Preserve America Grant Applications Now Available!
Funding Deadline is February 14, 2007
http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/hpg/PreserveAmerica/index.htm

FUNDING DIRECTORY FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROJECTS IN VERMONT

Vermont Division for Historic Preservation
 Tenth Edition, May 2006

www.historicvermont.org

Many funding sources require that an applicant provide money or in-kind time or services to match a grant.  Check with the source for specific information on matching requirements.

1.  Certified Local Government Program  

Grants for resource identification and planning, National Register nominations, downtown planning, public education, archeological studies, building feasibility studies.

Range: $500 - $25,000.

Eligibility: Municipalities that are Certified Local Governments through the Division for Historic Preservation.

Deadlines: December

Contact: Chris Cochran, Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, National Life Building Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT   05620-0501 . Telephone: (802) 828-3047; e-mail:  chris.cochran@state.vt.us    Internet: www.historicvermont.org

 

2.   Chittenden’s Socially Responsible Banking Program

Deposit program supports community development lending in affordable housing, economic development, conservation, agriculture, downtown revitalization and community facilities.  Loans available for purchase of historic properties, rehabilitation, and new construction, bridge loans (to cover costs while waiting for grant funding or waiting for pledges to be paid in on a capital campaign), or lines of credit for working capital.  Currently offering a special Downtown Revitalization Loan program for facade improvements, upgrades for accessibility and safety installations with special rates and terms.

Range:  Depends on the project, owner equity, risk factors, etc.

Eligibility: Individual business owners, small businesses, non-profit organizations, municipalities, and lessees

Deadlines: None, loans are made throughout the year

Contact: Arne Hammarlund, SRB Loan Officer, Chittenden, P. O. Box 804, Brattleboro, VT  05302-0804, Telephone:  802-258-4090; e-mail:  ahammarlund@chittenden.com or Gayle McKinnon-Alexander, SRB Business Development Officer, Chittenden, P.O. Box 820, Burlington, VT  05402-0820 Telephone:  802-660-1595;

 e-mail:  gmckinnon-alexander@chittenden.com   Internet: www.chittenden.com  or www.sociallyresponsible.chittenden.com

 

 3.  Community Development Block Grant Program - Planning Grants

Federal grants for community development planning, downtown planning studies, project development planning for individual buildings.  Projects must potentially benefit people with low to moderate incomes and/or eliminate “slums and blight.”

Range: $3,000 minimum – 30,000 or $40,000 maximum

$30,000 maximum for single municipality planning grants; $40,000 maximum allowed for required regional applications.

Eligibility: Municipalities for eligible municipal projects and/or may apply on behalf of organizations and private owners for projects with community benefit.

Deadlines: six cycles per year

Contact: Department of Housing & Community Affairs, National Life Building , Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT 05620-0501 . Telephone: (802) 828-5218; e-mail: molly.dugan@state.vt.us

Internet: www.dhca.state.vt.us/vcdp

 

4.   Community Development Block Grant Program - Implementation Grants

Federal grants for projects that involve economic development, housing, public facilities, and public services that will have direct benefit for persons of low and moderate income, eliminate slums or blight, or address an urgent need.  Projects supporting normal municipal  functions are not eligible.  Projects in municipal facilities are eligible if they meet the benefit requirement.   

Range: $50,000 minimum - $200,000 or $750,000 maximum

$200,000 maximum for community public facility projects (i.e. community centers, senior centers, day care centers, etc) and public service projects.

Eligibility: Municipalities for eligible municipal projects and/or may apply on behalf of organizations and private owners for projects with community benefit.

Deadlines: multiple cycles per year.

Contact: Department of Housing & Community Affairs, National Life Building , Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT 05620-0501 . Telephone: (802) 828-5218; e-mail: molly.dugan@state.vt.us

      Internet: www.dhca.state.vt.us/vcdp

 

5.  Community Development Block Grant Program - Accessibility Modification Grants

Federal grants for projects that bring existing municipal buildings that serve a municipal function and community non-school libraries into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

      Range: $5,000 - $50,000

Eligibility: Municipalities for eligible municipal projects and/or may apply on behalf of organizations and private owners for projects with community benefit.

      Deadlines: multiple cycles per year.

Contact: Department of Housing & Community Affairs, National Life Building , Drawer 20,  Montpelier , VT 05620-0501 . Telephone: (802) 828-5218; e-mail: molly.dugan@state.vt.us

Internet: www.dhca.state.vt.us/vcdp

 

6.    Community Facility Grants

       Federal USDA Rural Development grants to assist rural communities develop or improve essential community facilities, including theaters, community centers, museums, libraries,  adult and childcare centers, and municipal buildings.  Funds may be used for acquisition, construction or improvements to buildings and equipment.

       Range: Up to $50,000 or 75% of the project cost, whichever is less.  A larger than 25 percent match may be required based on the applicant’s population and income level (see list on website)

       Eligibility: Non-profit corporations and public bodies serving certain rural communities (see list on website).

       Deadlines: Ongoing, but contact appropriate Rural Development office early in project development.

       Contact: USDA Rural Development at www.rurdev.usda.gov/vt for program information, eligible communities, and list of staff serving your county.

 

7.   Connecticut River Joint Commissions Partnership Program

Grants for projects that address identification and protection of historic and natural resources, improve water quality, provide river-related recreation opportunities, enhance heritage tourism in the valley, and promote the Connecticut River Scenic Byway.  Program focuses on implementing recommendations in the Connecticut River Corridor Management Plan and the Connecticut River Scenic Byway Plan.

Range: $500 - $5,000

Eligibility: municipalities, regional and non-profit organizations in the Connecticut River watershed.

Deadlines: Generally in March.  Call for details.

Contact: Sharon Francis, Executive Director, Connecticut River Joint Commissions, P.O. Box 1182 , Charlestown , NH   03603   Telephone: (603) 826-4800.  Internet: www.crjc.org

 

8.  Conservation Assessment Program (CAP)

The Conservation Assessment Program provides a general conservation assessment of a museum's collections, environmental conditions and sites, including the building itself.  Conservation priorities are identified by professional conservators who spend two days on- site and three days writing a report. CAP is supported through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Range: Program supports professional fees for a conservator (and preservation architect, if applicable).  CAP funds may also support travel costs and on-site expenses.

Eligibility: Non profit or public museums open at least 90 days/year with at least 1 full-time paid or volunteer staff person or equivalent.

Deadline : First-come, first-served until postmark deadline of  December 1, 2006.

Contact : Heritage Preservation, 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 1200 , Washington , DC 20005 .  Telephone 202-233-0800.  E-mail cap@heritagepreservation.org

Internet: http://www.heritagepreservation.org/CAP/index.html         

 

 

9.   Cultural Facilities Grants

Operated in partnership with the Vermont Arts Council, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, the Vermont Historical Society and the Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance, the program offers state grants to improve facilities used for providing cultural events and activities for the public.  Includes wiring, heating, lighting, stage work, bathrooms and accessibility improvements.  Structural work and routine maintenance are not usually funded. Grantseekers’ workshops offered.

Range: $750 - $20,000.

Eligibility: Municipalities and non-profit organizations.

Deadlines: Early fall.

Contact: Vermont Arts Council, 136 State Street , Montpelier , VT   05633 -6001

      Telephone: (802) 828-3778.  Email: jressler@vermontartscouncil.org until 6/30/06   or  lharty@vermontartscouncil.org   Internet: www.vermontartscouncil.org

 

10.   Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors

Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for technical consultants, production and marketing of print and video communications materials, workshops, and education programs, all related to the preservation of historic interiors.  Acquisition and construction/rehabilitation projects are ineligible.

Range: $2,500 - $10,000.

Eligibility: Government agencies, non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, and individuals.  

Deadlines: February 1.

Contact:  Rebecca Williams,  Field Representative,  or Brent Leggs, Program Assistant, Northeast Office,  National Trust for Historic Preservation, Seven Faneuil Hall Marketplace,  4th Floor, Boston , MA   02109 .  Telephone: 617-523-0885.

Email: Rebecca_Williams@nthp.org  or Brent_Leggs@nthp.org     

Internet: www.nationaltrust.org

 

11. Disabled Access Tax Credit

Federal tax credit of 50% of eligible access expenditures (architectural adaptations, equipment purchase and services like sign language interpreters) that exceed $250 but do not exceed $10,250.

Range: Up to $5,000.

Eligibility: Small businesses with under $1 million in revenues or 30 or fewer full-time employees.

Deadlines: File at end of tax year.

Contact: Internal Revenue Service.  Internet: www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/taxpack.htm

 

12. Hart Family Fund for Small Towns

      Grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to assist small town preservation and  revitalization initiatives around the country.  Award may be used for community  revitalization, feasibility studies for endangered buildings and sites, architectural planning, landscape research and planning, development of heritage education programs, and cosponsorship of workshops or conferences.

      Range : $5,000 - $10,000.  Grants must be matched on a one-to-one basis.

      Eligibility : Non-profit organizations, universities, and public agencies.

      Deadlines: October 1 and February 1.  Uses Preservation  Fund application.          

Contact:  Rebecca Williams,  Field Representative,  or Brent Leggs, Program Assistant, Northeast Office,  National Trust for Historic Preservation, Seven Faneuil Hall Marketplace,  4th Floor, Boston , MA   02109 .  Telephone: 617-523-0885.

Email: Rebecca_Williams@nthp.org or Brent_Leggs@nthp.org      

      Internet: www.nationaltrust.org       

 

  13.  Historic Bridge Adaptive Use Program

Program provides design and construction assistance in rehabilitating historic bridges at  either a new site or at their existing location for non-vehicular use.  Bridges rehabilitated to date under this program have been metal truss bridges.  Bridges must be owned by and open to the public year-round.  Typical adaptive use locations might include bike paths, snowmobile trails, parks, recreation trails, and scenic overlooks.

      Range: Generally 80 - 90% of project costs.

      Eligibility: Local and state governments, and non-profit organizations.

      Deadline: Check for availability

      Contact: Sue Scribner, Vermont Agency of Transportation, Program Development Division,  National Life Building , Drawer 33, Montpelier , VT 05633-5001 .  Telephone: (802) 828- 3615.   Internet : http://www.aot.state.vt.us/progdev/Sections/LTF/VermontHistoricBridgeProgram/                   HBP00VermontHistoricBridgeProgram.htm

 

 14.  Johanna Favrot Fund

Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for projects that contribute to the preservation or the recapture of an authentic sense of place, through support of consultants, conferences, workshops, and development of educational programs.

Range:$2,500 - $10,000

Eligibility: Non-profit organizations, government agencies, for-profit businesses, and individuals.

Deadlines: February 1.       

Contact:  Rebecca Williams, Field Representative, or Brent Leggs, Program Assistant, Northeast Office,  National Trust for Historic Preservation, Seven Faneuil Hall Marketplace,  4th Floor, Boston , MA   02109 .  Telephone: 617-523-0885.

Email: Rebecca_Williams@nthp.org  or Brent_Leggs@nthp.org     

      Internet: www.nationaltrust.org

 

15. Lake Champlain Basin Program        

      Federal grants to support local community involvement in the implementation of the  comprehensive management plan, Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Future of the Lake Champlain Basin   

Range: Call for current availability.

Eligibility: Municipalities, non-profit organizations, schools, and informal citizen groups, businesses and organizations under the auspices of the former.  Projects must be located within the Lake Champlain Basin to be eligible for funding.

Deadlines: Call for current availability.

Contact: Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road , Grand Isle, VT  05458.  Telephone (802) 372-3213.  Internet: http://www.lcbp.org/grants.htm     

 

16. Municipal Planning Grant Program

Grants for municipal land use plans, zoning and subdivision bylaws, designated downtown and village planning, historic resource and conservation work as described in an adopted town plan.  Grants may also be used for special studies related to the plan or bylaws, including historic building survey work.  New program (’07) element includes funding for research and mapping for so-called “Ancient Roads.”  This program will sunset in 2011.

Range: $500 - $15,000.  (Consortia applications from more than one municipality may apply  for up to $25,000.)

Eligibility: Municipalities with adopted plans confirmed by their regional planning commission. (Municipalities without confirmed town plans may also apply for funding of “Ancient Roads’ or for the writing of a town plan in order to gain regional confirmation.)

Deadline: Late September or early October.

Contact: Peg Elmer or Wendy Tudor, Vermont Department of Housing and Community    Affairs, National Life Building , Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT 05620-0501 .  Telephone: (802) 828-3211; e-mail wendy.tudor@state.vt.us     Internet: www.dhca.state.vt.us/planning

 

     17.  Municipal Education Grants

Small grants are available (starting by September 2006) to help assist with local capacity-building and decision-making.  The Municipal Education Grants are to be used to bring specified trainers (from an approved list) to municipalities for a one-time, or a short series of, trainings for municipal officials.  Designed as a simple, direct and reimbursable program, the only deadline is to apply and use the funds before May 2007.

Range:  $500

Eligibility: Municipalities

Deadline:  Open

Contact: Peg Elmer or Wendy Tudor, Vermont Department of Housing and Community  Affairs, National Life Building , Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT 05620-0501 .  Telephone: (802) 828-3211; e-mail wendy.tudor@state.vt.us     Internet: www.dhca.state.vt.us/planning

 

18. National Trust Loan Funds

      NTLF lends to low-income historic districts and to specific endangered historic resources.  It  consists of  two preservation revolving funds: the Inner Cities Ventures Fund and the  National Preservation Loan Fund.  The combined asset base of these funds has grown  since 1994 from approximately $4 million to approximately $10 million.

 

      Inner-City Ventures Fund

The Inner City Ventures Fund (ICVF) provides loans to organizations that serve low and moderate income households or provide economic benefit in low and moderate income communities.  Funds may be used for acquisition, construction, bridge, predevelopment and mini-permanent financing for projects that offer housing, neighborhood services and commercial opportunities for area residents.

Range: Up to $350,000.

Eligibility: Tax-exempt non-profit organizations, local, state and regional governments, and for-profit organizations.  Preference will be given to non-profit and public sector organizations.

Deadlines: Rolling

Contact:  Rebecca Williams,  Field Representative,  Northeast Office,  National Trust for Historic Preservation, Seven Faneuil Hall Marketplace,  4th Floor, Boston , MA   02109 .  Telephone: 617-523-0885.  Email: Rebecca_Williams@nthp.org

      Internet:  NationalTrust_loanfunds@nthp.org or fill out an on-line inquiry form at www.nationaltrust.org/loan_funds .

 

      National Preservation Loan Fund

The National Preservation Loan Fund offers below market rate loans, lines of credit, or participation loans with other lenders that can be used to acquire, stabilize, rehabilitate or restore an historic property for use, lease or resale; establish a revolving fund; purchase easements or options to acquire historic properties; or finance pre-development activities.  Innovative project models are encouraged, and threatened National Historic Landmarks receive the highest priority for funding.

Range: $50,000 - $350,000

Eligibility: Public agencies and non-profit organizations.

Deadlines: None

Contact: Rebecca Williams,  Field Representative,  Northeast Office,  National Trust for Historic Preservation, Seven Faneuil Hall Marketplace,  4th Floor, Boston , MA   02109 .  Telephone: 617-523-0885.  Email: Rebecca_Williams@nthp.org

      Internet:  NationalTrust_loanfunds@nthp.org or fill out an on-line inquiry form at

 www.nationaltrust.org/loan_funds  .

 

 

19. National Trust Small Deals Fund

      Offered by the National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC), a for-profit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in partnership with Tax Credit  Capital LLC of New Orleans, the Small Deals Fund (SDF) invests in smaller scale historic tax credit projects – those earning as little as $200,000 in federal tax credits.  It is capitalized by Chevron Texaco.

      Range :  Project size ranges from $1.2 million to $3.5 million

      Eligibility : Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit (RITC) projects including hotels, offices, restaurants, entertainment facilities,  retail, rental residential and mixed-use properties. 

      Deadlines : open

Contact : Rebecca Williams,  Field Representative,  Northeast Office,  National Trust for Historic Preservation, Seven Faneuil Hall Marketplace,  4th Floor, Boston , MA   02109 .  Telephone: 617-523-0885.  Email: Rebecca_Williams@nthp.org

Or

      National Trust Community Investment Corp., 1785 Massachusetts Ave., NW ,

      Washington , D.C. 20036 .  Telephone : 202-588-6279.  Email : ntcic_mail@ntcicfunds.com

      Internet : www.nationaltrust.org/ntcicfunds                                          

 

20. Northern Forest Partnership Small-Grants Program

The Northern Forests Partnership Program seeks to fund community-based projects that promote diverse and sustainable economies built upon a well-managed forested landscape. In 2006, the program specifically seeks projects that: 1) strengthen the capacity of rural communities to develop sustainable forest-based local economies; 2) promote environmentally sensitive uses of the forest and other natural resources; 3) promote local history, culture, and working connections to the landscape; 4) are part of sustaining or helping to create new jobs in these areas. 

      Range:  $7,500 to $30,000 in 3 categories

      Eligibility: Non-profit organizations, local government entities (including schools),  and for-  profit businesses in six Vermont counties - Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, Lamoille, Orleans, Washington- as well as counties in northern NewHampshire, Maine, and New York.

      Deadline:  September 15, 2006

      Contact:  Kelly Short, Northern Forest Center, PO Box 210 ,  18 N. Main St .  Suite 302 , Concord , NH   03302 .  Telephone : (603)229-0679.  Email : kshort@northernforest.org          Internet : www.northernforest.org

  

21. Preservation Fund

Matching grants to initiate historic preservation projects through support of consultants, conferences and curriculum development.

Range: $500 - $5,000 (average $500 - $1,500)

Eligibility: Non-profit organizations, universities, and public agencies.

Deadlines: October 1,  February 1.

Contact:  Rebecca Williams,  Field Representative,  or Brent Leggs, Program Assistant, Northeast Office,  National Trust for Historic Preservation, Seven Faneuil Hall Marketplace,  4th Floor, Boston , MA   02109 .  Telephone: 617-523-0885.

Email: Rebecca_Williams@nthp.org  or Brent_Leggs@nthp.org  

Internet: www.nationaltrust.org

          

22. Preservation Trust of Vermont – Robert Sincerbeaux Fund Grants
      Matching grants up to $500 are available to municipalities and community organizations for  hiring consultants to provide technical assistance for preservation projects. Eligible activities may include hiring a preservation architect or contractor to do building condition assessments, organizational development, project planning, fundraising consultation, feasibility  assessments, and other project development activities.  The grants are offered through the Field Services Program, a partnership of the Preservation Trust of Vermont (PTV) and National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP).    

      Range: $250 for a building assessment ,  up to $500 for other activities.
      Eligibility: Local organizations and municipalities.
      Deadlines: Rolling.
      Contact: PTV-NTHP Field Representatives: Ann Cousins, Telephone (802) 434-5014.  Email: ann@ptvermont.org; or, Doug Porter ,  Telephone: (802) 644-2815.  Email:   doug@ptvermont.org ; or, Meg Campbell (for Bennington County projects),  Telephone (802) 442-8951.  E-mail : meg@ptvermont.org . Internet: www.ptvermont.org  

23. Preservation Trust of Vermont - Preservation Grants
     A partnership of the Preservation Trust of Vermont and the Freeman Foundation, Preservation Grants are available to non-profit organizations and municipalities for rehabilitating historic buildings.  These grants have helped local groups save and use a variety of special places; a  list of  recipients is available on the Preservation Trust website.  Eligible projects must have strong community support, as demonstrated by volunteer and fundraising efforts.
     Range: $5,000 - $50,000. Average $15,000 - $25,000.
     Eligibility: Communities and non-profit organizations.
     Deadlines: Ongoing.
     Contact: Paul Bruhn , Preservation Trust of Vermont , 104 Church Street , Burlington , VT   05401 . Telephone: (802) 658-6647. Email paul@ptvermont.org; or PTV-NTHP Field  Representatives: Ann Cousins, Telephone (802) 434-5014.  Email: ann@ptvermont.org; or,  Doug Porter,  Telephone: (802) 644-2815.  Email: doug@ptvermont.org ; or, Meg Campbell  (for Bennington County projects), Telephone (802) 442-8951.  E-mail :meg@ptvermont.org Internet: www.ptvermont.org  


24.  Preserve America

       Preserve America is a White House initiative in cooperation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and other federal agencies. Communities may apply for special designation as a Preserve America community which brings national recognition, enhanced community visibility and pride, and eligibility for federal grants when funding is appropriated.  The following Vermont municipalities were  designated as of 5/06 : Barre, Bennington, Brandon, Brattleboro, Burlington, Middlebury, Montpelier, Morristown, Poultney, Rockingham, Rutland, St. Albans, St. Johnsbury, Vergennes, Windsor, and Winooski.  Preserve America grants support planning, development, implementation, or enhancement of innovative activities and programs in heritage tourism, including documentation of cultural resources, interpretation/education, planning, marketing, and training.  Successful applicants will emphasize creative projects that involve public-private partnerships and serve as models to communities nationwide for heritage tourism, education, and economic development.  50/50 match required.

       Range : $20,000 to $150,000

       Eligibility : Designated Preserve America communities, SHPO offices.

       Deadlines :  2006 deadline was May 19.  Check website for 2007 deadline.

       Contact :  See  http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/hpg/PreserveAmerica/application.htm and www.preserveamerica.gov .  

 

25. Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit.

Federal investment tax credit for 20% of the rehabilitation costs (including labor, materials and architects or other consultant fees) for income-producing buildings listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  The tax credit may apply to properties such as a retail store, office building, apartment building or vacation rental.  Private homes, which do not generate income, are not eligible for the credit.

Range: 20% of eligible expenditures

Eligibility: Owners or long-term lessees of income-producing historic buildings.

Deadline: File application before construction.  File for approved credit at end of tax year. Contact: Chris Cochran, Division for Historic Preservation, National Life Building , Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT   05620-0501 . Telephone: (802) 828-3047;

 e-mail: chris.cochran@state.vt.us   Internet: www.historicvermont.org

 

26. Regional Block Grant Program

State funds distributed to Regional Development Corporations (RDC’s), Regional Planning Commissions(RPC’s), and regional marketing programs (RMP’s) in grants for planning, economic development and regional tourism promotion.  Eligible activities include heritage tourism promotion projects.

Range: Distribution by formula based on annual legislative appropriation.

      Eligibility: RDC’s, RPC’s and RMP’s

Deadline: Annual regional work plans are developed and approved by their boards in May.

Contact: Local RMP for regional tourism projects, RPC for planning projects, and RDC for economic development projects.  

27. Rural Business Enterprise Grants
      Federal grants to support the development of small and emerging businesses statewide in Vermont . Funds are used for the financing or development of a small and emerging business. Eligible uses are: Technical Assistance (providing assistance for marketing studies, feasibility studies, business plans, training etc.) to small and emerging businesses; purchasing  machinery and equipment to lease to a small and emerging business; creating a revolving loan fund (providing partial funding as a loan to a small and emerging business for the purchase of equipment, working capital, or real estate); or constructing a building for a   business incubator for small and emerging businesses.                                                                     

Range: No minimum or maximum.  There is typically $150,000 to $200,000 available. Grants of less than $99,000 have priority.  Eligibility: Public bodies and private non-profits. Grants do not go directly to businesses. Deadlines: Contact office for details.
      Contact: Sherry Paige, USDA, Rural Development, Business Programs, City Center , 3rd  Floor, 89 Main Street , Montpelier , VT   05602 .  Telephone: (802) 828-6034.  E-mail: sherry.paige@vt.usda.gov    Internet : www.rurdev.usda.gov/vt/   

28. Save America ’s Treasures

A partnership of the National Park Service, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and others, the program offers grants for preservation and conservation work on nationally significant intellectual and cultural artifacts and nationally significant historic structures and sites.  50/50 match required.

Range: Minimum $25,000 for collections, $125,000 for historic property projects.  Maximum $700,000.

      Eligibility: Federal, state and local government agencies, and nonprofit institutions (including active religious congregations.)  Buildings must have national significance.

      Deadlines: 2006 deadline was April 18.  Call for deadline for 2007.

   Contact:  See website.  For historic property projects, contact the National Park Service at  (202) 354-2020, Ext.1, or e-mail NPS_treasures@nps.gov .Questions concerning collections projects should be addressed to the National Endowment for the Arts, telephone  (202) 682-5457.

   Internet: http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/treasures/application.htm

 

29. Save Our History

      The Save Our History Grant Program, sponsored by The History Channel, funds partnerships between history/preservation organizations and schools or youth groups on projects that teach students about their local history and engage them in its preservation.  Also offers Educator’s  Manual and monthly lesson plans.

      Range : Up to $10,000.

      Eligibility : History organizations with 501(c)(3) designation, including museums, historical societies, preservation  organizations, archives, and libraries, and local government agencies. Deadlines : June 2, 2006.  Check website for 2007 deadline.

      Contact :  Address questions to saveourhistory@rockpa.org , (212) 812-4313 .

      Internet : http://www.saveourhistory.com/pres_org/index.html 

30. Scenic Byways

Scenic byways are designated at the federal or state level based on the special resources (e.g., historic, archeological, natural, cultural, scenic or recreational) that lie along the byway.  A map of  byways in Vermont is available at http://www.vermont-byways.us/ .   Designation can qualify byways for federal transportation funds to assist with improvements related to either tourism or resource conservation. The federal funds can be used for road safety improvements, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, rest areas, shoulder improvements,  recreation area investments, protecting cultural and historic resources along the road and providing tourist information and interpretive facilities.

Range:  See website for details.

Eligibility: State and local governments and non-profits (other than institutions of higher learning) in partnership with state departments of transportation.

Deadlines:  2006 deadline was March 31.  Check website for 2007 deadline.

Contact: John Labarge, Scenic Byway Coordinator, Vermont Agency of Transportation,

Telephone: 802-828-3508.  E-mail john.labarge@state.vt.us.

For the Vermont Byways Program, www.vermont-byways.us/ . For federal grant information and applications www.bywaysonline.org/grants

 

31. 1772 Foundation

The 1772 Foundation provides grants for bricks and mortar historic preservation projects throughout the country.  The foundation has a special interest in agriculture, transportation, and industry.  Arts and culture uses are a lower priority.  Most successful applicants show a full match for their request, have solid visitor numbers, and show a positive impact on their community.

Range : $15,000 to $50,000, although they have made grants from $4,000 to $250,000.

Eligibility : Non-profit organizations.  They do not fund schools, religious institutions, or

publicy-owned properties unless there is an active friends group.

Deadline : Rolling.

Contact :  See instructions for submitting a letter of inquiry at www.1772foundation.org  

 

32. Tax Deduction to Remove Architectural and Transportation Barriers to People with

       Disabilities and Elderly Individuals

Federal tax deduction for expenditures that improve accessibility for a facility owned by the taxpayer for use in his or her business.  Can be combined with Disabled Access Tax Credit, see 11 above.

Range: Up to $15,000.

Eligibility: Business owners (including active ownership of apartment buildings)

Deadlines: File at end of tax year.

Contact: Internal Revenue Service.  Internet: www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/taxpack.htm

33. Transportation Enhancements Program 

Federal reimbursement grants for projects that enhance multi-modal transportation goals in the areas of historic preservation, bike and pedestrian paths, scenic protection, archeological  planning, mitigation of highway water runoff, tourist and welcome centers, and transportation museums.  Preservation projects must have a direct, evident and strong relationship to the surface transportation system.  Proximity to a road alone is not sufficient.   Buildings listed in the National Register and/or located within a state scenic byway or along  an alternate designated scenic or historic route are most competitive.

Range: $10,000 to approximately $300,000; 80:20 match required.

Eligibility: Local, state and federal governments and non-profit organizations.

Deadlines: Letter of Intent (LOI) due June 2.  Applications due mid-August.  See  application for annual dates.

Contact: Curtis Johnson, Enhancement Program Coordinator, Local Transportation Facilities, Agency of Transportation,  National Life Building , Drawer 33, Montpelier , VT 05633-5001 .  Telephone: (802) 828-0583.       

 

34. Trees for Local Communities Grants

The Urban and Community Forestry Program offers matching grants for community tree education, planting, maintenance, and planning projects. 

      Range: Education, Planning, Planting, and Maintenance up to $4,000.  Mini-Grants $200. Call or visit website for details.

      Eligibility: Call or visit website for details.

Deadlines: Mid-February.

Contact: Urban and Community Forestry Program, Danielle Fitzko, 103 South Main Street, Building 10 South, Waterbury, VT 05671-0601.  Telephone: (802) 241-3673. 

      Internet: http://www.vtfpr.org/urban/for_urbcomm_grants.cfm

 

35. Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund

      Grants for river restoration work, wetland protection and restoration, and shoreland  protection in the Connecticut River watershed upstream of the confluence of the White River . Range: Project Grants up to $5,000 and Strategic Focus Grants of more than $5,000.

      Eligibility: Non-profit organizations, community organizations, educational institutions, and  federal, state and local government agencies.

      Deadlines: November 30.  Concept papers for grants greater than $25,000 due by September 30.

      Contact: Kevin Peterson, Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund, New  Hampshire Charitable Foundation-- Upper Valley Region, 16 Buck Rd. , Hanover , NH   03755 .       Telephone:(603) 653-0387.  E-mail: kp@nhcf.org             

      Internet: http://www.nhcf.org/uppervalley

 

36. Vermont Barn Preservation Grants

State 50/50 matching grants for the repair and restoration of historic agricultural buildings.

Applications available in July in hard copy and on the Division website.

Range: $1,000 - $10,000.

Eligibility: Owners of historic barns and other agricultural buildings that are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Deadlines: Late September

Contact:  Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, National Life Building , Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT 05620-0501 .  Telephone: (802) 828-3043; e-mail: eric.gilbertson@state.vt.us Internet: www.historicvermont.org 

 

37. Vermont Arts Council – Integrated Arts Education Grants

     Matching grants available to partnerships of arts organizations and schools for work in the community and school to develop or continue arts integration programs in preschool - 12. 

     Range: Implementation Grants up to $10,000 .  Planning grants up to $2,500

     Eligibility: Arts organizations and schools.

     Deadlines: Implementation Grants – April 25, 2006 .  Planning Grants - available on a rolling deadline, August 1 - December 31, 2006.

     Contact: Janet Ressler, Director of Arts Education and Community Programs, Vermont Arts

     Council, 136 State Street , Montpelier , VT 05633 -6001.  Telephone (802) 828-3778.  Email: jressler@vermontartscouncil.org until 6/30/06 or lharty@vermontartscouncil.org .

     Internet: www.vermontartscouncil.org

 

38. Vermont Arts Council – Local Community Arts Partnership Grants

Available to arts organizations for work in the community to develop or continue partnerships with, primarily, non-arts organizations, and can include partnerships with municipalities, social service organizations, educational institutions, regional planning and marketing organizations, etc.  Require a 1:1 match, at least half from the partner organization.

Range: Implementation Grants - up to $10,000.  Planning grants - up to $2,500.

Eligibility: Arts organizations.

Deadlines: Implementation Grants – not available for 2007

Planning Grants -  available on a rolling deadline, August 1 – December 31, 2006.

Contact: Janet Ressler, Director of Community Programs, Vermont Arts Council, 136 State Street , Montpelier , VT 05633 -6001.  Telephone (802) 828-3778.                    

Email: jressler@vermontartscouncil.org  until 6/30/06 or Lindsey Harty, Grants Manager,  same address, lharty@vermntartscouncil.org .  Telephone: (802) 828-5425.   

Internet: www.vermontartscouncil.org

 

39. Vermont Arts Council  - Opportunity Grants

Opportunity grants are the primary vehicle by which the Council supports artists, arts organizations, arts in communities, and arts in education.  Matching grants are given to fund program activities, not capital expenditures.  Projects must be primarily arts projects.

Three categories of grants are offered, Creation, Presentation, and Education, and  requirements vary for each.

Range: $250 to $7,000

Eligibility: Municipalities, non-profit organizations, and schools.

Deadlines: May 8 Standard Grants, Mini-grants September 8, December 8, 2006 and March 8, 2007.  Call for details.

Contact: Michele Bailey, Director of Creation and Presentation Programs, Vermont Arts  Council, 136 State Street , Montpelier , VT 05633 -6001.  Telephone (802) 828-3294.

Email: mbailey@vermontartscouncil.org , or Janet Ressler, Director of Arts Education and

Community Programs, same address.  Telephone: (802) 828-3778.  Email:  jressler@vermontartscouncil.  Internet: www.vermontartscouncil.org

 

40. Vermont Collections Care Program

      This program of the Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance provides technical assistance and matching grants for projects that improve environmental, display and storage conditions for  collections, as well as treatment for specific objects. Hands-on clinics, workshops, professional referrals, and consultations are also offered on a regular basis.                                    

      Range: Please contact Project Director for current availability of grants.

      Eligibility: Non-profit organizations who are VMGA members

Deadline: Please contact Project Director for current status.

      Contact:  Eileen Corcoran, Project Director, VMGA , c/o Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 4472 Basin Harbor Rd , Vergennes , VT 05491 .  Telephone: (802) 475-2022
      Email: vccp@sover.net .      

      Internet: http://www.vmga.org/aboutVMGA/memberpage/collectioncare.html

 

41. Vermont Community Foundation

     The Vermont Community Foundation administers a number of grant funds, some statewide and some available only to certain towns or regions.  Some of the programs include historic preservation projects as eligible activities – i.e. Vermont Discretionary Grant  Round, Walter Cerf Community Fund, and the IDX Fund.  Grant range, eligibility requirements, and deadlines vary by program.  Consult the full listing of VCF’s grant programs at  http://www.vermontcf.org/grants-rounds.html .   

 

42. Vermont Downtown Program

      Downtown Designation - Provides benefits for public improvements and rehabilitation of income-producing buildings (and some in non-profit ownership) in downtowns that have achieved designation as "downtown development districts."  To qualify for designation, communities must meet certain requirements including having a local organization whose mission is long-term downtown revitalization.  Among the financial benefits are: three different state income tax credit programs for rehabilitation and code improvements to older and historic income-producing buildings, which can be exchanged to a bank for cash or as a loan payment; grants to municipalities up to $75,000 for capital transportation projects; and the reallocation of sales tax on construction materials for approved downtown building projects.  They also receive priority consideration for all state programs administering state or federal funding or other aid.   

      Village Center Designation - Municipalities with a confirmed planning process may request designation of the mixed use core area of their village as a "designated village center." Income-producing buildings within the village center are eligible for the same three state income tax credit programs for rehabilitation and code improvements as the Designated Downtowns (see above).  They also receive priority consideration for Municipal Planning Grants and Community Development Block Grants.

      Contact: Joss Besse, Vermont Downtown Program, Division for Historic Preservation, Agency of Commerce and Community Development, National Life Building , Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT 05620-0501 .  Telephone: (802)828-5212.     Email:  joss.besse@state.vt.us  

      Internet: www.historicvermont.org

 

43. Vermont Housing and Conservation Board

      Grants and loans for the conservation of agricultural and recreational land, natural areas, historic resources, archeological sites, and for the development of housing for low and moderate-income households.  Conservation projects may involve fee simple acquisition or purchase of conservation easements, and historic preservation project awards include acquisition and rehabilitation.  Historic buildings must be of outstanding local or regional significance, on/eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, owned by a municipality or eligible non-profit, and be regularly used by the public. 

      Range: Local Conservation (agricultural land, historic/archeological resources, natural areas, or recreational lands) up to $150,000 (although historic properties are not typically funded above $100,000); Statewide Conservation (historic/archeological resources, natural areas, or recreational lands) not limited by policy, but consult with staff on requested amount; Statewide Agricultural Conservation up to $400,000 per application/ $2100 per acre.

      Eligibility: Municipalities, non-profit organizations, and certain state agencies.

Deadlines: Multiple cycles per year.

Contact: Karen Freeman, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, 149 State Street , Montpelier , VT 05602 .  Telephone: (802) 828-5067; e-mail kfreeman@vhcb.org

      Internet: www.vhcb.org

44. Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) Grants

Grants for restoration of abandoned or neglected cemeteries.  Projects that include local volunteers are highly encouraged and if only volunteer labor is used, no match is required.  VOCA may also provide technical assistance on restoration projects.

Range:  Up to $500, occasionally more.

Eligibility:  Individuals and groups interested in cemetery preservation.

Deadlines:  Ongoing

Contact:  Request application from Arthur L. Hyde, Grants Administrator, 1991 Upper Plain, Bradford , VT   05033 .  Telephone: (802)-222-4088.

Internet: http://sover.net/~hwdbry/voca       

 

45. Vermont State Historic Preservation Grants

State 50/50 matching grants for the repair and restoration of historic buildings that are used by the public, e.g. town halls, churches, grange halls, museums, schools, etc.  Applications available in July in hard copy and on the Division website.

Range: $1,000 - $15,000

Eligibility: Municipalities and non-profit organizations.

Deadlines:  Late September

Contact:  Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, National Life Building , Drawer 20,  Montpelier , VT 05620-0501 .  Telephone: (802) 828-3043; e-mail: eric.gilbertson@state.vt.us       Internet: www.historicvermont.org 

 

46. Vermont Watershed Grants

       Funded from proceeds from the sale of Vermont Conservation License Plates, these grants  are awarded by the Agency of Natural Resources for local and regional water-related  projects, including the identification and protection of historic and cultural resources.

       Range: Watershed Mini-Grants - $200 to $1,000

                   Watershed Grants - $1,000 to $5,000

       Eligibility: Municipalities, local or regional governments, nonprofit organizations and citizen groups.

       Deadlines: Usually late October.

       Contact:  Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental   Conservation, Building 10 North, 103 South Main Street , Waterbury , Vermont 05671-0408 .        Telephone: Susan Warren, (802) 241-3794.  Email:  susan.warren@state.vt.us           

       Internet:  http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/support_watershed.cfm

Bibliography of Funding Directories for Further Reference

 

Websites

Sources of Financial Assistance for Historic Preservation Projects, Website of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, www.achp.gov/funding.html

National Trust for Historic Preservation,  http://www.nationaltrust.org/funding/  

SOS! Fund-Raising Resource List: Selected Potential Grant Sources for Outdoor Sculpture,

Website of Heritage Preservation,  www.heritagepreservation.org/PROGRAMS/SOS/sosfundraising.htm

  www.Grants.gov  The federal government’s website for information on all federal agency grant opportunities.  Search by program or keywords.    

 

Publications

  Guide for Foundation Grants for Rivers, Trails and Open Space Conservation, 2nd edition,

June 1996, Prepared by the National Center for Recreation and Conservation, National Park Service , U.S. Department of the Interior.

Lists sources for funding river, trail and open space conservation projects.  Can be obtained from the Foundation Center , (212) 620-4230.

  Historic Preservation Resources, Rural Information Center Publication Series, No 36, Revised Edition, Elinor R. Snow, Rural Information Center , National Agricultural Library , U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1994.

Lists information and funding sources related to rural preservation.

  Preserving and Revitalizing Older Communities: Sources of Federal Assistance, Lesley Slavitt, Preservation Assistance Division, National Park Service , U.S. Department of the Interior, 1993. 

Lists federal programs that can aid downtown and community preservation efforts.

  Vermont Directory of Foundations, Christine Graham, CPG Enterprises, 2006.

Lists foundations located in Vermont and foundations that regularly give to projects in Vermont .   Includes 16 foundations that give to historic preservation projects, usually in  a very limited local geographic area.  Website:  www.cpgfundraising.com

 

Please send additions and corrections for the next edition of the Funding Directory to :

Vermont Division for Historic Preservation

National Life Building , Drawer 20,                                                                

Montpelier, VT 05620-0501

Telephone: (802) 828-3045       E-mail nancy.boone@state.vt.us

 

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