PENNSYLVANIA —  The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) has announced the opening of the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program to help fund local projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for both the benefit of the public and community revitalization.

Two categories of grants—construction and planning—are available for historic resources in Pennsylvania that are listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Applicants may apply for only one type of grant.

For this year’s grant round, PHMC will give special consideration to proposals that advance one of the America250 themes and align with the United States Semiquincentennial celebration in 2026. Applicants will be required to explain how their project aligns with one of the themes.

Keystone Historic Preservation Construction Grants are available for rehabilitation, preservation and restoration activities for historic resources that are publicly accessible and under nonprofit or local government ownership. Construction grants are available from $5,000 to $100,000 and require a 50/50 cash match. For details on applying visit www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc.htm 

Keystone Historic Preservation Planning Grants are available for planning and development initiatives that enhance historic preservation in communities. Planning grant applications may include municipal planning initiatives focusing on historic resources or may be used to meet building- or project-specific planning goals. Project grants are available from $5,000 to $25,000 and require a 50/50 cash match. For details on applying visit www.pa.gov/services/phmc/apply-for-keystone-historic-preservation-planning-grants.html.

Recordings of the webinar series will be available on the PHMC’s PA Trails of History YouTube channel. 

Applications are due March 3. Grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process and are contingent on the availability of funds.

Note that all PHMC grant applications are now submitted on the commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance system. Paper or emailed applications cannot be accepted. Visit www.pa.gov/agencies/phmc.htm for eligibility information and grant guidelines.