Grants can fund historic home repair and preservation.
Buildings can tell rich stories. Architectural styles call up images of the eras in which they were popular. Structures that were the site of significant events can serve as valuable landmarks and also provide a hands-on experience that makes history come to life. Several grants are available to fund the repair, restoration, conservation and preservation of historic homes. Federal and state government agencies, foundations and trusts are a few resources historic-home restorers can turn to for assistance. Does this Spark an idea?
National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation offers several grants for historic homes though the National Trust Preservation Funds program. Grants for house repair are categorized as "intervention funds for preservation emergencies," according to the trust's website. Nonprofits and public agencies are eligible to apply for emergency grants. The Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation provides grants of $2,500 to $10,000 to recapture or preserve a specific sense of place in the historical landscape. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors offers $2,500 to $10,000 grants for the rehabilitation of historic interiors. These grants are open to nonprofits and public agencies, but individuals and businesses are eligible to apply if the property to be repaired is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
1785 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-588-6000
preservationnation.org
National Park Service
The National Park Service offers historic home grants through the "Save America's Treasures" program. Grants fund preservation and conservation of nationally significant historical buildings. To qualify as nationally significant, buildings must be associated with important events or figures in U.S. history; represent essential cultural, historic or artistic ideals; or represent a distinct time period or way of life. Nonprofit organizations; federal, state and local government agencies; tribal organizations; and religious organizations affiliated with qualified historic buildings are eligible to apply. Grants range from $25,000 to $700,000, and a 100-percent match of nonfederal funds is required. Total funding for the program varies yearly, depending on annual federal budget allocations.
Historic Preservation Grants
National Park Service
1201 "Eye" Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-354-2020
nps.gov
Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism
The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism offers Historic Restoration Fund Grants. Grants fund the "rehabilitation, restoration or stabilization of historic buildings and structures," according to the commission's website. Grant applications are available a one per year basis. Buildings that are owned by a public agency or a nonprofit and that are listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places are eligible to apply. Grants range from $10,000 to $200,000. Matching funds are required. To qualify, the building or the repair and restoration work being completed with grant funding must be open to the public.
Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism
1 Financial Plaza
755 Main St.
Hartford, CT 06103
860-256-2800
cultureandtourism.org
Tags: Historic Preservation, eligible apply, National Trust, Commission Culture, Commission Culture Tourism
