Historic Restoration Fund Grants (HRF)
Connecticut's Historic Restoration Fund grants support the preservation and restoration of historic buildings listed on state or national registers through competitive, matching reimbursement awards.
Funder: Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Due Dates: March 29, 2024 (Letter of Intent) | October 18, 2024 (Full Application) | March 31, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | October 31, 2026 (Full Application)
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$200,000 per project; 1:1 match required; annual program budget approx. $1 million; projects must be completed within 2 years.
Summary: Supports non-profits and municipalities in Connecticut to preserve and restore historic buildings listed on state or national registers.
Key Information: Reimbursement grant—total project funds must be secured upfront; a preservation easement is required after project completion.
Description
The Historic Restoration Fund (HRF) grants, administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), provide matching reimbursement funding to support the maintenance, repair, and restoration of historic building fabric and features. Eligible projects must involve properties listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places and must be owned by a qualifying non-profit or municipality. The program aims to preserve Connecticut’s historic resources, incentivize restoration over replacement, and foster sustainable community and economic development.
Grants are awarded on a competitive, annual basis. Projects are evaluated on technical merit, preservation priorities, public support, legal compliance, and organizational capacity. Upon project completion, grantees must record a preservation easement or restriction to protect the property’s historic integrity.
