Keystone Historic Preservation Planning Grant
Keystone Historic Preservation Planning Grant supports nonprofits and local governments with planning and archaeological projects to preserve Pennsylvania’s publicly accessible historic and archaeological resources.
Funder: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
Due Dates: December 7, 2026 (Optional pre-application) | March 1, 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$25,000 with a 50/50 cash match; 24-month projects
Summary: Supports planning and development projects that preserve Pennsylvania’s publicly accessible historic and archaeological resources.
Key Information: Applicants must be incorporated and serving the public for at least five consecutive years.
Description
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) administers this program through the Commonwealth’s Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. It supports nonprofit organizations and local governments undertaking planning and development projects that identify, preserve, promote, and protect Pennsylvania’s historic and archaeological resources. The program emphasizes publicly accessible historic places, public benefit, and community revitalization.
Supported work includes cultural resource surveys, National Register nominations, preservation plans, historic structure reports, design guidelines, feasibility studies, and adaptive-use plans. Archaeological projects may include excavations, artifact analysis, regional syntheses, and site sensitivity models. Projects must advance the goals and objectives of the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Plan. This is a planning program rather than funding for capital improvements or “bricks and mortar” preservation work.
