Historic Preservation
Rural Nebraska Historic Preservation Grant
The Rural Nebraska Historic Preservation (RNHP) program will provide grants to owners of historic properties in rural Nebraska communities. The program is funded through a competitive sub-grant program from the National Park Service. Nebraska was among eleven other recipients to receive funding from the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program. History Nebraska, through the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), was awarded $350,000 to support the RNHP sub-grant program (P22AP01544). Of the initial award, $328,000 will be made available for sub-grant awards.
The objective of the Rural Nebraska Historic Preservation Grant Program is to support the rehabilitation of historic structures at the national, state, and local levels of significance in order to rehabilitate, protect, and foster economic development in rural communities. This program will fund physical preservation projects, including architectural and engineering consultation (up to 20% of the total project cost) for historic sites located in Nebraska’s rural communities with a population of less than 30,000. Grants will be awarded from $10,000 up to $75,000.
Properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places individually or as a contributing property in a National Register listed historic district or properties determined to be eligible for listing may benefit from this grant. To confirm registration status, you may search online at history.nebraska.gov/historic-preservation/national-register-historic-places or contact the State Historic Preservation Office at 402-613-1591 or [email protected].
Recipients of the grant will be announced May 12, 2023, following the National Register Review Board Meeting in Lexington, Nebraska. Click here to learn how to join the meeting in person or virtually.
Want to learn more? Watch this webinar that explains the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available?
$327,890 will be available for grant awards. Awards will range in amounts between $10,000 to $75,000. The grants can fund up to 90% of the total project costs.
Is there a required match?
Yes. Grants will require a 10% cash match. In-kind matches do not qualify. The 10% match is of the total cost of the project, not the grant amount. Example, if your project’s total cost is $50,000, the applicant needs to have $5,000 in cash match.
What buildings are eligible?
What if my building isn’t listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
If your building is not listed, you must reach out to our State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to receive a letter stating the building is eligible. Note: by the end of your project, your unlisted building will need to be listed in order to fulfill the grant requirements.
Who can apply?
This grant is for rural communities?
When will the grant be available?
When will the grant awards be announced?
How long do I have to use the funds?
What type of work is ineligible for the grant?
How can I learn more?
The files in the Resources box should help to answer any other questions you may have. If you still have questions, please email Betty Gillespie at [email protected].
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