Frequently Asked MPPF Questions

1. What is the State Register of Historic Places?

   The State Register, maintained by the MHC, is a compilation of  local, state, and federal designations including: National, State and Local Historic Landmarks; properties individually listed on the National Register; properties included within National Register Historic Districts, properties included in Local Historic Districts, properties for which there is an MHC or Ch. 184 Preservation Restriction, and MA State Archaeological Landmarks.  Any historic property included in the National Register is automatically included in the State Register and therefore eligible for MPPF assistance.

   If you are unsure about your property's SR status, contact MHC or your local historical commission to ascertain State Register status of the property before applying for grant funds.

2. What is MACRIS?

   MACRIS is the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System which is an online database offered by the MHC for information on historic properties and areas in the Commonwealth and can offer assistance in confirming listing status and also retrieving MHC Inventory Forms.

3. I lease my historic property but I don't own it. Am I eligible for a grant?

   Yes. Grant eligible applicants/properties include registered nonprofit organizations and municipalities who own OR have a long-term interest in the property (at least a 25 year lease) and have the consent of the owner. 

4. Can I apply for both development and pre-development funding for the same historic property during the same MPPF cycle?

   No, an MPPF application must be submitted individually for pre-development, development, or acquisition funding but not in combination.  You may apply to MPPF more than once and you may receive more than one MPPF grant awarded during different cycles.

5. Is an architect still required if my request for development funding is small?

   Yes, all development requests will require the involvement of an architect or engineer regardless of project size or scope.

6. Can we designate a volunteer architect or engineer for my MPPF project?

   While the MHC discourages it, donated designer services will be permitted so long as the identified architect or engineer is experienced in historic preservation and willing to provide the same services as a paid professional and can meet all of the posted project deadlines.

7. Can CPA funding serve as my MPPF matching share?

   Yes, Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding is the only source of state funding that will be allowed as the match to the MPPF program.  CPA funding requires town meeting approval in order to be recognized.

8. Can MPPF matching share include donations that are promised but not yet collected?

   No, the matching share cannot include uncollected pledges as well as in kind or volunteer services.

9. My church is owned by a non-profit organization but we don't' have IRS 501(c)(3) status. Can I still apply for MPPF?

   Yes, so long as the church can provide a Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) Certificate of Exemption (Form ST-2) as an alternative.

10. Will my required preservation restriction agreement cover only the exterior of my building since I am only applying for exterior work?

    No, all MPPF preservation restriction agreements involving buildings require both the interior and exterior to be the subject to the same terms of the agreement.

11. Does the MPPF program require a more than a 50% matching share?

    Yes, although the MPPF is a 50% reimbursable grant program, all applicants for MPPF funding must be able to document a 75% share of the project cost in order to cover temporary cash flow since all MPPF payments are by reimbursement.  This additional 25% is only required on a temporary basis until the completion of the project.