The following is a listing of funding opportunities potentially available for projects related to Preservation with focus on programs applicable to North Central Kansas. Click here for helpful tips on seeking project funding.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Downtown Commercial Rehabilitation Program
Matching grant program (75/25) for commercial building renovation; blight removal; preservation. Project must benefit low-to-moderate income persons (at least 51%) per U.S. Census or official survey process or be blight by legal opinion and governing body declaration. Business plans required and governing body hearing(s) must occur prior to application deadline. The maximum amount of CDBG funds that can be applied for is $300,000.
Deadline: Rolling application. Check the website for more details.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Heritage Trust Fund Grant Program
Grants for activities that preserve or restore historic properties. Competitive grants are available ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. A minimum 20% match is required. Properties must be listed on the Kansas or National Register of Historic Places.
Deadline: Annually, generally in the fall.
Source: Kansas Historical Society
Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL)
This program was created in 2021 as a partnership between the Patterson Family Foundation and the Department of Commerce. The grants are intended to bring buildings back into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses, childcare, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, or entrepreneurship. Nonprofit or local government organizations applying on behalf of building owners of underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated downtown buildings or those needing façade improvements are eligible applicants for the HEAL program. Properties must be in cities with a population of less than 50,000.
Deadline: Check website for details.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Kansas Rural Preservation
In August 2023, the National Park Service announced the award of $750,000 to the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office to facilitate a new round of Kansas Rural Preservation Grants. This new round of subgrants will target properties in rural downtown commercial cores with priority given to Kansas Main Street communities.
Deadline: Check website for details.
Source: Kansas Historical Society
National Fund for Sacred Places
Grant program provides financial and technical support for community-serving historic houses of worship across America. Check the website for eligibility guidelines and more information.
Deadline: Applications accepted annually beginning with a Letter of Intent typically in February.
Source: A program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation
State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program
State income tax credit equal to 25% of qualifying rehabilitation expenses for historic buildings. Properties must be listed on the Kansas or National Register of Historic Places or be deemed a “contributor” to a historic district.
Deadline: Applications accepted any time; not competitive. Application process must begin prior to start of any rehabilitation work.
Source: Kansas Historical Society
Transportation Alternatives Program
A Federal reimbursement program that provides funding for projects that relate to surface transportation and fall within one of the three eligible project categories 1.) Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities, 2.) Historic, and 3.) Scenic and Environmental. Historic can be rehabilitating historic transportation-related structures such as depots, bridges, and brick streets. Project applications must be submitted by a local governing entity (i.e. city, county, school district, and other political subdivisions). Program intended for projects without traditional funding sources. Projects that routinely receive funding from local sources will receive lower priority. Minimum local match is 20%.
Deadline: Every other year.
Organization: Kansas Department of Transportation
William G. Pomeroy Foundation Historical Marker Grant Programs
Grants for historical markers intended to help preserve history, educate the public, encourage pride of place and promote historic tourism. Nonprofits, academic institutions, local, and state government entities are eligible to apply.
Deadline: Check website for details.
Source: William G. Pomeroy Foundation
