Historic Property / Land Acquisition Fund Grant (HPLAF)

Applications will be accepted July 1, 2024 through August 31, 2024.

The Tennessee Historical Commission (THC), State Historic Preservation Office, is accepting grant applications for historic preservation projects. State grant funds are made available through the Historic Property / Land Acquisition Fund (HPLAF) Grant, TCA § 4-11-113. The Tennessee Historical Commission is authorized to use the fund to help restore historic properties in our state that have a demonstrated public benefit. Grants are competitive and can be used for Historic Restoration/Rehabilitation Projects for National Register of Historic Places listed resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HPLAF Grant?

In FY 24-25 the Tennessee Historical Commission will offer $2 Million from its Historic Property / Land Acquisition Fund to help restore historic properties in our state that have a demonstrated public benefit.

What types of projects are eligible?

To qualify for funding a property must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The grants are to be used for Historic Restoration / Rehabilitation Projects. Properties will score highest in the grant ranking process that have a demonstrated public benefit. Examples of a public benefit include but are limited to historic National Register-listed properties that are museums, courthouses, and libraries. The scoring process is based on the THC Federal Historic Preservation Fund grant program.

What is the source of the funding?

The Tennessee Historical Commission (THC) board authorized $ 2 million dollars in state grant funds be made available from the Historic Property / Land Acquisition Fund (HPLAF) TCA § 4-11-113. The THC is authorized to use this fund for acquiring property and for its capital projects. It also can make “capital grants to other historic properties not owned or operated by the state.”

When are applications due?

Applications are currently open through August 31, 2024.

Can grants be used by an applicant to purchase a historic property?

No. The land acquisition component of the title refers to the fact that the Tennessee Historical Commission may purchase and save historic properties using this fund.

Does the grant require matching funds?

The grants will require a 10% match.

When will the grants be announced?

Following the close of the application process THC staff will review and score the applications. The Tennessee Historical Commission board is expected to review and make final approval for the grantees at their October, 2024 meeting.

How do I apply for a grant?

To apply, please visit TDEC's grant management home page for instructions and further information regarding the grant.

For more information, please contact Dan Brown, Historic Sites Program Director, or Bobby Cooley, Historic Sites Program Coordinator.