**Updated July 2026**

The Maine Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to announce that Round 2 of the Historic Community Buildings grant program is now open. Applications are due on October 23, 2026, and decisions will be announced at the end of January 2027.

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 three grant rounds. 

The 2026 Historic Community Building Grant program grant manual and Frequency Asked Questions (FAQ) can be found linked below.  

PLEASE carefully read the Manual, Referenced Riders and Appendices before completing an application as there have been changes from Round 1 – this is a complex program that requires careful project planning and adherence to state regulations.

2026 Round 2 Historic Community Building Grant Manual (PDF Version)

2026 Round 2 Historic Community Building Grant Manual (Word Version)

2026 Round 2 Historic Community Building Grant FAQ

2026 Round 2 Application (Word Version, For Reference Only) 

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Key points to consider before submitting for Round 2

• The minimum grant request is $25,000
• The maximum grant request is $500,000 (do not request an amount above the maximum request)
• Funding is contingent on a 25% match requirement
• Match must come from private or non-profit sources (non-governmental)
• Government money (including municipal funds) cannot be used for the 25% grant match
• The building must be listed in or have been nominated for listing in the National Register of Historic Places
• Drawings, specifications or bid documents from a Maine licensed architect or engineer for the project must be 90-100% complete, have been completed or updated in the last 5 years, and be submitted with the application (with a few exceptions)
• Projects will need to be put out to bid (following the State procurement process)
• Grantee will have to enter into a stewardship agreement or preservation agreement (which requires public access at least 12 days a year)
• Do not include contingencies or overhead in your budget 

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A complete application INCLUDES each of the following:

1. 1. Completed application in Microsoft Power Application with supplementary documentation.
      1. Please note, you are unable to save the form and go back to edit later. Choosing Submit at the end of the form sends the application to us for review.         
   2. Supplementary documentation submitted with application:
      1. Cost proposals from contractors
      2. Resumes for donated labor. Attach resumés for all persons to be valued for match purposes at more than the state minimum wage. See Chapter 8.8 of the Grant Manual. 
      3. Resumes for contractors who provided cost proposals, and any architects, engineers, consultants, conservators, or other professionals who have either provided project drawings and specifications or will be providing project oversight or other services (if known at time of application). Resumes should highlight experience working with historic buildings.
      4. Copies of completed drawings and specifications, assessments, stabilization plans or historic structure reports if appropriate.
      5. 2026 Round 2 Budget Worksheet, see Chapter 8.1 of the Grant Manual before completing. 
   3. Photographs. See Chapter 6.10 of the Grant Manual.
   4. Signed and completed Application Certificate and Checklist
      1.  Checklist and Certification must be printed, signed by hand, and scanned as a PDF.

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How to complete the application and submit documentation

              Step 1. Ensure all required supporting documents are complete. 

              Step 2. Complete Microsoft Power App Application, including uploading supporting documents at the end of the form. 

                    Please note, you are unable to save the form and go back to edit later. 

                   We recommend using the working paper form linked on this page and then copy and pasting into the digital form. 

                    The Supporting Documents will appear like the image below once they are attached to the application.                       

Step 3. A response email will be automatically sent within a few minutes to the email address indicated for contact on the application to confirm we received your application. This email includes a copy of the application submitted. 

           Step 4. You are done! Notices of grant decisions will go out in late January/early February 2027.

For help submitting application and uploading supporting documents, or if you require an accommodation to submit, contact Lauren Swain lauren.swain@maine.gov or 207-287-5434

If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact Erika Webb, Historic Community Buildings Grant program administrator via email at erika.webb@maine.gov or 207-287-5436.