Central Massachusetts Heritage Circuit Subgrant Program

Central Massachusetts Heritage Circuit Subgrant Program

Status: Notice of Funding Opportunity expected end of July 2026

Funder: Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, under the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program

Administrator: Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) in partnership with Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC)

Fiscal Sponsor: Montachusett Enterprise Center (MEC)

Technical Support Partner: Architectural Heritage Foundation (AHF)

Geographic Scope: 34 rural communities in CMRPC and Montachusett regions

Includes City of Worcester and surrounding communities in Worcester County

Eligible Properties:

Historic properties listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places

Focus on historic commercial districts, civic buildings, and other significant properties that contribute to local identity and long-term economic vitality

Eligible Activities:

Planning work

Design work

Construction work

All work must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties

Program Goals:

Support preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties in Central Massachusetts

Help rural communities protect significant buildings

Strengthen local economies and downtowns

Keep historic buildings in active use

Funding Source: Congressional appropriations to Historic Preservation Fund

Project Selection: Recommendations informed by Project Selection Committee operating under formal conflict-of-interest procedures; final award decisions made by fiscal sponsor in accordance with federal requirements.