Preserving Oregon Grant

The Preserving Oregon Grant, administered by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) under the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), is a targeted funding initiative focused on the protection and enhancement of Oregon’s historic and archaeological resources. As part of the OPRD’s broader commitment to cultural heritage and public access, this grant program supports work that either rehabilitates properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or contributes significantly to the identification, preservation, and interpretation of archaeological sites. The program aligns with Oregon Heritage's mission to foster an inclusive and well-preserved historical record that is accessible and meaningful to all communities in the state. The grant is structured to ensure that only projects demonstrating readiness and public benefit receive support. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) prior to the application deadline, which serves as an initial screening mechanism. A brief project description, property location, and intended scope of work are required at this stage. If approved, applicants may proceed to the full application stage within the OPRD Grants Online system. The LOI deadline for the 2026 cycle is April 7, 2026, and the full application deadline is May 5, 2026. All submissions must be made by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on their respective dates. Project start dates begin no earlier than July 1, 2026, following the execution of grant agreements and approval of workplans. All funded projects must be completed and fully reported by April 30, 2027. The grant offers up to $20,000 in reimbursable funds per project. A mandatory 1:1 match is required and may include cash contributions, in-kind donations, and volunteer labor. Indirect costs or administrative expenses may be applied either to the grant funds or the match, but not both, and are capped at 6% of the award. For projects exceeding $25,000, at least three cost estimates are required to validate budget accuracy. All work funded must comply with relevant preservation standards, including the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and applicable SHPO archaeological protocols. Eligibility for this grant extends to all property owners; however, preference is given to projects involving publicly owned or nonprofit-owned resources. Historic property projects must involve structures listed on the National Register either individually or as contributing properties within a historic district. Archaeological project eligibility includes conservation and stabilization, research on new preservation methods, public education initiatives, heritage management planning, and National Register nominations. Interior work for historic properties is evaluated for eligibility on a case-by-case basis, particularly concerning its significance and public value. Applications are evaluated based on multiple criteria, including the project's significance to structural integrity, preservation of character-defining features, and adherence to established preservation standards. For archaeological projects, reviewers assess the technical merit, professional oversight, historical significance, and broader impact. Additional considerations include public benefit, geographic distribution, inclusion of underrepresented narratives, and matching funds readiness. Site visits may be requested during the evaluation process to verify project conditions. Grant workshops are offered in February to assist applicants, covering topics such as application preparation and evaluation criteria. Recordings are made available for a limited period. For technical assistance or support with the OPRD Grants Online system, applicants are encouraged to contact Kuri Gill at [email protected] or call 503-986-0685. Program materials, including application instructions and grant guidelines, are available through the official Oregon Heritage website. This grant is part of a biennial funding cycle, and recurring opportunities are anticipated in future years.

Highlight public benefit and character-defining features; follow preservation standards closely; provide complete cost estimates.