Certified Local Government (CLG) grants provide funding to participating city and county governments to develop and sustain an effective local preservation program critical to preserving local historic resources. These grants can be used for local historic preservation projects, including surveys of historic properties/districts, preparation of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and other community-based preservation projects. Other examples of eligible projects for CLG funding may include the following activities:

• Archeological surveys and oral histories

• Research and development of historic context information

• Staff work for historic preservation commissions, including designation of properties under local landmark ordinances

• Writing or amending preservation ordinances

• Preparation of preservation plans

• Development and publication of educational publications and activities, slide shows, videos, web sites, etc.

• Development of walking/driving tours

• Travel/training expenses for commission members and staff

• Development of architectural drawings and specifications

• Preparation of facade studies or condition assessments

• Rehabilitation or restoration of properties individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places or contributing to a National Register historic district

• Projects may be prepared by consultants or developed with in-house expertise

All CLG grants require a local cash match budgeted on a one-to-one (dollar for dollar) match equal to a 50-50 ratio for the total cost of the project. Proposed projects utilizing all or partial matches of verifiable in-kind services and/or goods may also qualify as long as the local match equals a 50-50 ratio for the total cost of the project. Only non-federal monies may be used as a match, with the exception of Community Development Block Grants.

Who Can Apply?
Cities and county governments that have been individually "certified" by the National Park Service as CLGs (prior to the time of their grant application) are eligible to apply for CLG grants. County CLGs may apply to assist non-CLG cities within their jurisdiction. CLGs may also partner together to facilitate larger projects such as public workshops or hiring a consultant to perform services for multiple CLGs. The grants may also be sponsored by CLGs by delegating a third-party organization such as another unit of local government, a commercial firm, a non-profit entity or educational institution to administer it. The contributed services of the third party to the CLG may be counted toward the matching share requirements of the grant. 

Deadlines:
CLGs may apply for CLG grants in the spring of each year, and they are usually awarded in the following fall. Applications for the FY 2010 grant cycle are due Friday, June 5, 2009.

Review Process:
Applications are reviewed by an interdisciplinary panel of agency staff based on specific criteria outlined in the application manual and approved by the THC.

Source of Funding:
CLG grants are provided by the Texas Historical Commission (THC), the state agency for historic preservation, annually to assist CLGs through grants from the Historic Preservation Fund of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. At least ten percent of this annual allocation is set aside by THC for distribution solely to CLGs.

Funding Amount:
Typically, grants range from $2,000 to $30,000.

For more information, email the grants coordinator or call 512/463-5997.