Historic Preservation Grant Program 2026

The Linn County Historic Preservation Commission administers the Historic Preservation Grant Program, which provides funding to nonprofit organizations for historic preservation projects. The program is currently accepting applications, with a submission deadline of 5 p.m. on March 28, 2025. This grant program aims to support projects that preserve historic artifacts, structures, and interpretive programming within Linn County. Organizations must meet strict eligibility requirements to be considered for funding. The total available funding for this cycle is $28,800, with typical grant awards under $5,000. However, awards are not strictly limited to this amount. Eligible projects must fall under one of three categories: artifact/collection preservation, building/structure preservation or restoration, or interpretive programs. Special consideration is given to projects involving structures on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Organizations may only submit one project per application, and requests must be for expenses not yet incurred. Projects receiving funding from the Linn County Board of Supervisors Witwer Trust grant program are ineligible. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations located in Linn County and provide proof of nonprofit status. Religious organizations managed under ecclesiastical or sectarian oversight are ineligible due to Iowa legal restrictions. Applicants must comply with all reporting requirements for any previously approved Linn County historic preservation grants. Applications must be submitted online, as paper copies will not be accepted. The program encourages applicants to demonstrate financial commitment through additional funding sources, although matching funds are not required. An optional virtual grant briefing will be held on March 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to provide guidance on the application process. Additionally, an in-person grant briefing will take place on February 19, 2025, at 4 p.m. at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center. Applicants also have the opportunity to present their project to the Historic Preservation Commission on April 16, 2025, though this is not required. Grant applications will be reviewed by the commission on April 30, 2025, and funding recommendations will be submitted to the Linn County Board of Supervisors for final approval. Final grant decisions will be announced on June 12, 2025. Funded projects may begin on July 7, 2025, and must be completed by March 13, 2026, with a final report and documentation of expenses submitted by that date. Reasonable requests for extensions may be considered. Unused funds must be returned to Linn County. The commission may conduct on-site tours of selected grant sites. Organizations failing to comply with reporting requirements may be disqualified from future funding opportunities. Appeals to funding decisions must be submitted in writing by May 29, 2025. Grounds for appeal include violations of state law or county ordinance, conflicts of interest, or decisions based on unpublished criteria. Appeals should be directed to Brad Wylam via email. For further inquiries regarding the grant application process, applicants may contact Brad Wylam at 319-892-5151.