Guide to Historic Home Renovation Grants

Many states have programs in place to provide homeowners with grants to renovate historic homes, but these programs typically have strict guidelines to determine fund eligibility. If you’re interested in learning more about using grants to renovate historic homes and how you can apply, here’s a brief overview of the programs and conditions.

Curious about funding your historic home renovation? Contact your state historic preservation office to explore options!

Who Provides the Grants?

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 provides guidelines for federal, state, and local governments to work with nonprofit organizations and the public to preserve historical places. The act authorizes a program of federal matching grants, known as the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF).

Key Details About HPF Grants:

• Available to owners of homes or historical buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

• Roughly 20 states offer grants, loans, or funds matching programs for historic home renovations.

• Funding varies by state, e.g., Tennessee offers 50/50 matching grants, Kansas provides up to $90,000 in matching grants.

Ready to restore a historic property? Learn more about HPF grants and start your application!

What Homes Are Eligible?

One of the primary conditions to determine eligibility for funding from the HPF is that the property be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. If your home or property is not currently listed in the registry, you can apply to be listed.

Eligibility Criteria for Historic Homes:

• Associated with significant historical people or events.

• Features distinctive historical characteristics.

• Possesses high artistic value.

• Yields information important to history.

Not sure if your home qualifies? Check with the National Register to see if your property is eligible!

How Do I Apply?

Once your home is on the registry, or if it’s already part of the registry, you can apply for funding.

Application Process:

• Apply through your state historic preservation office or the National Trust Preservation Fund.

• Demonstrate that you have funds for your portion of the restoration project (in some cases).

• Meet additional stipulations, such as opening your home to the public for a certain number of days per year or making it available for educational purposes.

Need help navigating the application process? Reach out to your state historic preservation office for guidance!

Renovation Requirements

Something to keep in mind when renovating a historic home is that many programs require that you keep the home as true to the original structure as possible and meet strict guidelines for renovation, maintenance, and repair.

Key Renovation Guidelines:

• Use materials similar or identical to the original building materials, which may require special manufacturers or artisans.

• Adhere to the home’s original design, potentially limiting changes to your interior design vision.

• Be prepared for a potentially costly build process due to specialized materials and strict requirements.

Planning a historic home renovation? Mitchell Wall’s St. Louis architects are experienced in historic renovations.

What About Tax Credits?

If you live in a state that doesn’t have a grant-making program available, or you’re not selected for funds, there might still be a way to save some money on your renovation.

Tax Credit Opportunities:

• Many states offer tax credits and incentives for renovating historic homes, especially for properties used for commercial purposes (e.g., first-floor retail with a second-floor living space).

• Buildings must typically be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Specific criteria or stipulations must be met to qualify for credits.

Explore tax credit options for your renovation! Contact your state preservation office to learn more.