Funding Opportunities

In-depth Historic Research Study on the Fort Spokane Native American Boarding School at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Washington 

Application due date: December 15th, 2026, prior to 5:00 p.m. PST

Letters of Interest should be submitted to denise_bausch@nps.gov

Overview:

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (LARO) is seeking the assistance of principal investigator(s) for a project to develop a comprehensive Historic Resource Study focused on Fort Spokane, primarily the Indian boarding school period. This study will help expand existing documentation and provide a clearer understanding of the site's administrative and educational history, supporting future interpretive and educational planning efforts. 

Background:

Fort Spokane, located within Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, possesses a complex institutional history, including periods of use as a U.S. Army post, an educational facility, and later a medical site. Documentation related to several phases of its administrative history, particularly the Indian boarding school period between 1899 and 1929, remains limited in scope. Enhancing the documentation of this era will support improved interpretive and educational programs while ensuring accuracy and completeness. This project is intended to develop a comprehensive Historic Resource Study that expands the factual understanding of this historical timeframe through archival research, consultation with Tribal partners, and, where appropriate, oral history collection. 

Funding has been awarded to Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area to support research activities necessary for preparing a substantive historic study of Fort Spokane, including primary source review and compilation of findings in a final report.

Please see attachment below for full request

Period of Performance: The period of performance of this Cooperative Agreement will be determined when the partner is selected and the Agreement awarded. It is expected to extend 24 months. 

Tentative start date: March 2027 

Tentative end date: March 2028

Eligibility: This Request for Letters of Interest is open to qualified researchers, accredited academic institutions, Tribal organizations, and nonprofit entities that are members of the CESU and have demonstrated expertise in historical research, cultural resource studies, public history, or related professional fields.

Past Funding Opportunities