Historic Restoration Fund Grants (HRF)

Overview

This program is intended to offer maintenance and repair funding to non-profit 501c3 and 501c13 and municipally owned buildings listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places.

Eligibility:

  • Rehabilitation projects must be directly attributed to the long-term preservation of historic building fabric and character defining features.
  • The property must be owned by the applicant or have a minimum 20-year lease agreement in place.
  • The non-profit applicant must have non-profit 501c3 or 501c13 status for at least 2 years.
  • The work must be open to the public or visible to the public.
  • A preservation easement/restriction is required to be filed on the land records. For more information please read SHPO's easement information here: Preservation Restriction

Funding Information:

  • Grant awards range from $5,000 to $200,000.
  • Grants must be matched on a one-to-one basis.
  • 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.
    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.

Application Information:

  • Applications will now be accepted on a rolling basis as funding allows. 
  • SHPO requires 2 months to review the application from the time it is submitted.
  • To apply, please visit: Online Application Form

Application process:

Step 1: Please email Erin Fink at Erin.Fink@ct.gov with the following information to schedule a consultation:

  • The name and address of the historic site for which funding is being requested
  • A brief description of the project
  • A cost estimate for the project
  • A list of any planning documents that have been created for the project

Step 2: After a consultation (by phone, zoom or a site visit), a link to the online application will be sent. Please complete a detailed application and submit it.

  • Applications will require: a long-term preservation plan or conditions assessment, budget, plans/drawings and specifications, bid-level scope of work, and may include: a testing of hazardous materials, structural analysis, or consultation with the staff archaeologist.

Step 3: The application will be reviewed by SHPO staff members and the Historic Preservation Council

Step 4: The application will be heard at a Historic Preservation Council meeting. The Council meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30AM to 11:30AM.

  • The council will vote to approve, table or deny the application

Step 5: If the council votes to approve the application

  • A contract will be sent to the applicant within 2 weeks.
  • Please sign and return the contract to Erin Fink by email at Erin.Fink@ct.gov and by mail at 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 5 SHPO, Attn: Erin Fink, Hartford, CT. 06103.
  • A SHPO director will then sign the contract and return it to the applicant.

Step 6: Please complete and send the following forms by email to Erin.Fink@ct.gov

Step 7: Bid documents will be reviewed and approved.

  • Applicants must get at least 3 bids for the work.
  • Bidders must submit a CHRO form, Performance and Payment Bonds, Proof of Insurance, Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, Commercial Umbrella Insurance, Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability, Hold Harmless Agreement, and a Project Schedule
  • Applicants must submit the names of each bidder, the bid amount, and the required documentation listed above.
  • Applicants must write a brief justification for the choice of bidder and notify bidders of their decision.
  • Applicants must then send a copy of the contract with the winning bidder to Erin Fink by email at Erin.Fink@ct.gov for approval.
  • Applicants will put up a sign using the following: Template

Step 8: Applicants will complete the project

Step 9: Applications will complete the following checklist to close out the project: Close-out Guidelines and Check-list

Step 10: Applicants will file the Preservation Restriction on the land records.

SHPO looks forward to working with you and your organization on your project.