad range of projects and programs including, but not limited to:
Historic Preservation: building maintenance; structure stabilization; façade improvements; landscape preservation; planning and design; health and safety; universal accessibility.
History and Archeology: oral history; research and reference; survey and documentation.
Interpretation and Education: alternative media; exhibit; education programs; interpretive planning; publications; tours and guided programs; training; lesson plans.
Museum Collections: archival preservation; artifact care and cataloging; housekeeping; photograph digitization.
Organizational/Program Sustainability: organizational development; volunteer development; leadership development; board training; community engagement.
Other preservation and heritage-related projects will also be considered. Grants cannot fund direct or overhead expenses, while indirect expenses can only amount to 10% of total project cost. Applicants may submit up to two (2) applications, which must be prioritized by the applicant. Greater consideration will be given to Keweenaw Heritage Site organizations for their highest priority application.
All grant applications must be approved through consultation with National Park Service staff unless waived by the Advisory Commission due to staffing issues, timing constraints, etc. Waiving of consultation must be requested by the applicant to the Advisory Commission via phone or email (contact info below).
The minimum grant request is $1,000 and the maximum grant request is $15,000. At least $115,000 is expected to be available for the 2026 Keweenaw Heritage Grants program.
Grant funds are expected to be available to successful applicants by June 5, 2026. Projects are to be completed by December 31, 2027, and reported on by February 4, 2028.
Complete Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be a designated Keweenaw Heritage Site, a non-profit organization, a local or regional government, an academic institution, or a federally recognized Indian tribe.
- The property, program, or project must be located within the boundaries of Keweenaw NHP; affiliated with an existing Keweenaw Heritage Site; or located at the Cliff Mine, along Torch Lake, or within the community of Painesdale.
- The property owner, operator, or organization must be able to provide a 1-to-1 match, with up to 100% of the match being in-kind (non-cash expenses that are directly related to the proposed project). The hourly rate for volunteer/in-kind match is to be calculated at $25 per hour.
- Historic property preservation projects must comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
- Grant recipients are required to submit a brief written report following the completion of their project.
Submission
Applications may be submitted in person or by mail to park headquarters by close of business on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Address applications to:
Keweenaw National Historical Park Advisory Commission
Keweenaw Heritage Grants – 2026
25970 Red Jacket Road
Calumet, MI 49913
Review and Award
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of NPS staff and Advisory Commission members. Notifications of awards will be made by Friday, May 13, 2026. Projects will be selected for funding based on the content of the application, available funds, and a desire to balance grant awards by type and location.
Contact Information and Questions
For further information, contact Advisory Commission Executive Director Sean Gohman at 906-483-3040.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Sean Gohman prior to developing an application to facilitate consultation with NPS staff.
