Securing Historic Preservation Grants: A Guide for Louisiana Stakeholders

Introduction to Historic Preservation Funding in Louisiana

Louisiana’s architectural landscape—from Creole cottages and historic cemeteries to mid-century modern civic buildings—is central to the state’s identity. The Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation (DHP), a key component of the Office of Cultural Development, manages resources designed to protect these irreplaceable assets. While direct “brick-and-mortar” grants for private individual homeowners are not currently active, various competitive grant programs and tax incentives exist for organizations, local governments, and specific heritage projects.

Understanding the Grant Landscape

The National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund (HPF)

Each year, the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office (LASHPO) distributes federal funds allocated by the National Park Service. These are competitive, reimbursable matching grants (typically requiring a 60/40 non-federal match).

* Eligibility: Recipients generally include non-profits, universities, municipal governments, parish governments, and Certified Local Governments (CLGs).
* Focus Areas: In 2026, priority is placed on expanding public access to digital preservation information, including digitizing records, developing online tours, and updating historic district guidelines.

Certified Local Government (CLG) Grants

CLGs play a vital role in Louisiana’s preservation network. These communities, which have established local preservation ordinances, are eligible for specific planning and education grants. These funds support:
* Developing design guidelines for historic districts.
* Conducting municipal historic resource inventory surveys.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Approach

  • Submit a Letter of Interest (LOI): While not always mandatory, the DHP encourages applicants to submit an LOI to receive feedback from professional staff before finalizing an application. The deadline for 2026 was April 29, 2026.
  • Align with the State Plan: All proposals must align with the Together for Louisiana 2026-2030 comprehensive plan. Applications lacking an outreach, public education, or media component are less likely to be selected.
  • Ensure Compliance: As a reimbursable program, applicants must prove they have the capital to fund the project upfront; funds are disbursed only after verified expenditures are submitted.

    • Regulatory Framework and Local Protection

    Historic preservation in Louisiana is reinforced by state statutes, including the Louisiana Historic Cemetery Preservation Act and local ordinances that mandate a ‘Certificate of Appropriateness’ for exterior changes in historic districts. Understanding these laws is essential for any project seeking grant support, as projects must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

    Resources for Applicants

    For those seeking funding, technical assistance is available through:

    * Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation: 1051 N. 3rd St., Room 405, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Phone: (225) 342-8200.
    * CLG Coordinator: Amanda Lanata, alanata@crt.la.gov, (225) 342-8157.
    * Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation (LTHP): A key partner for hands-on guidance, networking, and advocacy.

    Beyond Grants: Tax Incentives

    For private property owners, the most effective financial tool remains the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program. Louisiana ranked second in the nation for completed federal historic tax credit projects in 2025, demonstrating the immense value of this incentive for revitalizing historic properties.