The Commission offers grants to support historic preservation activities in Maine through four programs. It also assists with the administration of certain direct grants made by the National Park Service.
Historic Community Buildings Grant Program The Historic Community Buildings Grant program is funded by a $10 million dollar bond that Maine voters approved in November 2024. It is anticipated that funding from the bond will be awarded in 3 grant rounds.
Historic Community Buildings Grants (UPDATED MAY 2026)
Historic Preservation Grants are matching grants for architectural or archaeological survey or development or pre-development projects. Grants range between $10,000 and $30,000. Eligible properties must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places and eligible applicants are limited to state agencies, county governments, municipal governments, educational institutions, and private non-profit institutions as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. The source of funding for these grants is the Federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The Historic Preservation Grants program is currently closed.
All Historic Preservation Grants are governed by the rules and regulations in the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund Grant Manual (PDF)
Certified Local Government (CLG) Grants CLG grants are also funded by the Federal HPF and carries many of the same requirements as the Historic Preservation grants with one important distinction: eligible applicants are limited to the CLG certified communities in Maine. The CLG Grant program is currently closed.
New Century Community Grants As state program funds are available, the Commission makes matching grants to eligible non-profit and community based organizations for the restoration or preservation of historic properties listed in the Register. The New Century Community Grant program is currently closed.
Save America’s Treasures (SAT) Grants SAT grants provide preservation and/or conservation assistance to nationally significant historic properties and collections. Grants are awarded through a competitive process and require a dollar-for-dollar, non-Federal match. The subject property must be a National Historic Landmark or listed in the Register at the national level of significance.
Save America's Treasures Grants is currently open. Applications are due June 16, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
If you intend to apply for a SAT grant, please contact the Commission first to confirm eligibility.
Policy on Letters of Support
Grant making institutions and agencies often require that applications include letters of support from the State Historic Preservation Officer. The Commission will provide such letters for projects it deems worthy, or will comment on a proposed project’s effect under the following conditions:
- the request shall be made, preferably by email, at least 15 days before the application deadline;
- the applicant shall provide a copy of the grant application that explains the grant request and scope of work;
- the applicant shall furnish a draft letter of endorsement that the Commission may modify as it deems appropriate;
- the applicant shall indicate to whom the letter should be sent; and,
- the comment deadline shall be stated in the request.
The Maine Historic Preservation Commission receives Federal financial assistance for the identification and protection of historic properties; under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U. S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or handicap in its federally assisted program.