Historic Preservation Fund Grants

The SHPO funds projects that relate directly to the identification, evaluation or protection of historic properties. The application portal for our grants is currently closed. We expect to accept pre-applications again in the summer of 2023 for work to be undertaken between summer 2024 and February 2026.

What we give out: Around $200,000 per year in federal pass-through funds. Between half and three-quarters of these funds are reserved for our Certified Local Government (CLG) partners. Each award is a 60/40 match with the federal share capped at $50,000.

Who can apply: Certified Local Governments, counties, municipalities and qualified nonprofit organizations with historic preservation missions.

What we fund:

  • Conferences and workshops related to historic preservation
  • Posters or pamphlets related to historic preservation
  • Walking tours and apps
  • The creation and updating of preservation plans or guidelines
  • Inventorying of archival files related to historic preservation (e.g., archeological site reports and building permits)
  • Archeological and architectural surveys
  • Nominations to the National Register of Historic Places
  • Planning for construction work (e.g., maintenance plans, feasibility studies and flood prevention plans) for public buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places

What we do not fund:

  • Construction and repair work. Our grants can be used to plan construction work but not carry it out.
  • Planning work on privately owned properties. Owners of these properties can apply for federal and state tax credits.
  • Permanent interpretation of historic sites (e.g., signage and displays)
  • Archeological digs

Grant duration: All work is expected to be completed within an 18-month time frame.

Timeline: We expect to open our application cycle in the late summer or early fall. Decisions will be announced the following winter and funding awarded over the following summer at the earliest. Applicants who apply in 2023 can therefore expect to begin work in summer 2024. All work must be completed by February 2026. Funds will be dispensed by reimbursement as the work is completed.

How to apply: Directions will be provided when the application cycle reopens.

Other things to know:

For more information or assistance with Historic Preservation Fund grants, please contact our office via email or by calling 573-751-7958.

For other sources of funding for preservation activities in Missouri, please see the list maintained by Missouri Preservation on their website