Preserving Historic Places in Rural Iowa
The Iowa Rural Heritage Revitalization Grant supports the rehabilitation of historic properties in rural Iowa. Funded through the National Park Service's Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program, this initiative provides subgrants for physical preservation projects involving properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or designated as National Historic Landmarks. All work must follow The Secretary of the Interiorβs Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation and comply with applicable federal requirements.
Eligibility
Who can apply:
- Iowa-based nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) or via an eligible fiscal agent)
- Units of local or county government in Iowa
- Federally recognized tribal councils located in Iowa
Who cannot apply:
- Individuals, for-profit businesses, educational institutions, political parties, labor unions, state or federal agencies
- Organizations not in good standing with the Iowa Economic Development Authority or State Historic Preservation Office
Eligible Properties
Projects must involve historic properties located in rural areas. Rural areas are defined as all areas outside urban municipalities with populations of 50,000 or more and adjacent urbanized areas, consistent with U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Agriculture rural definitions.
All properties must be owned by the applicant at the time of application. Eligible properties include:
- Buildings, structures, or sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Properties designated as National Historic Landmarks
Application Process
- Applicants must create an account and submit materials through the online SlideRoom portal.
- Only one application may be submitted per applicant.
- All required documentation β including photographs, plans, letters of support and budget information β must be included at the time of submission.
- Projects may not begin until a contract is executed and a kickoff meeting is held with the State Historic Preservation Office.
- Application deadline: March 6
Funding Details
- Total funding available: $750,000
- Grant range: $75,000 to $150,000
- Match requirement: 30% cash match (state and federal funds cannot be used as match)
- Reimbursement: Quarterly reimbursement; final 20% released after approval of final report, site visit and recording of the required preservation easement
- Eligible costs: Physical preservation work, architectural/engineering services (up to 20% of total project cost), consultant fees, travel, required signage, easement recording and allowable indirect costs