Last updated: June 2008
Grants—State
or Federal
Department
of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
Historic
Landscape Preservation Grant (this program is currently not funded)
Between 1998 and 2003,
offered funding in support of the preservation and restoration of historic
landscapes.
Although no longer making grants, the program staff is able to offer
some technical assistance.
·
Site must be listed on or eligible for the National or State Register
of Historic Places.
·
Deadline: May 15
More
information is available by contacting the Historic Landscape Preservation
Initiative, Department of Conservation and Recreation at (617) 626-1380 or online at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/histland/histland.htm
Department
of Housing & Community Development
Community
Development Action Grants (CDAG)
Funds economic development
projects on publicly owned or managed property.
·
Priority is given to projects which provide substantial employment or
other direct benefit for low-income persons.
·
Priority is given to projects which significantly improve the condition
of a low-income neighborhood.
·
Priority is given to projects which provide reinforcement for other
housing or community development related investments by the Commonwealth.
·
Eligible projects include work on buildings or other structures,
facades, streets, roadways, thoroughfares, sidewalks, rail spurs, utility
distribution systems, water and sewer lines, parks, playgrounds; site
preparation and improvements, including demolition of existing structures;
relocation assistance; other revitalization of the area in which the project is
located.
More
information is available by contacting the Department of Housing &
Community Development, Division of Community Services at (617) 573-1400 or
online at
http://www.mass.gov/dhcd/components/cs/1PrgApps/CDAG/default.HTM
Community
Development Fund (CDF)
Provides funding for
numerous downtown-related needs.
·
Limited to communities with a long-term downtown plan and an existing
downtown organization with at least 6 months of active effort, subject to
approval by DHCD.
·
Projects must satisfy a national objective.
More
information is available by contacting the Department of Housing &
Community Development, Division of Community Services at (617) 573-1400 or
online at http://www.mass.gov/dhcd/components/cs/1PrgApps/CDBG/default.HTM.
Massachusetts
Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF)
Supports the creation or preservation of housing
that is affordable to people with incomes that do not exceed 110% of median
income, as defined by HUD.
·
Eligible applicants include governmental subdivisions, community
development corporations, local housing authorities, community action agencies,
community-based or neighborhood-based non-profit housing organizations, other
non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and private employers.
·
AHTF funds may be used for permanent or transitional housing for the
homeless, and for the modernization, rehabilitation and repair of public
housing.
·
Financial assistance can come in forms such as deferred payment loans,
low or no interest amortizing loans, down payment and closing cost assistance
for first-time homebuyers and matching funds for municipalities that sponsor
affordable housing projects.
More
information is available by contacting the Department of Housing and Community
Development at www.mass.gov/dhcd/Temp/AHTG.pdf.
Ready Resource
Fund (RRF)
Provides funds for economic
development.
·
Communities must have a long-term downtown plan and an existing
downtown organization with at least one year of active effort.
·
Projects must satisfy a national objective.
More
information is available by contacting the Department of Housing &
Community Development, Division of Community Services at (617) 573-1400 or
online at http://www.mass.gov/dhcd/components/cs/1PrgApps/RRF/default.HTM.
Division of
Conservation Services
Land &
Water Conservation Fund
Assists cities and towns in acquiring and developing
land for park and outdoor recreation purposes.
·
Provides up to 50% of the total project cost for the acquisition,
development and renovation of park, recreation or conservation areas.
·
Municipalities, special districts and state agencies are eligible to
apply.
·
Deadline: October 1.
More
information is available by contacting the Division of Conservation Services at
http://www.mass.gov/envir/dcs/landwater/default.htm.
Massachusetts
Self-Help Program
Assists municipal conservation commissions acquiring
land for natural resource and passive outdoor recreation purposes.
·
Lands acquired may include wildlife, habitat, trails, unique natural,
historic or cultural resources, water resources, forest, and farm land.
·
Pays for the acquisition of land, or a partial interest (such as a
conservation restriction), and associated acquisition costs such as appraisal
reports and closing costs.
·
Deadline: August 1.
More
information is available by contacting the Division of Conservation Services at
http://www.mass.gov/envir/dcs/selfhelp/default.htm.
Massachusetts
Urban Self-Help Program
Assists cities and towns in acquiring and developing
land for park and outdoor recreation purposes.
·
Town must have a population of 35,000 or more year-round residents, or
have an authorized park /recreation commission and conservation commission.
·
Grants are available for the acquisition of land, and the construction,
restoration, or rehabilitation of land for park and outdoor recreation purposes
such as swimming pools, zoos, athletic play fields, playgrounds and game
courts.
·
Deadline: August 1.
More
information is available by contacting the Division of Conservation Services at
http://www.mass.gov/envir/dcs/urban/default.htm.
Smart Growth
Technical Assistance Grants
Provides up to $30,000 per community to implement
smart growth zoning changes and other activities that will improve sustainable
development practices locally.
·
A local match of 15% of state funds is required.
·
Preference for activities that will improve sustainable development
practices, including innovative and transferable activities; realize a
commitment from a community's Commonwealth Capital application; or implement a
specific Community Development or Master Plan action
·
Deadline: August 16.
More
information is available by contacting the Division of Conservation Services at
http://www.mass.gov/envir/dcs/landwater/default.htm.
Division of
Housing Development
The Housing
Stabilization Fund (HSF)
Support comprehensive neighborhood redevelopment
efforts, and to help developers and municipalities acquire, preserve and
rehabilitate affordable housing.
·
For-profit developers, non-profit developers, and municipalities in
cooperation with any of the aforementioned entities.
·
Maximum funding per application is $750,000.
More
information is available by contacting the Division of Housing Development at
(617) 573-1320 or http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=ehedterminal&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Housing+Development&L2=Affordable+Home+Ownership+Development&sid=Ehed&b=terminalcontent&f=dhcd_hd_hsf_hsf&csid=Ehed
Public Works
Economic Development Program (PWED)
Assists municipalities in funding transportation
infrastructure that will stimulate economic development.
·
Projects must be consistent with the Commonwealth’s Sustainable
Development Principles.
·
Grant must create or retain jobs and increase local tax revenue,
especially where most needed.
·
Deadlines occur quarterly.
More
information is available by contacting the Executive Office of Transportation
at http://www.eot.state.ma.us/default.asp?pgid=content/EOTGrantsPWED&sid=about
Executive
Office of Transporation
Transportation
Enhancement Program
Provides funds for
transportation enhancement activities.
·
Eligible projects include historic preservation, rehabilitation and
operation of historic transportation buildings, provision of facilities for
pedestrians and bicycles, landscaping and other scenic beautification, and
preservation of abandoned railway corridors, including conversion of use for
pedestrians and bicycles.
More
information is available by contacting the Executive Office of Transportation
at (617) 973-7000 or online at http://www.eot.state.ma.us/default.asp?pgid=content/enhanceProgram&sid=about.
Massachusetts
Cultural Council
The John and
Abigail Adams Arts Program
Provides funds to promote
the use of cultural resources as a tool for economic development.
·
Eligible projects have the capacity to stimulate income, create or
enhance jobs, develop entrepreneurial cultural enterprises and encourage
cultural activity, cultivate the local or state economy, and attract tourism
related cultural organizations and activity.
·
To be eligible for funding, the proposal must have at least three
organizations involved as partners, one of which must be a cultural
organization.
·
Applicants must provide dollar for dollar match to the grant awarded.
More information
is available by contacting Massachusetts Cultural Council at (617) 727-3668 or
online at http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/
Massachusetts
Cultural Facilities Fund
The Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund is a new
initiative of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Fund was created as part
of a major economic stimulus bill that was approved by the Massachusetts
Legislature in July 2006. The legislative appropriation to the Fund for its
first year was $13 million.
The goal of the Cultural Facilities Fund is to
increase investments from both the public sector and the private sector to
support the sound planning and development of cultural facilities in
Massachusetts.
The Fund will provide Capital Grants and Feasibility
and Technical Assistance Grants to promote the acquisition, design, repair,
rehabilitation renovation, expansion, or construction of nonprofit cultural
facilities in Massachusetts. All grants from the Fund must be matched with cash
contributions from the private or public sector.
·
Eligible applicants include nonprofit cultural organizations and
(subject to some limitations) municipalities and institutions of higher
education that own cultural facilities.
·
Award
Ranges and Cash Matching Requirements: TBD once the 2009 fiscal
year budget is finalized.
·
Deadlines:
TBD once the 2009 fiscal year budget is finalized.
More
information is available by contacting Massachusetts Cultural Council at (617)
727-3668 or online at http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/facilities/facilities.htm
Massachusetts
Development Finance Agency
Predevelopment
Assistance
Downtown real estate development projects in an
economic target area are eligible for technical assistance funding.
·
Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 ($20,000 for non-profits) and
require a match.
·
Projects must be eligible under Economic Development Financing Program.
·
Eligible projects include market and feasibility analysis, preliminary
architectural or engineering plans appraisals, development consultants,
structural or mechanical analysis, traffic studies, historic consultants, legal
organization or titles, topographic mapping, civil survey, marketing, pre-leasing
material, and environmental testing.
Massachusetts
Historical Commission (MHC)
Massachusetts
Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF)
Through the MHC, this program provides funding for
the acquisition, preservation, and rehabilitation of historic properties,
landscapes, and sites.
·
Eligible properties must be listed in or eligible for listing in the
State Register of Historic Places
·
Eligible projects must be under municipal or private non-profit
ownership.
·
Predevelopment projects such as feasibility studies, plans and
specification, and historic structures reports are also eligible
activities.
·
This is a 50% reimbursable matching grant program.
·
Deadline: June 24.
More
information is available by contacting the Massachusetts Historic Commission at
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcmppf/mppfidx.htm.
Grants—Non-profit
1772 Foundation
Successful
grant applications in the past have demonstrated positive community impact,
multiple partners, a solid financial and management structure, creative
programming, modern relevancy, and a willingness to support a network of
historic sites in the geographic and/or thematic area.
·
What They Fund:
Bricks and Mortar Restoration projects
Revolving or Endangered Properties Funds
Agricultural, Transportation, and Industry Museums
and Sites
Restoration carpentry and crafts schools
Agricultural Education at historic sites
Historic Farmsteads
Mill restorations
Maritime entities
Sustainable/Green restoration and preservation
Greenways that link historic sites
More information is
available by contacting the 1772 Foundation at http://www.1772foundation.org
The Boston Foundation
Supports organizations and programs working in: Arts
& Culture, Civic Engagement, Education/Out-of-School Time, Health &
Human Services, Housing & Community Economic Development, Urban
Environment, and Workforce Development.
·
Eligible organizations must be not for profit groups.
·
Must be located in the Greater Boston area
More information is
available by contacting the Boston Foundation at http://www.tbf.org/Home.aspx
Crossroads Community
Foundation
Provides grant assistance.
·
Areas of eligibility include culture, environment, economic
development, and capacity building.
·
Eligible projects include assistance to local arts initiatives,
historic preservation, environmental
studies, non-profit agency strategic plans, and micro-loans
programs.
·
Limited to projects within 27 MetroWest communities.
More information is
available by contacting the Crossroads Community Foundation at (508) 647-2260
or online at http://www.ccfdn.org/.
Essex National Heritage
Commission Partnership Grant Program
Provides seed money to organizations for heritage
education, preservation, interpretation, archives and trails projects.
·
This is a dollar for dollar matching grant program.
·
Eligible organizations must be not for profit or public entities.
·
All projects must take place within the geographic boundaries of the
Essex National Heritage Area.
·
Must be listed or eligible for listing on the State or National
Register of Historic Places.
·
Deadline: April 1.
More information is
available by contacting the Essex National Heritage Area at http://www.essexheritage.org/partnershipgrant/.
Berkshire Taconic Community
Foundation
The James and
Robert Hardman Fund
Supports projects that cover the arts, culture,
historic preservation, health, human and social services, education and the
environment.
·
Eligible organizations must be not for profit or public entities.
·
Must be located in North Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, MA or Stamford,
VT.
·
Deadline: May 1.
More information is
available by contacting the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation at http://www.berkshiretaconic.org/.
The Getty Foundation
The Getty Foundation fulfills the philanthropic
mission of the Getty Trust by supporting individuals and institutions committed
to advancing the understanding and preservation of the visual arts locally and
throughout the world. Through strategic grants and programs, the Foundation
strengthens art history as a global discipline, promotes the interdisciplinary
practice of conservation, increases access to museum and archival collections,
and develops current and future leaders in the visual arts. The Foundation
carries out its work in collaboration with the Getty Museum, Research
Institute, and Conservation Institute, to ensure that the Getty programs
achieve maximum impact.
·
The Foundation offers a variety of grants for research, conservation,
and museums. The conservation grants can
be used for historic buildings and archaeological sites.
·
For a list of programs, eligibility, deadlines, and awards, please see http://www.getty.edu/grants/
More information is
available at http://www.getty.edu/foundation/.
Historic Boston, Inc
Steeples
Project
Helps Boston religious property stewards maintain
their buildings (churches, synagogues, mosques, and meeting houses used for
worship).
·
This is a dollar for dollar matching grant program.
·
Building must be listed in, or eligible for listing in the National
Register of Historic Places
·
Must be a historic religious property located in Boston.
·
Grants help fund comprehensive building assessments, repairs to
building envelopes, and the illumination of steeples, towers, and domes.
·
Grant categories:
o
Technical Assistance (up to $10,000)
o
Major Repairs (up to $50,000)
o
Lighting (to illuminate prominent architectural features to highlight
important
architectural features) (up to $10,000)
More
information is available through Historic Boston, Inc. at www.historicboston.org/steeples_project.htm.
Hyams Foundation
Provides grant assistance for low income
neighborhoods.
·
Eligible projects include housing rehabilitation, economic development,
crime prevention and maintenance of urban open space.
·
Priority is given to projects in Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Lynn and
Somerville
More information is
available by contacting the Hyams Foundation at (617) 426-5600 or online at http://www.hyamsfoundation.org/.
Institute of Museum and
Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the
primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500
museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national
level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain
heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support
professional development.
·
The IMLS offers a variety of grant programs. For a list of programs, eligibility,
deadlines, and awards, please see http://www.imls.gov/
Mabel Louise Riley
Foundation
Provides grant assistance.
·
Areas of eligibility include community development in low income and
minority neighborhoods, job development and training, housing, historic
preservation, building acquisition, community planning and organizational
development.
·
Support for projects outside the City of Boston and vicinity is
limited.
More information is
available by contacting the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation at (617) 399-1850 or http://www.rileyfoundation.com/.
Massachusetts Foundation for
the Humanities
Mass Humanities supports public humanities projects.
Public humanities projects bring historical, cultural or ethical perspectives
to bear on topics and issues of interest to our communities. These projects can
take many different forms, but they have the following characteristics in
common. They:
·
Engage participants in thinking critically about fundamental questions
of value, purpose, and meaning.
·
Promote better understanding of ourselves and others, past and present.
·
Are conducted in a spirit of open and informed inquiry.
·
Involve partnerships between community organizations, cultural
institutions, and scholars in the humanities.
·
The Foundation makes project grants to
support lecture series, professional development for teachers, public forums,
post or pre-performance discussions, film screenings with discussions, reading
and discussion programs, oral history projects, and other public humanities
activities in Massachusetts. In most cases, the maximum award for a grant for a
public program is $5,000, and most proposals the Foundation receives fit under
the general category of "public program."
·
Projects that address the "Liberty and
justice for all" theme, cultural economic
development projects, and pre-production media projects are eligible for a
maximum of $10,000. The Foundation also gives project grants to support
exhibitions, publishing subventions, and media (radio, film, or video) projects.
All of these grant opportunities are described below. Smaller
grants are available; they have their own application requirements.
·
Any non-profit organization, whether or not it has 501(c)(3) status, is
eligible for MFH funding
More information is
available at http://www.mfh.org/index.htm
Loans
Real Estate
Development Loans/Guarantees
Projects involving redevelopment of blighted or
surplus property are eligible for permanent first position financing.
·
Multi-tenant commercial, industrial, retail and mixed use projects
qualify.
·
Loans are up to $3 million with a maximum term of 10 years; guarantees
are up to $500,000.
Tax Credits
Massachusetts
State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit:
A
tax credit of 20% of the cost of a substantial rehabilitation of an historic
building that is used for an income-producing purpose.
·
Properties must be certified as historic by the Massachusetts Historical
Commission
·
Properties must be at least 50 years old
·
Can be combined with the Federal rehab tax credit
More
information is available by contacting the Massachusetts Historic Commission at
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhctax/taxidx.htm.
Federal
Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit
The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives
program encourages private sector rehabilitation of historic buildings and is
one of the nation's most successful and cost-effective community revitalization
programs. It generates jobs and creates moderate and low-income housing in
historic buildings.
The program is administered by National Park Service
and the Internal Revenue Service in partnership with State Historic Preservation Offices.
·
The 20% rehabilitation tax credit applies to any project
that the Secretary of the Interior designates a certified rehabilitation of a certified
historic structure. The 20% credit is available for properties
rehabilitated for commercial, industrial, agricultural, or rental residential
purposes, but it is not available for properties used exclusively as the
owner's private residence.
·
Current tax incentives for preservation, established by the Tax Reform
Act of 1986 (PL 99-514; Internal Revenue Code Section 47 [formerly Section
48(g)]) include:
·
20% tax credit for the certified rehabilitation of certified historic
structures.
·
a 10% tax credit for the rehabilitation of non-historic,
non-residential buildings built before 1936.
·
For both credits, the rehabilitation must be a substantial one and must
involve a depreciable building.
More information is
available at: http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/tax/index.htm