Overview

State funding for this program has been suspended until further notice.

Damaged historic resources listed in the State or National Registers of Historic Places may qualify for restoration funding via the Threatened Properties Fund Grants (TPF). The damage must be caused by unanticipated man-made or natural acts and circumstances beyond the owner's control, including acts of nature, fire, vandalism, etc.

Grant awards range from $2,500 to $100,000, based on funding availability.

Eligibility

TPF grants are available to Connecticut municipalities and 501(c)3 and 501(c)13 nonprofits. They require a preservation consultant, either a historical architect or structural engineer, who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards.

Grantees may only have one active TPF grant at a time. Any existing grants must be officially closed before a new application is submitted to SHPO.

Other requirements:

Matching funds and fees

  • In-kind services and donations can be used toward the matching amount; however, all in-kind services must be preapproved by SHPO.
  • Matching funds cannot be funds from the State of Connecticut. Federal funds or other non-state funds may be used.
  • Pre-development costs and architectural fees are eligible expenses;

Hiring contractors

  • Grant funds can be used to hire a preservation consultant according to DECD’s Professional Services Selection Process. The consultant will design plans and specifications to be reviewed and approved by SHPO before construction begins.
  • The use of state and/or federal funds requires an open bidding process. Contractors and consultants must publicly bid according to DECD's Bidding, Contracting & Construction Guidelines. 
  • Contractors cannot be preselected and any potential contractor cannot play any role in the design of the project or application.

During restoration

  • Project work must be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
  • Work completed prior to the execution of the Contract/Assistance Agreement is not eligible toward this grant.
  • Facilities must be open to the public or work must be visible to the public.
  • A preservation easement of limited duration must be placed on the property following completion of the project.

Payments

  • 25% of the grant award will be paid to the grantee at the time of the execution of the grant Assistance Agreement; subsequent progress payments will be made on a payment schedule developed between the grantee and SHPO.

Apply Now

First, you must submit a Pre-Application.

SHPO staff accepts and reviews Pre-Applications on a rolling basis.

If your Pre-Application is approved, we will provide you with an invitation to apply. (Application is by invitation only.) Then the Historic Preservation Council will review and recommend your formal application and send it to the Advisory Committee on Culture and Tourism for approval.

Documents/Forms