DPF Grants Available

The Delaware Preservation Fund Inc (DPF), an affiliate of Preservation Delaware, has established a Historic Preservation Grant Program through the generosity of the Longwood Foundation to aid in the protection of Delaware's irreplaceable historic resources. The purpose of the grants is to facilitate, stimulate, and incubate projects to renovate, stabilize, or plan for the protection of architecturally significant structures.

The grants are limited to $1,000 dollars and are awarded after consideration of grant requests by the DPF Board of Directors and are subject to availability of funds. Grant requests are in the form of a proposal letter AND a two page application submitted to the DPF.

Click here to fill out the Application.

The proposal letter should:

• Describe the project
  
• State how it meets the grant criteria (is it on the National Register, listed in a Historic District, etc)
  
• Suggest an awarded amount.
  
• Explain how the money will be used
  
• Provide a history of the resource
  
• List the significance of the resource and its historic name when possible (for example the Amstel house)
  
• Applicants must include a color photo of the subject property.
  
  

Eligibility:

Corporations, partnerships, individuals, non-profit and religious organizations, and governmental entities within Delaware are eligible to receive grants.

A property is eligible for grant approval if it is either

• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places individually
  
• Listed as a contributing element in a registered district
  
• Eligible for National Register listing or located in a historic district designated by local ordinances
  
  

Criteria:

• Availability of other funding sources
  
• Appropriateness of the project
  
• The relative historic significance of the property
  
• Financial viability of the project
  
• The likelihood that a grant to the project will result in protection of the resources
  
• The resource is clearly threatened with loss, compromise or significant deterioration
  
• Strives for geographical distribution throughout the state
  
• The potential effect on the surrounding neighborhood
  
• That the grant will leverage additional funding
  
• That the DPFF will be permitted to place temporary promotional signage on the project and highlight the project in publicity releases
  
  

Grant uses:

Grants may be awarded for a wide range of activities including:

• Emergency stabilization
  
• Structural engineering inspections
  
• Appropriate replacement of architectural building features
  
• Window and door rehabilitation
  
• Exterior façade renovation
  
• Development of renovation plans
  
• Removal of inappropriate building treatments
  
• Correction of building code deficiencies
  
• Preparation of alternative development proposals
  
• Protection of threatened buildings from entry and the elements
  
  

The DPF Board considers Grant requests approximately twice a year. Applicants are notified of the Board's decision by letter. For additional information or to discuss potential projects, please phone 302-832-0300 or email DPF@dca.net

The DPF reserves the right to change program policies and criteria at any time and to administer the grant program in its sole discretion within the definition of its non-profit purpose.