The Building Communities Grants Programs consist of five grant programs established and funded by the Vermont Legislature to “help communities preserve important historic buildings and enhance community facilities”. All of these grant programs, with the exception of the Barn Grants, require that the applicant be a non-profit organization or municipality. The deadlines for all five occur in the fall and selections are made by individual boards through an established selection process. All grants require a match; matching funds from local fundraising efforts are encouraged. You may not apply to more than one of the grant programs for the same Project in one calendar year.

• Read the descriptions below to determine which programs fund the type of project you are planning.
• Look at the grant application and instructions on-line at the websites listed below.
• Contact representatives from the agencies listed below if you have questions concerning their respective grant programs.
• Be prepared to demonstrate strong community support for projects on public buildings through fundraising campaigns and grass roots initiatives.
• Good luck!

Historic Preservation Grant Program
Since 1987, 50/50 matching grants have been offered through a competitive process administered by the Division for Historic Preservation to assist municipalities and nonprofit organizations in restoring important historic buildings across the state. Each year, grants of up to $15,000 are awarded by the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to help preserve and repair buildings that will promote the public's awareness and appreciation of Vermont's cultural heritage. Town halls, municipal buildings, churches, historical societies, granges, and many other kinds of buildings have been funded. Eligible work includes restoration and repair of roofs, structural elements, windows, foundations, and other components of historic buildings. Application deadline is Monday, October 6, 2008.

For more information contact:

Devin Colman
Vermont Division for Historic Preservation Telephone: 828-3043
email: devin.colman@state.vt.us
Website: www.HistoricVermont.org

Historic Barn and Agricultural Buildings Grant Program
Since 1991, a 50/50 matching grants program has been assisting owners of historic agricultural buildings (barns, corn cribs, silos, grist mills, etc.) located in Vermont through the Division for Historic Preservation. Grants of up to $10,000 are awarded by the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to assist in the restoration and repair of endangered buildings, which can be in private ownership. Historic barns may qualify whether they are in active agricultural use or non-agricultural use. Eligible work includes restoration and repair of roofs, structural elements, windows, foundations, and other important components of historic agricultural buildings. Application deadline is Monday, November 3, 2008.

For more information contact:

Nancy Boone,
Vermont Division for Historic Preservation Telephone: 828-3045
email: nancy.boone@state.vt.us
Website: www.HistoricVermont.org

Cultural Facilities Grant Program
The cultural facilities grant program is administered by the Vermont Arts Council in conjunction with the Vermont Historical Society, the Vermont Museum & Gallery Alliance, and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. The program awards grants on a competitive basis to assist nonprofit organizations and municipalities to improve community facilities used to provide cultural activities to the public. The purpose of the program is to enhance or expand the capacity of an existing building to provide cultural programming. Grants range from $1,000 - $20,000 and require a 1:1 cash match. Application deadline is Wednesday October 1, 2008. The Arts Council will offer Cultural Facilities Grants Workshops in September. Details will be posted on our website.

For more information contact:

Sonia Rae,
Vermont Arts Council
Telephone: 828-5425
email: srae@vermontartscouncil.org
Website: www.vermontartscouncil.org

Recreational Facilities Grant Program
The recreational facilities grant program provides competitive grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations to stimulate the creation and development of recreational opportunities in Vermont Communities. The program requires a 3:1 match from the recipient and caps awards at $25,000. This program requires that there be demonstrated community support, both financial and grassroots. Application deadline is September 5, 2008.

For more information contact:

Diane Nealy,
Department of Buildings & General Services (828-3519
email: Diane.Nealy@state.vt.us
Website: www.bgs.state.vt.us

Human Services and Educational Facilities Competitive Grant Program
The human services and educational facilities grant program is directed to award matching grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for capital costs associated with the major maintenance, renovation and development of facilities used for the delivery of human services and health care, or for the development of educational opportunities in Vermont communities. The program requires a 3:1 match from the recipient and caps awards at $25,000. Application deadline is September 12, 2008.

For more information contact:

Diane Nealy,
Department of Buildings & General Services Telephone: 828-3519
email: Diane.Nealy@state.vt.us
Website: www.bgs.state.vt.us