Magic Mountain Site Community Archaeology Project (18-02-004).

Preserve

State Historical Fund

The State Historical Fund was created by the 1990 constitutional amendment allowing limited gaming in the towns of Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. The amendment directs that a portion of the gaming tax revenues be used for historic preservation throughout the state.

Funds are distributed through a competitive process and all projects must demonstrate strong public benefit and community support. Grants vary in size, from a few hundred dollars up to $200,000. The State Historical Fund assists in a wide variety of preservation projects including restoration and rehabilitation of historic buildings, architectural assessments, archaeological excavations, designation and interpretation of historic places, preservation planning studies, and education and training programs.

Top Image:

Photo courtesy of Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Our Grant Programs

Non- Competitve Grants

Description: The State Historical Fund's non-competitive grants may be submitted at any time of the year and are for smaller amounts of money than the competitive grants.

Historic Structure Assessment (HSA) Grants provide funds for the sole purpose of preparing a report on the physical condition of a historic building or structure.

Archaeological Assessment Grants provide funds for the collection and evaluation of archaeological information for creating a plan for additional work, site preservation and/or interpretation.

Survey Plan Grants create a comprehensive document to help communities assess the current state of their survey documentation and make informed decisions regarding future architectural survey projects.

Emergency Grants provide assistance to significant resources that are in imminent danger of being lost, demolished, or seriously damaged, and when the threat is sudden and unexpected.

Competitve Grants

Description: The SHF competitive grant application deadlines are typically every April 1 and October 1. There are two levels of funding: mini-grants provide support of up to $35,000 and big grants are for projects requesting from $35,001 up to $200,000.

Acquisition and Development Grants involve stabilization, preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or the acquisition of a property or site.

Archaeology Grants encompass all archaeological projects—from archaeology site identification to site management and interpretation.

Education Grants fund eligible projects that concern historic preservation such as videos, interpretive signage, brochures, books, websites, walking tours, conferences, field schools, curriculum planning and development, and other programs.

Survey and Planning Grants involve the identification, documentation, evaluation, designation, and planning for the protection of significant historic buildings, structures, sites, and districts.

Applicant Resources

Outreach Assistance is available to every potential grant applicant. We highly recommend you contact outreach staff early in your application process to assist you in preparing a competitive application.

Our SHF Forms Library is where you will find all application forms and helpful samples in one place.

Manage Your Grant

Grant Recipient Resources

You received a State Historical Fund (SHF) grant. What now? SHF grants contract staff are here to help grant recipients manage their grant. Find submittal forms, instructions and other forms needed to manage SHF grants.

Before you go under contract

Financial and deliverables forms

Grant News

Awarded Grants

Find a list of our most recently awarded grants as well a master list of all awarded projects since the inception of SHF.

Upcoming Grant Round

Are you interested in becoming a grant reviewer? Click here to apply.

Contact Us

State Historical Fund
Phone: 303-866-2825
Toll-Free: 877-788-3780
Fax: 303-866-2041