Tennessee Historical Commission now accepting applications for federal historic preservation grants

The Tennessee Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, is accepting Federal Historic Preservation Fund Grant applications from Dec. 1, 2024 through Feb. 1, 2025. 

The grant program reimburses 60% of the project costs, with a 40% match of project funds from the grantee.   

This previous grant cycle awarded 21 matching grants totaling over $800,000 from the Federal Historic Preservation Fund allocated to non-profits, municipalities, universities, and civic organizations across the state to support the preservation of historic and archaeological resources.   

“Our Federal Historic Preservation Fund grant program is one of the main ways that the Tennessee Historical Commission makes meaningful contributions to the protection and study of our state’s treasured historic places,” said Patrick McIntyre, State Historic Preservation Officer and Executive Director.  

The selection process prioritizes projects that provide public benefit. Grant applications will fall into one of two categories: survey and planning or restoration. The former includes projects to document historic resources through survey, National Register of Historic Places nominations, or assist local communities to develop design guidelines or preservation plans. Restoration projects include preservation projects or plans that restore an important feature of a building listed in the National Register. Additional priorities include those that meet the goals and objectives of the Tennessee Historical Commission’s plan for historic preservation. 

Applications are submitted through the TDEC Grant Management System (GMS). Visit our website for additional information and access to GMS. 

For more information about the Tennessee Historical Commission, please visit the website. For information on grants, please contact Holly Barnett at holly.m.barnett@tn.gov.