**Updated May 2026**

The Maine Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to announce that Round 2 of the Historic Community Buildings Grant program will open late summer to early fall of 2026 and applications will be due early November 2026.

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. 

The 2025 Historic Community Building Grant program grant manual and Frequency Asked Questions (FAQ) can be found linked below for reference purposes only. An updated grant manual and FAQ will be made available once Round 2 is opened. 

PLEASE carefully read the Manual, Referenced Riders and Appendices before completing an application – this is a complex program that requires careful project planning and adherence to state regulations.

2025 Historic Community Building Grant Manual (PDF Version)

2025 Historic Community Building Grant Manual (Word Version)

2025 Round 1 Historic Community Building Grant FAQ

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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)
• The grant will be matched on a 75% grant / 25% match basism
• 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 (“shovel ready”), be 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 

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