Historic Restoration Fund Grants (HRF)

Overview

Historic Restoration Fund (HRF) grants:

Who can apply to the HRF program: Non-profits (501C3 and 501C13) and municipalities.

What can the HRF program fund: Maintenance and repair of historic building fabric and character defining features.

What types of buildings can the HRF program be used on: Buildings that are listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places either individually or as a contributing resource to a district. To check if the building is listed, search the address on our GIS website here: https://conncris.ct.gov/ The building must be owned by the non-profit organization/municipality or have at least a 20-year lease.

What is the size of the grants: Grant awards range from $5,000 to $200,000.

Is there a required match: Yes, a one-to-one match is required. Grants are paid on a single-payment reimbursement basis following project completion. Federal funds and other non-state funds can be used as a match.

Is every organization awarded a grant: This is a very competitive grant program with a yearly budget of $1 million. If your organization is not awarded a grant, we welcome you to apply in a subsequent year. HRF grants are awarded in January of each year.

What is the schedule to apply: All HRF grants have been allocated for 2024 and 2025. The next available HRF grants will be awarded in January 2026.

  • Beginning in January 2025, all applicants must schedule a 30-minute TEAMs meeting to discuss their project. Meeting times close on March 7, 2025. A link to schedule a meeting will be posted on January 6, 2025.

  • During the TEAMs meeting, a link will be provided to an online form that will serve as a Letter of Intent to apply. The form is due March 28, 2025. If CT SHPO does not receive a letter of intent by March 28, 2025, applicants must wait until the next available funding round.

  • Applicants will be notified by May 16, 2025, if they have been invited to complete a full application.

  • A mandatory pre-application workshop will be held on June 14, 2025. Applicants will be given a link to the application at this workshop.

  • Applications are due on October 17, 2025.

  • CT SHPO and Circuit Riders from Preservation Connecticut will review all applications. Applicants will be notified by November 21, 2025, if their application has been selected to be placed on the Historic Preservation Council agenda for final funding approval.

  • The Historic Preservation Council will meet in January 2026 to vote on the applications. All applicants with items on the agenda are required to attend the January meeting.

  • A mandatory post-application workshop will be held on February 17, 2026, and will cover contracting, bidding, CHRO requirements and project management.

  • Construction should begin in Spring 2026.

  • Monthly check-ins are required.

  • All projects must be completed in 2 years.

What information is needed in an application: SHPO scores each application using a rubric.

Criteria 1: The scope of work consists of technical information including: project description, design development drawings, plans and specifications, budgetary breakdown, and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards compliance. (5 points)

Criteria 2: The applicant demonstrates clear preservation priorities including: documentation of the building or site’s condition, a list and corresponding timeline of necessary rehabilitation or restoration, documentation of an ongoing maintenance plan. (3 points)

Criteria 3: The applicant demonstrates the extent and nature of public support from: appropriate users, community leaders, and public officials. (3 points)

Criteria 4: The project complies with relevant state laws and policies. Projects involving ground disturbance must contact CT SHPO staff archaeologists. (1 point)

Criteria 4: The applicant demonstrates fiscal and administrative capability by including: authorization to apply by the board or governing body, a legal opinion that the organization may place the required preservation restriction on the parcel, and documentation of funding available to complete the project in its entirety. (3 points)

Additional points will be given to: First time grants in a community and projects in underserved communities.

What happens after the grant is completed: A preservation easement/restriction is required to be filed on the land records. For more information, please read SHPO’s easement information here: EASEMENT INFORMATION  

Where does the grant money come from: HRF Grants are funded by the Community Investment Act (also known as Public Act 05-228), which was signed into law on July 11, 2005. The Act provides increased funding for historic preservation as well as open space, farmland preservation, and affordable housing.

Is there funding to help get ready to apply for an HRF grant: Our Survey and Planning grants offer funding towards the creation of plans and specifications, structural analysis, design and construction level drawings, the creation of bid documents and more. For information, please read SHPO’s Survey and Planning grant information here: SURVEY AND PLANNING GRANTS

Can homeowners or for-profit developers use this program: No. Homeowners should look into the Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit: HHTC For-profit developers with historic buildings should look into the: Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit and the: Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive

Sample Materials from 2024:

CT SHPO HRF Pre-Application Presentation

CT SHPO HRF Pre-Application Information Packet

Contact Information: Erin.Fink@ct.gov