Financial Resources for Historic Preservation Projects
National
National Trust for Historic Preservation - Grants
Small matching grants that fund professional services for preservation planning, education programs, and preservation emergencies. Applications for Florida projects are coordinated through the National Trust Southern Office (843) 722-8552.
National Trust Loan Fund
Revolving loan funds that provide assistance for projects that serve low and moderate income households/areas, and for a variety of preservation projects, including acquiring or rehabilitating historic buildings, sites, structures and districts.
National Trust Community Investment Corporation
NTCI is the National Trust’s for-profit subsidiary and offers equity investment programs for real estate projects that qualify for federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits. The program focuses on projects that stimulate the economic revitalization of the surrounding community.
Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit
A tax credit available for the restoration of National Historic Landmark buildings, buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places or as contributing buildings to a National Register Historic District, some state or locally designated contributing buildings. Buildings must be income-producing and must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
The Advisory Council lists sources of preservation funding on their website.
Save America’s Treasures
A Federal grant program assisting in the preservation of nationally significant historic sites and collections.
Preserve America
Federal grants assisting community efforts for the sustainable use of historic sites and that promote the economic and educational benefits of heritage tourism. State Historic Preservation Offices, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, designated Preserve America Communities, and Certified Local Governments that have applied for Preserve America Community designation are eligible to apply.
National Endowment for the Arts
Grants for design (including city planning and architecture), museum education and exhibits, partnerships on art/cultural education projects, visual arts (including interior restorations), and to art/cultural agencies for various programs.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Grant themes often change each year, however in the past have included programs that promote history, preservation and access to historic sites and collections, education and public programs, and research.
National Center for Preservation Technology and Training Grants
NCPTT is a program of the National Park Service. Grants provide assistance for research, training, meetings, conferences, and publications in the field of preservation technology.
Save our History Grants
Save our History is a program coordinated by the History Channel. Grants are awarded for projects that promote partnerships with local schools to teach students about historic preservation.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD offers several grant and loan programs that assist in historic preservation. Programs target local governments, cultural group, private homeowners, rural comminutes, affordable housing projects, and many others. Of interest to private homeowners are the 203(k) loans and funds for “Handyman Specials and Fixer-Uppers.”
Getty Trust Grants
Funds are available for the conservation of museum collections, architecture, historic campus buildings, preservation education programs, and preservation training programs.
Transportation Enhancements
These federal funding grants help enhance transportation projects. Activities can include preserving cultural landscapes, historic preservation, acquisition of historic preservation easements, historic restoration, archaeological planning, scenic highways, Rails to Trails programs, and transportation museums.
Restore America
www.nationaltrust.org - www.hgtv.com
Restore America is a joint partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Home and Garden Television. Each year, a small number of residential projects are funded which spur the revitalization of a community. Funds can be used for bricks and mortar costs or consultant fees.
Institute of Museum and Library
Financial assistance available for museums in the area of assessment, collections management, education and research.
Tourism Cares for Tomorrow
This nonprofit organization awards international grants for the preservation and conservation of exceptional cultural and historical sites.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Grants in five core areas: higher education, museums and art conservation, performing arts, conservation and the environment, and public affairs.
1772 Foundation
Grants assist in the historic preservation of farming buildings, industrial development sites, transportation sites, and unusual historic buildings.
Carls Foundation
Funds assist in the preservation of open space and historic buildings significant in America’s heritage.
Graham Foundation
Funding available for public programs that build support for architecture and the built environment.
American Express
Funding is available in the area of cultural heritage for public awareness programs and major heritage tourism sites.
Wachovia Foundation
Funding is available for community development projects, especially those which include affordable housing.
Kresge Foundation
Grants are available for arts and cultural projects, as well as a special fund for green buildings.
Grants for Green Buildings
EPA Funding Resource List
Good To Be Green
Statewide
Division of Historical Resources
Provides grants for the identification, excavation, protection and rehabilitation (including acquisition and bricks and mortar) of historic buildings and archaeological sites. Funds are also available for history museums and Main Street programs.
Division of Cultural
Provides grants for cultural and arts projects. Projects include the rehabilitation of historic buildings slated for use as a cultural or arts center and education programming.
Department of Community Affairs
Most of the funding programs are catered towards local government for community revitalization and development. There is also information for individuals regarding disaster management and response.
Local Tax Incentives and Grants
Many local governments offer tax incentive programs and/or grant programs for the restoration of historic buildings. Call you local Planning Department or Historic Preservation Office for information.
Resources
The Foundation Center
The Foundation Center is a great online tool for finding information on potential funding opportunities and general information on fundraising. The Foundation Center has several research centers around the country; however, the closest to Florida is in Atlanta, GA. For a list of places in Florida with a small collection of Foundation Center information, visit www.foundationcenter.org/collections
www.grants.gov
An online database of grants available through the Federal Government.
Chronicle of Philanthropy
Philanthropy Journal Online
Be creative in your search.
Often, organizations and agencies outside of historic preservation may offer financial assistance for preservation projects (i.e. affordable housing, environmental protection, small business administration, etc.).