Grants for Restoring Historic Buildings

How can I get a historic preservation grant?

The National Historic Preservation Act sets guidelines for working with non-profits in the preservation of historic buildings. When you own historical property or buildings, you can use Heritage Preservation Fund grants for the restoration of the properties that you own. The National Park Service administers the fund which gives funds to state authorities and then grants to the applicants. It is possible to obtain private funding. There are some prerequisites for gaining grants. You have to be the owner of the property at the time that the grant is sought, and the property has to be listed with the National Park Service or the National Register of Historic Places. It also must be of historic value or interest. Restorations can include repairs to exterior elements or structural stability. Sometimes restoration includes removing some of the old materials in the building to make way for new materials and methods. This can sometimes be controversial because it can sometimes ruin the historic significance of the building. It is important to seek professional advice before you begin any type of restoration on your historic building.

There are federal programs and federal grants for historic preservation projects and preservation planning. Some state and local governments also offer grants for historic landmarks. Contact your state historic preservation office if you want to learn more about historic preservation in your area.

Federal programs are administered through the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the Department of the Interior (including the National Park Service). These programs fund the repair and preservation of federal structures such as the White House and other national monuments. They also support activities such as research and education about historic preservation. However, many of these programs require matching funds from the recipients. This is to encourage local community participation in restoration projects.

Those who restore historic buildings are able to keep the connection of history alive. In this way, the person and agency must perform the necessary repairs and the repairs needed. Conservation activities include restoring the historic building to its original splendor. All such activities are dependent upon funding that is sometimes offered via grants. The types of activities that qualify to receive grants include research, publication, community workshops, education, and professional activities. These activities support the protection and maintenance of historic buildings in the United States and elsewhere. Preservation is a key component of the economic revitalization of downtown areas throughout the country. It is also an important part of helping future generations appreciate and understand the history and culture of their country and their world.

Make an Application

If you find a home that meets all eligibility requirements, submit your request to your state historic preservation department and the National Trust Preservation Fund. Make sure that the property you are applying to is detailed in your request and how much grant is required. National and state funding each have a definite deadline. In particular, applications to National Trust Preservation Funds must be submitted by April 31 each year, May 30, and June 30. Make a submission before the deadline in order to qualify.

This work includes structural repairs and educational programs for the public. Grants vary between $2000 – $10,000. Individuals can also apply if their property is designated as an historical national monument. The grants program is managed by the American Heritage Foundation. American Historical Society. 1786 Massachusetts Avenue. NW. Washington D.C. 2002-117. 205-838-6006. Site web.

Fulfill eligibility criteria

A property deems history when its history has been linked to the lives of people whose lives were important to historical history. The National Park Service will recommend the property for inclusion on its National Register of Historic Places when the property meets those requirements. Registration and entry are required to receive public funds. Grant applications are available to state agencies, universities, local governments, city councils, and nonprofits. State preservation offices are usually located at various state capitols. To obtain an application, contact your state's Historic Preservation Office or call the National Park Service at 202-524-0102 or toll free at 877-444-6777. Many state and federal agencies have grant programs for historic preservation, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service. Local governments may also have programs available to support heritage preservation projects.

State Historic Preservation Office

There are public agencies in many states. You should research whether your state has historic preservation funding sources available. In many cases, the funds can be used for the urban development of historic properties. 

Washington state does have a preservation fund. Architectural and archaeological surveys would be necessary to start historic preservation projects. The Washington state historic preservation office has a historic preservation fund available for preserving historic landmarks. 

In Iowa, the historic preservation office is titled the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. In Idaho, it is the Idaho State Historical Society. For Wyoming, it is literally the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office. As you can see many states will have some kind of historic preservation fund to protect historic districts, historic interiors, and so on. You should check in your state what state and local governments are willing and able to do to help with historic preservation. I am certain your state has a similar program too.

Grants for historic preservation funds are a service offered by the Federal government. There are also private grants available as well. Grants for historic preservation funds are given for particular projects and purposes. . Private grants for historic preservation funds are given based on the need of the individual. Foundation grants for historic preservation funds are given by foundations.

Grants from governments and private foundations can be used to purchase, reconstruct, or rehabilitate a property that has significant cultural heritage value. These funds may be used to stabilize deteriorating or abandoned buildings or to maintain properties in good condition so they continue to hold their historical significance. They also can be used to restore the original appearance of historic buildings to make them more aesthetically pleasing to the public.

There are myriad ways to go about applying for historic preservation grants. The first step is to find the programs that best suit the needs of your project or conservation work. You can apply to the federal government for your grant through the National Park Service, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts among others. You can look into the state departments that handle historic preservation. Typically these agencies have a grant program you can use. You can check with city and county governments to see if they offer any preservation grants.

National Park Service

The National park service does have a grant program for preservation projects. There are grant funds available and matching grants as well from some nonprofit organizations and foundations. Information about these grants is found here.

You can also apply for a matching grant from the state department of conservation and natural resources. You can find information about this grant here. Keep in mind that state and federal laws have specific guidelines and requirements for grants and funding designated for historic preservation projects. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them before you begin the application process.