The majority of funding for restoration of historic buildings is given through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for each state. Each SHPO oversees state-specific grant programs, so you have to check the SHPO website for your state (a complete list is available through preservationdirectory.com) to find the grants that are specific to your building restoration needs. The SHPO also takes part in the National Register of Historic Places Grants. These grants require that the property be registered as a historic building, which in turn requires a great deal of documentation. In addition, properties eligible for registry with the National Register of Historic Places also may qualify for federal tax credits.
The International Music and Art Foundation (IMAF), as the name suggests, provides grants for the restoration and preservation of anything related to music or art. This includes everything from the music/art buildings to the actual music/art. For example, monies were given to Swiss organizations to preserve 35 paintings by Leo Paul Robert, and to preserve the organ of the Plasy Monestary. The majority of funding goes to organizations from Switzerland, but any nation may apply. More information can be gained by emailing [email protected] (email is the preferred contact method).
International Music and Art Foundation
Legal Domicile (Registered Office)
P.O. Box 39
FL-9490 VADUZ, Liechtenstein
Save America's Treasures is a federal restoration and preservation program designed to prevent the loss of significant American artifacts and structures. Because the program is affiliated with the National Park Service, qualifying items include everything from the flag that inspired The Star-Spangled Banner to Native American relics. Buildings, paintings and documents also are eligible. The only caveat to the grant is that all funds must be matched and that only federal, state, local, and non-profit organizations qualify. The program gives about $10 million in awards annually. However, interested parties should be aware that competition for these grants may become more intense in the future, since federal action has supported the decrease of funding for the Save America's Treasures program as of 2010. Applications typically are available in March and are available from nps.gov.