Montana Historic Preservation Grant

Q: Does the MHPG Program require funds up front?

A: No, the MHPG Program does not require funds up front. Project funds are disbursed by submitting a request for funds and applicable invoices to Commerce. Projects may have multiple requests for funds depending on the project size, timeline, and budget. Typically, invoices require payment within 30 days, allowing time for grantees to submit a request for funds from Commerce before the invoice is due. While we do request 7-10 business days to process requests for funds, our team recognizes the need to expedite these as quickly as possible. Our team will be in regular communication with each grantee throughout the start-up, request for funds, and closeout process.

Q: Can MHPG funds be used for operations?

A: No, operational expenses are not eligible for funding.

Q: Can an applicant apply for more than one grant?

A: Yes, multiple applications can be submitted by one applicant for different projects, but multiple applicants cannot apply for the same project. For example, a local government might apply for needed improvements to multiple historic buildings but may not apply for multiple grants for a single building. Similarly, a nonprofit and business cannot both submit applications for the same building or historic site.

Q: Can a current MHPG grantee apply for another grant?

A: Yes, MHPG grantees that were awarded funds during a previous application cycle may apply during the current application cycle. For example, a local government could apply for another historic building in their community, or a history museum could apply for another project after completing their first. However, if a MHPG grantee applies for another project on the same historic site, historical society, or history museum and their current project has not reached substantial completion, they may rank lower on some the statutory review criteria. For example, they may rank lower on (b), (c), and (e).

Q: My building is over 50 years old; does that make me eligible to apply?

A: Potentially. All applicants must demonstrate that the project has historic significance locally, regionally, or to the history of Montana. If a structure or site is listed on local, state, or national register of historic places it is eligible. A building that is more than 50 years old may be eligible if its historic significance can be clearly demonstrated and documented.

Q: Can a non-history museum apply?

A: Potentially. Eligible applicants are both public and private entities. However, MHPG funding is available to complete preservation activities only for historic sites, historical societies, and history museums. Non-history museums, such as an art museum, are not eligible. However, a non-history museum that is housed within a historic site which meets the eligibility criteria may apply for projects directly related to the preservation of the structure. For example, lighting or displays for an Art Museum would be ineligible, but the museum could apply for funds to address historic building needs such as roof repairs, accessibility improvements, or to address building code issues.

Q: Do I need a preliminary architectural report and contractor quotes to apply?

A: No, neither are a requirement for a MHPG application. However, an applicant should include any preliminary project planning that is in-line with the scope of work to support the project's feasibility and estimated costs. This may include a Preliminary Architectural Report or quotes from contractors. More involved projects, such as a complete building renovation, would benefit from a PAR, but more limited projects, such as a roof replacement, may not need a PAR. Projects with a total cost over $50,000 may also use up to 10% of their grant request towards planning, such as a PAR.

Q: Do I need a strategic plan, operational plan or fully audited financials?

A: No, applicants are not required to conduct strategic plans, operating plans, or fully audited financials to be eligible or competitive for MHPG funding. As part of the application process, providing such materials when available helps to set the context of the institution and the project. Applicants should feel comfortable submitting any plans created, whether that is succinct board-created annual strategy or a full-scale strategic plan. If a plan is not available, then an organization can articulate its goals in response to the application questions.

Q: Can I submit supplemental materials such as photos and letters of support?

A: Yes, supplemental materials such as photos, letters of support, and National Register of Historic Places nominations can be included with a MHPG application, but they are not required. These supplemental materials are helpful because they provide the review team with a sense of the project and its community support, and they substantiate the narrative in the MHPG application. When considering supplemental materials, please be considerate of the time and attention that the review team puts into each application. For example, applicants are encouraged to submit a couple of key letters of support such as one from the local government, one from the chamber of commerce, and one from the business community rather than an exhaustive list.

Q: When will funds be available?

A: Awards will be made during the 2027 legislative session. Once the legislature passes a bill appropriating MHPG funds, it is then submitted to the Governor for signature to become effective. The date that the bill becomes effective will be the official award date. After this date grantees may incur reimbursable project costs. Costs before this date cannot be reimbursed with MHPG funds. Funds will be available to MHPG grantees once they meet start-up conditions and execute a contract with Commerce.

Q: What does the legislative process involve?

A: Commerce has no decision-making authority over any application and only provides advisory recommendations to the legislature. During the legislative session, the legislature will review Commerce's advisory recommendations and consider each application. During this process, MHPG applicants will have the opportunity to testify on behalf of their project. MHPG applicants are encouraged to testify and share an overview of their project, its importance, its impact, and any applicable updates. Commerce will communicate the date, time, and details of this process with MHPG applicants as soon as practicable.

Q: Why does the application say 2029 biennium?

A: The biennium is named by the last year of the biennium (for example the 2027 biennium begins July 1, 2025 and ends June 30, 2027). As established in SB 338, Commerce is required to receive MHPG applications no later than March 1st of every even numbered year. Commerce will submit recommendations for review by the legislature with funding available for the following biennium after the legislative session.