Historic Preservation Fund Grants

We are not accepting applications for Historic Preservation Fund grants at this time. If you need recommendations of where else to look for funding for a preservation project, please contact our office via email or by calling 573-751-7958.

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) funds projects that relate directly to the identification, evaluation or protection of historic properties. Funding is disbursed as reimbursements. Non-construction projects can include up to five phases of up to 18 months each.

HPF grants are 60/40 matching grants and can therefore only fund 60% of a project budget. We are required to earmark a minimum of 10% of our Historic Preservation Fund monies for exclusive use by our Certified Local Governments (CLG) partners. Last year, this required CLG amount was $123,651. Once the 10% pass-through funding has been adequately awarded, the SHPO will consider all remaining grant applications equally.

Awards are competitive. Final applications will be scored based on the proposed project's contribution to Missouri's statewide preservation goals as noted in the Missouri Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Pan and the technical quality of the application.

What we fund:

  • Construction projects for the purpose of protecting, rehabilitating or restoring historic properties. Eligible properties must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and have maintained their historic integrity. Construction projects must also demonstrate that they are not eligible for federal or state historic tax credits.
  • Training for members of historic preservation commissions (HPCs) or city staff members
  • Workshops, conferences and posters related to historic preservation
  • Walking tours of NR-listed sites
  • Internships
  • Preservation plans
  • Design guidelines
  • Inventorying of archival files related to archaeology or historic architecture
  • Architectural and archeological Surveys for purposes of National Register nominations
  • Nominations to the National Register of Historic Places
  • Pre-construction projects, such as maintenance and construction documents, for National Register-listed buildings. This includes:
    • Historic structure reports
    • Maintenance plans
    • Planning for repair or rehabilitation work (designs, feasibility studies, etc.)

What we do not fund:

  • Archaeological excavations beyond a Phase I survey
  • Museum exhibits
  • Acquisition of historic properties
  • Routine maintenance
  • Reconstructions or new construction (e.g., additions)
  • Relocations
  • Non-historic landscaping (e.g., sidewalks and parking lots)

Who can apply:

  • Certified Local Governments (CLGs)
  • All county governmental entities
  • All municipalities
  • Qualified nonprofit organizations with historic preservation missions

Contact Us:

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