Are you an owner of a historic building? If so, you may be eligible for grants designed to help preserve and restore these iconic structures. Grants for historic buildings are offered by various government and non-profit organizations to ensure these treasures are restored and protected for generations to come.
These grants are typically aimed at covering the costs of preservation projects, such as structural repairs, restoration of historical elements, and installation of utilities. They can be an invaluable resource for building owners, helping to make significant improvements that might otherwise be unaffordable.
Federal Grants for Historic Buildings
The National Park Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, administers several grant programs aimed at historic buildings. These include the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) and the Save America's Treasures program.
The HPF, managed by the National Park Service, provides funding to states, tribes, and local governments for a variety of historic preservation projects. These can include the preservation of historic buildings, construction of visitor facilities, and the planning and development of state and local preservation programs.
Historical Services Grants-in-Aid
Historical Services Grants-in-Aid are part of the HPF and are awarded to support state and local governments in their historic preservation efforts. These grants can help fund planning, survey, education, and training activities.
For example, a historical society might use a Historical Services Grant to train volunteers in historic property research methods or to create a walking tour brochure for a historic district.
Save America's Treasures Grants
The Save America's Treasures program is a competitive matching grant program that funds projects to preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections. These grants are typically awarded to nonprofit organizations and can be used for a variety of preservation needs.
For instance, a Save America's Treasures grant might be used to restore a historic belltower on a community's famous courthouse or to preserve a collection of artwork at a historic museum.
State and Local Grants for Historic Buildings
Many states and local governments also offer historic preservation grants. These programs often have more flexible criteria than federal programs and can be a good source of funding for local projects.
For example, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, which provides grants for the preservation and restoration of historic courthouses in Texas.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Grants
Each state has a SHPO, which is responsible for coordinating historic preservation activities within its borders. Many SHPOs administer grants for historic preservation projects, often using funds from the Historic Preservation Fund.
SHPO grants can be used for a wide range of preservation activities, such as architectural surveys, archaeological investigations, and restoration projects.
Local Historic Preservation Grants
Local governments may also offer grants or matching funds for historic preservation projects within their jurisdictions. These grants can be a valuable source of funding for community-based preservation efforts.
For example, the city of Philadelphia offers the preservation grant program, which provides funds to help property owners prices to preserve and restore buildings in the historic area of the city.
As the saying goes, "Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it." By preserving and restoring our historic buildings, we ensure that generations to come can learn from our past and benefit from it. If you're a steward of a historic building, consider looking into these grants to help maintain and restore your piece of history.