Grants Overview

Economic incentives for historic preservation and rehabilitation preserve historic properties and support historic preservation planning activities in communities throughout the state. The MHC administers a federal grants-in-aid program for survey and planning projects, a maritime heritage grant program, and a state matching grant program for restoration, rehabilitation, and research of properties listed in the State Register.

When funds are available, the MHC awards reimbursement grants through a competitive application process.

Survey and Planning Grants

Survey and Planning Grants provide 50% matching federal funds for the following projects:

Preparation of community surveys
Preservation plans
Preparation of historic district studies and legislation
Archaeological surveys
Nominations to the National Register
Educational preservation programs

Eligible applicants may include:

Certified Local Governments (CLGs)
Local historical commissions
Local historic district commissions
Local planning offices
Regional planning agencies
State agencies
Educational institutions
Other eligible public and non-profit historic preservation organizations

Learn more about the FY 2025 Survey and Planning Grant Program.

Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund

The MHC is pleased to announce Round 31 of the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) grant program. The MHC anticipates that funding for Round 31 will be around $1,000,000.

The MPPF is a state-funded 50% reimbursable matching grant program established in 1984 to support the preservation of properties, landscapes, and sites (cultural resources) listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Applicants must be a municipality or nonprofit organization.

Historic cultural resources (in public and nonprofit ownership and use) frequently suffer from deferred maintenance, incompatible use, or threats of demolition. These resources are vital parts of the Commonwealth’s heritage. By providing assistance to historic cultural resources owned by nonprofit or municipal entities, the MHC hopes to ensure their continued use and integrity. The program is administered in accordance with 950 CMR 73.00.

Grant disbursement is subject to reauthorization of the capital accounts and the availability of sufficient allocated funds.

Learn more about the MPPF application and program information.

*(MGL Ch. 9 Section 27A)

MHC Maritime Heritage Education Subgrant Program

The NMHG program, made available to local governments, non-profit organizations, and tribal entities, seeks to advance maritime heritage through public education and expand public access to maritime history through multiple educational platforms.

Learn more about the MHC Maritime Heritage Education Subgrant program.