Grants and Funding for Historic & Historic Abandoned Buildings in Kansas: Where to Start

Time after time, we get asked how owners of historic and or abandoned historic buildings can get funding for their building. Kansas has been great for revitalizing historic structures. In addition to many Historic Tax Credits on the state and federal levels, several grant programs and funding opportunities are available that can help with stabilization, restoration, and even adaptive reuse projects. So here is a comprehensive list to aid owners in their journey to preserve history!

• Get listed: Take the steps to get your building listed on the Register of Historic Kansas Places or the National Register of Historic Places to qualify for many programs.

• Document everything: Keep photos, historical records, and repair estimates.

• Start early: Many grant applications take months to process. Don’t wait until the roof caves in.

• Ask questions: The Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Kansas Historical Society is incredibly helpful. Contact them for guidance on your specific project.

1. Kansas Historic Preservation Fund Grants (HPF)

The Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administers the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) to finance local preservation activities that will contribute to planning for the preservation of the built environment and archeological resources. Up to 60 percent of the cost of eligible activities can be funded through this program.

• Eligible Projects (Examples, not limited to):

  • Preservation plans for communities or historic properties
  • Surveys of cultural resources
  • National Register historic district nominations
  • Design-review guidelines for historic districts
  • Walking tour brochures, websites, or podcasts
  • Educational presentations, conferences, or workshops

• Deadline: Typically in March or April each year.

• More Info and Application: Kansas HPF Grants

2. Kansas Heritage Trust Fund (HTF)

• Deadline: Applications are due the November before the anticipated year, i.e., if you are applying for the HTF of 2025, applications are due in November of 2024.

• Eligible Work: Expenses include professional fees and construction costs.

• Eligible Owners: Local Governments, Private Individuals, Non-Profit, and For-Profit entities

• Matching Funds: Individual grant awards may not exceed $90,000 and must be matched by the grant recipient.

• More Info and Application: Kansas Heritage Trust Fund (LINK) & Step by Step Video for Filling Out Application (LINK)

3. Kansas State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit

• Bonus: These credits can be sold and transferred, extending the opportunity to any potential buyer!

• More Info and Applications: Kansas Department of Internal Revenue (LINK) & Kansas Historical Society (LINK)

4. Rural Housing Incentive Districts Also Known As Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts (RHID)

While not exclusively for historic buildings, this program helps revitalize rural Kansas communities by supporting housing development, sometimes through the reuse of old or vacant buildings.

• Eligibility: Communities with more than 60,000 in population, Communities with less than 85,000 in population

• Projects Covered: property acquisition, plumbing, HVAC, walls, flooring, removal of hazardous substances or materials, roof, framing, etc.

• More Info: RHID Program (LINK)

5. USDA Rural Development Grants

• Projects Covered:

  • Business incubators.
  • Community development assistance to nonprofits and public bodies (particularly for job creation or enhancement).
  • Facilities and equipment to educate and train rural residents to help economic development.
  • Facilities and equipment for medical care for rural residents.
  • Start-up venture costs, including, but not limited to, financing fixed assets such as real estate, buildings, equipment, or working capital.
  • Business expansion.
  • Technical assistance.

• More Info: USDA Rural Development Kansas (LINK)

6. Energy Efficient Tax Incentives and Credits

• More Info: Kansas Corporation Commission Tax Credits (LINK)