The Kentucky Preservation Fund was founded in 2004 as a partnership between Preservation Kentucky, the Kentucky Heritage Council, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The generosity of Mr. And Mrs. Barry Bingham, Jr., Linda and Jerry Bruckheimer, and Owsley and Christy Brown have enabled Kentucky to have this funding tool.

Interested organizations and government entities should contact one of the administering organizations for an application and further information about the grants. Applications are due each year on February 1, June 1, and October 1. Awards can provide up to $5000 and must be matched 50/50 by the applicant organization.

Contacts:

Preservation Kentucky, Joanna Hinton
(270) 358-9069

Kentucky Heritage Council, State Historic Preservation Office, David Morgan
(502) 564-7005 ext. 111

Edith S. Bingham Preservation Fund offers grants to further the education and experience of individuals working in the preservation field, including expenses for attending meetings and conferences. It may also be used for educational projects for children which contribute to their knowledge and appreciation of Kentucky's history and heritage.

National Trust for Historic Preservation Funds

The Preservation Services Fund provides nonprofit organizations and public agencies matching grants from $500 to $5,000 (typically from $1,000 to $1,500) for preservation planning and education efforts. Funds may be used to obtain professional expertise in areas such as architecture, archeology, engineering, preservation planning, land-use planning, fund raising, organizational development and law as well as preservation education activities to educate the public.

The Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation provides nonprofit organizations and public agencies grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for projects that contribute to the preservation or the recapture of an authentic sense of place. Individuals and for-profit businesses may apply only if the project for which funding is requested involves a National Historic Landmark. Funds may be used for professional advice, conferences, workshops and education programs.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors provides nonprofit organizations and public agencies grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to assist in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. Individuals and for-profit businesses may apply only if the project for which funding is requested involves a National Historic Landmark. Funds may be used for professional expertise, print and video communications materials, and education programs.

Tax Credit Programs

When the Kentucky Historic Preservation Tax Credit was passed in March 2005, Kentucky joined the ranks of many other states to offer tax incentives for those investing in historic properties. Owner-occupied residential structures are eligible to receive a tax credit for up to 30% of their total expenditures. Commercial property owners can qualify for a 20% tax credit. Eligible properties must be at least 50 years old and listed on the National Register of Historic Places and rehabilitation work must follow the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Before beginning work on the projects, contact the Kentucky Heritage Council at (502) 564-7005 for approval and information. More information and application forms are available online from the Kentucky Heritage Council.

Since 1976 the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit has offered incentives to those investing in historic incoming-producing properties (not a private residence). This credit can help complete renovations by providing a tax credit equal to 20% of qualified rehabilitation expenses. Eligible properties must be at least 50 years old and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Like the state tax credit, all rehabilitation work must follow the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. All projects must have prior approval to qualify. Contact the Kentucky Heritage Council at (502) 564-7005 for more details. For more information on the federal historic preservation tax credit program, click here.