Restoring a historic building is a labor of love—but it doesn’t have to be a financial burden. If your property is on (or eligible for) the National Register of Historic Places, there are powerful funding tools available to help offset costs—especially when you work with the State Historic Preservation Office or your local historical society.

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At TNT, we’ve seen clients save tens of thousands of dollars by leveraging tax credits and grants. Here are three of the most impactful funding sources to explore:

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1. Iowa Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HTC)

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Get back 25% of qualified rehabilitation expenses on approved historic projects.

This credit can be applied toward both residential and commercial properties and is stackable with federal programs.

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Eligibility:

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• Property must be on or eligible for the National Register
• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
• Project expenses must exceed $50,000 (or $25,000 for residential)

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Learn more about historic preservation tax credits.

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2. State Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP Grant)

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Iowa offers grants up to $50,000 for qualified historic preservation projects.

This grant supports everything from exterior masonry to roof repair and architectural surveys.

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Key benefits:

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• Prioritizes buildings with community significance
• Can be combined with other funding sources
• Annual deadlines for application

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More info: HRDP Program Overview

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3. Certified Local Government (CLG) Program Grants

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These federal passthrough grants support preservation activities at the city or county level. They’re ideal for publicly owned buildings, historical surveys, and education efforts.

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Good to know:

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• You don’t need to be a city to apply—just work with a participating CLG
• Grants often fund planning, assessment, and pre-construction efforts
• Available annually; typically smaller but faster to secure

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List of CLGs and grant info: Certified Local Government Program

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Need Help Applying?

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We highly recommend working with an experienced preservation grant writer. One of our most trusted partners is Octaspark Consulting—they specialize in securing funding for historic preservation projects across the Midwest.

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Contact Octaspark to see if your project qualifies.

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Quick Tip: Even if your property isn’t currently listed on the National Register, you may still be eligible. We can connect you with the right resources to help you get started.

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Questions? Contact the TNT team—we’re happy to help guide you through the process or make introductions.

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