Keystone Historic Preservation Planning Grants

The Keystone Historic Preservation Planning Grants, administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), support nonprofit organizations and local governments in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These grants are funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and are dedicated to the preservation of historic and archaeological resources that are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The program emphasizes planning and pre-development work that enhances the stewardship, accessibility, and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s historic assets, aligning with the goals set forth in the state’s preservation plan, "Historic Preservation: The Keystone of Community 2025–2035." The purpose of the grant program is to promote thoughtful, strategic investments in preservation planning activities. Eligible project types include cultural resource surveys, National Register nominations, planning and development assistance for historic structures, and archaeological investigations. All funded activities must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and relevant state preservation office guidelines. Ineligible uses include general operating support, capital improvements, indirect costs, lobbying, religious programming, and previously initiated projects. Eligible applicants must be Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organizations or governmental entities that have served the public for at least five consecutive years. Additionally, they must be registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Charitable Organizations and own or support a publicly accessible historic resource that is either listed or determined eligible for the National Register. Applications are limited to one planning or construction grant per applicant, and projects must be conducted on properties located in Pennsylvania. Applications must be submitted through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Electronic Single Application for Assistance system by March 2, 2026. Required supporting documentation includes tax-exempt verification, resumes of key personnel or consultants, verification of National Register eligibility, project descriptions, contractor estimates, photographs, and letters of support. Applicants must also identify how their projects align with one or more of the goals outlined in Pennsylvania’s statewide preservation plan. Matching requirements are strict—a 50/50 cash match is mandatory, and in-kind contributions or staff salaries cannot be used to meet this requirement. The grant review process involves peer panels in May 2026, followed by PHMC approval in June. Award letters and grant agreements are distributed shortly after approval, with the project period beginning around September 1, 2026, and concluding on September 30, 2028. Projects must be completed within the 24-month period and require quarterly reporting throughout. Successful proposals should emphasize community benefit, sustainability, and strategic planning. Special consideration will be given during this cycle to projects that support America250 initiatives, commemorating Pennsylvania's role in the American Revolution. For program-related questions, applicants may contact PHMC’s Keystone Grants Office via email or phone. Additional training and informational webinars are also available on PHMC’s YouTube channel.

Highlight goals from the 2025–2035 statewide plan and match narrative to evaluation criteria.