Historic Preservation State Grant Fund
The South Carolina Department of Archives & History is pleased to announce that the Historic Preservation State Grant Fund is now accepting applications. The purpose of the State Grant Fund is to support historic preservation projects that benefit local communities through the physical repair and rehabilitation of South Carolina’s historic buildings.
The SCDAH will award grants in two categories: Planning Grants and Stabilization Grants. Applicants can be awarded only one grant per funding cycle.
Planning Grants are awarded to assist applicants in the development of “bid-ready” plans and specifications to enable successful application for and implementation of Stabilization Grants. Grants up to $50,000 will be awarded. No cash match is required. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2026.
Stabilization Grants are awarded for “bid-ready projects” for the stabilization and weatherization of historic buildings. Stabilization and weatherization, as a treatment, is the act or process of applying measures designed to reestablish the structural stability of an unsafe or deteriorated property and a weather resistant enclosure while maintaining the essential form as it exists at present. Grants ranging from $40,000 to $200,000 will be awarded. A minimum 20% cash match of the Total Project Cost is required. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2027.
Eligible Applicants are nonprofit organizations [501(c)(3)], local governments, and federal or state recognized Native American tribes.
Buildings must be listed as a contributing resource in a National Register of Historic Places historic district or individually listed in or individually eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Project work must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
The deadline to receive completed applications is 5:00 PM September 24, 2025. This is NOT a postmark deadline. Late applications will NOT be considered. Grant applicants will be notified by mid November 2025 if their project has been selected for grant funding.
Electronic application submittal is strongly encouraged.
Application
Overview Presentation of the Application (PDF)
2025-2026 Application Guidance (PDF)
2025-2026 State Grant Fund Application (PDF)
2025-2026 Application Checklist (PDF)
Please review the Guidelines (pages 2 to 8 of the Application) for more information about the Applicant Requirements, what Grant Funding Will Support/ Will Not Support, and the Grant Selection Criteria and Review.
Questions?
For additional questions or assistance with your Historic Preservation State Grant Fund Application, please send an email to Alee2@scdah.sc.gov. SCDAH staff will be glad to schedule consultations, review drafts of applications, or talk through proposed projects and ideas.
Grant Awards (PDF)
FY 2025 Grant Awards
FY 2024 Grant Awards
FY 2023 Grant Awards