Grantmaking is a key strategy for the Preservation Trust in our effort to support the historic preservation work being undertaken by local organizations and communities.  The following programs are offered through the Preservation Trust.  At the bottom of the page is a link to other funding sources for preservation projects in Vermont.

Robert Sincerbeaux Fund Grants provide up to $500 for historic preservation project planning, such as building condition assessments, engineering, fundraising consultation, or any consultative assistance that will further a project.  Application is rolling and is initiated by contacting a Preservation Trust Field Service Representative or ptv@ptvermont.org.

Preservation Grants in Partnership with the Freeman Foundation are available to non-profit organizations and municipalities for rehabilitating historic buildings.  Grants typically range from $10,000 to $35,000 and are offered 3 or 4 times a year.  Contact the Preservation Trust to discuss your project or e-mail ptv@ptvermont.org.

Village Revitalization Initiative Grants in partnership with Senator Patrick Leahy are available through special purpose grant funding from HUD.  When funding is available, these grants can help to rehabilitate historic buildings that strengthen a village center, such as an opera house, library, meeting house, or community gathering space.  These grants have historically come as a result of a Congressional earmark and are administered by the Preservation Trust of Vermont.  Grants are dependent on federal appropriation.  For more information, contact the Preservation Trust of Vermont at ptv@ptvermont.org or Ted Brady at Senator Leahy's Montpelier office: ted_brady@leahy.senate.gov.

Community Fund Grants.  With funding from an anonymous donor, these grants have helped with efforts to protect the character of Vermont .  They have been used to support local opposition to big box sprawl development, to help start up a village grocery store, a community-owned restaurant,  the start-up of Local First Vermont, and supported community efforts to acquire an important village center building.  Depending on the availability of funds, the deadline is rolling. Contact the Preservation Trust to discuss a community project.

Barn Assessment Grants in Partnership with the Burlington Free Press provide $350 grants to help with the $500 condition assessment of privately owned historic barns.  This program is in coordination through the Preservation Trust’s Field Service Program with a rolling deadline.

National Trust for Historic Preservation Grants.  The Preservation Trust’s Field Service Program is in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  Field Service Representatives Eric Gilbertson , Ann Cousins , and Meg Campbell ( Bennington County ) represent National Trust programs and services, including grant opportunities.  For more information, please contact a Field Service Representative, the National Trust Northeast Office at (617) 523-0885 or nero@nthp.org, or visit www.nationaltrust.org/funding/nonprofit.html#endowment

The Preservation Funds provide two types of assistance to nonprofit organizations and public agencies: 1) matching grants from $500 to $5,000 for preservation planning and educational efforts, and 2) intervention funds for preservation emergencies. Matching grant funds may be used to obtain professional expertise in areas such as architecture, archeology, engineering, preservation planning, land-use planning, fund raising, organizational development and law as well as to provide preservation education activities to educate the public.  Funds are not available to support “bricks and mortar” restoration costs.  Intervention Fund grants are awarded on a rolling basis.  Preservation Funds Matching Grants application deadlines are Feb. 1, June 1, and Oct. 1.

The Hart Family Fund for Small Communities is similar to the Preservation Funds grants.  Matching grants from $5,000 to $10,000 assist towns with a population of 5,000 or less in preservation and revitalization initiatives. Funds may be used to obtain professional expertise in areas such as architecture, archeology, engineering, preservation planning, land-use planning, fund raising, organizational development and law as well as preservation education activities to educate the public. Funds are not available to support “bricks and mortar” restoration costs. Application deadlines are February 1, June 1, and October 1. To apply for the Hart Family Fund, please use the application for the Preservation Fund.

The Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation  provides nonprofit organizations and public agencies grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for projects that contribute to the preservation or the recapture of an authentic sense of place. Individuals and for-profit businesses may apply only if the project for which funding is requested involves a National Historic Landmark. Funds may be used for professional advice, conferences, workshops and education programs.  Application deadline is Feb. 1.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors provides nonprofit organizations and public agencies grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to assist in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. Individuals and for-profit businesses may apply only if the project for which funding is requested involves a National Historic Landmark. Funds may be used for professional expertise, print and video communications materials, and education programs.  Application deadline is Feb. 1.

---

Other Funding for Historic Preservation

---

10 Tips for Managing an Historic Preservation Project

---