The Tennessee Historical Commission opens applications for the Historic Preservation Fund grant program based on the availability of federal funding.
Donor Name: Tennessee Historical Commission
State: Tennessee
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/28/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Each year funds are provided to each state and territory from oil and gas lease revenues (not tax dollars) to assist with the implementation of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. In Tennessee, the funds are focused on survey and planning projects and to help restore historic properties that have a demonstrated public benefit. Ten percent of the funds they receive must be provided to one of the fifty Certified Local Government programs: communities that have demonstrated a vested interest in historic preservation through local zoning.
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.
Funding Information
Grant awards typically average between $15,000-$65,000.
Types of Projects
Survey and planning projects-National Register of Historic Places nominations, local architectural surveys of counties, cities, or neighborhoods, local historic preservation design guidelines and more Restoration projects. To qualify for funding a property must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The grants are to be used for Historic Restoration / Rehabilitation Projects. Properties will score highest in the grant ranking process that have a demonstrated public benefit. Examples of a public benefit include but are limited to historic National Register-listed properties that are museums, courthouses, and libraries. The scoring process is based on goals established in the Historic Preservation Plan.
For more information, visit THC.
