Historic Preservation Barn Grants

Historic Preservation Barn Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Amount: Up to US $20,000
Last Updated: December 27, 2025

Summary

The Historic Preservation Barn Grants, established in 1992, support the rehabilitation of Vermont's historic agricultural buildings. This state-funded program has allocated over $3 million for the preservation of over 360 barns, fostering job creation and enhancing community engagement. Grants up to $15,000 are available for qualifying structures over 50 years old, promoting the adaptive reuse of these vital cultural landmarks. As a reimbursement grant, applicants must cover project costs upfront, with reimbursement following project completion.

Overview

Established in 1992, the State-funded Barn Preservation Grant program helps individuals, municipalities, and non-profit organizations to rehabilitate the historic agricultural buildings that are a symbol of Vermont’s rural landscape. This is the oldest state-funded agricultural-based grant program in the United States. Since its inception, the program has provided over $3 million towards the preservation of over 360 historic barns and agricultural outbuildings around the state. Preservation of these buildings not only protects Vermont's agricultural and architectural legacies, but it also generates jobs, supports independent businesses, increase civic participation, and bolsters a community's sense of place while enhancing the experience of visitors. Grant The Division for Historic Preservation, in cooperation with the Legislature and the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, is able to award competitive 50/50 matching grants of up to $15,000 for the repair and adaptive use of historic agricultural buildings. In order to qualify, the buildings must be at least 50 years old and listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. This is a reimbursement grant program, which means that if you are awarded a grant, you are responsible for paying for the full amount of the project and the State will reimburse you once the project and required paperwork are completed. The Barn Grant Program is funded by the taxpayers of the State of Vermont, at the direction of the General Assembly, through the annual Capital Appropriations and State Bonding Act.

Eligibility

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