State Historical Fund

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Before you apply read our:

Application Guide

2020 Application Guide Addendum (updated 7.31.20)

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.

Public entities 

A public entity, as defined by Colorado law, includes “…the state, county, city, and county, incorporated city or town, school district, special improvement district, agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of the state-organized pursuant to law.…” 

Non-profit organizations 

Non-profit organizations include any organization certified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c), (d), (e), (f), (k), or Section 521 (a). 

*Public and non-profit applicants may apply on behalf of private owners or federal agencies and are legally and financially responsible for ensuring that projects are carried out in accordance with HCSHF policies, procedures, and contract requirements.

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

Learn more about recent and upcoming SHF updates. This page is updated regularly. Be sure to check back often for new information as it becomes available. 

The State Historical Fund has two grant programs.

Non- Competitive Grants

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.

Micro Grants support grass root preservation efforts. This may encompass any project type which could be applied for as a competitive grant, but offer more flexible application timing for smaller-scale projects.

Planning Grants provide funds to prepare and plan for physical work on a resource including, but not limited to nominations, construction documents, and master plans.

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 assist with significant resources that are in imminent danger of being lost, demolished, or seriously damaged, and when the threat is sudden and unexpected.

Competitive Grants

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 general 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.

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.

Are you a contractor who does historic preservation work? Or a property owner looking for a historic preservation contractor? Check out our growing Historic Preservation Contractor Directory!

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

Calling All Grant Reviewers

Do you like to give back to your community? Do you have hands-on preservation or archaeological experience? We are always looking for individuals to join our queue of volunteer reviewers. 

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

Current Grant Reviewers (Coming Soon!)

Find all of the reviewer guides, current training videos, and other helpful resources in our Grant Reviewer Resource Lounge.

Stay In Touch!

Want to be the first to know about SHF news and updates, sign up for the SHF mailing list!

Meet our Staff

Want to learn more about us or do you need to contact a staff member? Check out our SHF Staff Directory.