Historic Preservation Fund Grant (HPF)

Historic Preservation Fund Grant (HPF)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Tennessee Historical Commission
Amount: US $15,000 - US $65,000
Last Updated: March 02, 2026

Summary

The Historic Preservation Fund Grant (HPF) offers matching grants to support projects that provide public benefits, reimbursing up to 60% of eligible costs. Applications open from December 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $65,000, focusing on architectural surveys, preservation plans, and restoration of historically significant buildings. The program prioritizes non-profit, municipal, and civic organization projects that demonstrate public use and align with the State Historic Preservation Plan.

Overview

Federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grants are matching grants and will reimburse up to 60% of the costs of approved costs for projects with a public benefit. The remaining 40% must be provided by the grantee as matching funds. Grant applications for the next round should be open December 1, 2025 - February 1, 2026, based on federal budget approvals. Grant awards typically average between $15,000-$65,000 to ensure as many projects as possible throughout the state are funded. The selection process will emphasize projects that provide the most public benefit such as architectural and archaeological surveys, design guidelines for historic districts, and restoration of historic buildings that are listed in the National Register and have a public use. For financial incentives for commercial properties, see here for information about the Federal Historic Tax Credit. Based on these priorities, privately owned or commercially focused projects have not been able to be funded. Examples of publicly focused projects include: Architectural survey of areas experiencing rapid growth and development, other threats to cultural resources, and areas where there are gaps in knowledge regarding cultural resources and for communities in the Certified Local Government program. For proposed survey projects, the projects should identify and record historic districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects and built over 50 years ago. Surveys may be for a specific geographic area or for properties associated with themes or events important in the state’s history, such as post World War II residential development. Preservation plans for towns, neighborhoods, and historic districts  Preparation of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places Restoration of historic buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Projects must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. This grant program prioritizes properties with a public use.  Fund allocated to non-profits, municipalities, universities, and civic organizations across the state to support the preservation of historic and archaeological resources.

Ineligibility

Funds are not available for building acquisition.