Contributed by: Preservation Massachusetts
Organization: Preservation Massachusetts
Dated Posted: September 16, 2026
Website: Visit External Site

Since 2020, Preservation Massachusetts (PM) has worked in partnership with The 1772 Foundation on this source of grant funding for historic buildings in Massachusetts.

The Historic Preservation Matching Grant Program is a 1:1 matching grant of up to $10,000 for exterior work on historic properties owned or leased by non-profit organizations.

$135,000 is available for the 2027 grant round! 

About the Massachusetts Historic Preservation Matching Grant

Who Is Eligible? Only 501(c)3 organizations that own or have a long-term lease on the historic property can apply for this grant. Active church congregations or schools are not eligible to apply, as per the Foundation's criteria.

Which Historic Properties Are Eligible? In order to be eligible for this grant, an historic property must either be listed on the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places (MSROHP) OR be deemed historic by the local historical commission. In order for a property to be listed on the MSROHP, a property must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places as either an individual property or in a district, OR be located in a Local Historic District, OR have a Preservation Restriction. Having a form listed in the MACRIS database is NOT the same as being on the MSROHP. If you have questions, please contact us.

Who Oversees this Grant? This grant is administered and overseen by PM. The 1772 Foundation provides the funding. Please direct questions about this grant to Preservation Massachusetts.

What Does the Grant Fund? Eligible projects (except for those in the climate action category) are exterior only and must fall within the following categories: exterior painting, finishes, and surface restoration; fire detection/lightning protection/security systems; repairs to/restoration of porches, roofs, and windows; repairs to foundations and sills; and chimney and masonry repointing.

NEW THIS YEAR: The Climate Action Grant Category. Eligible activities in this category include energy audit assessments, insulation upgrades, alternative energy sources (solar, geothermal, wind, etc.), upgraded/converted systems/appliances and storm windows. Water mitigation projects (wet proofing crawl spaces, gutters, site work, etc.) may be considered, but preference will be given to decarbonization projects. Applications for lifting or relocating buildings will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to leverage programs offered by utility providers. Projects in this Climate Action category CANNOT be combined with projects in other eligible project categories.

Project work in ALL Matching Grant categories, including the Climate Action category, must be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.

PM is grateful to The 1772 Foundation for its generous support of historic preservation and its recognition that small brick and mortar grants  go a long way toward ensuring these historic assets remain intact and in use for years to come. Learn more about The 1772 Foundation.

Letters of Inquiry will be accepted until November 2, 2026

Invited applications will be due on February 15, 2027.

RANT CRITERIA, FAQs, and LETTER OF INQUIRY (LOI) INFORMATION
Learn more about the LOI process and get helpful hints.

Please note that only non-profit organizations can apply and active schools and houses of worship are not eligible for funding.