The Linn County Historic Preservation Commission is now accepting grant applications from non-profit organizations for its annual Historic Preservation Grant Program. Application information is available on Linn County’s website. There is $28,800 in grant funding available this year.
On Saturday, February 29, 2020, the Historic Preservation Commission will host its annual grant workshop for those interested in learning about the Preservation Grant process or who have questions about their project. The workshop will be held at the Fairfax Public Library, 313 Vanderbilt Street in Fairfax from 10 a.m. to noon. Coffee and pastries will be served.
Applicants must be a non-profit organization located in Linn County. Individuals are not eligible. Due to legal restrictions, Iowa Code Section 331.901(5), organizations under ecclesiastical or sectarian management or control are not eligible for Linn County grant funds. Completed applications are due April 1, 2020, by 5 p.m. This is a competitive grant program.
Projects must be designed for the purpose of collecting or preserving historical materials, artifacts, places, or structures, including National Register of Historic Places nominations; maintaining a historical library or collection; conducting historical studies or research; issuing educational publications (not membership newsletters); providing public lectures of historical interest; or otherwise disseminating a knowledge of the history of the area to the general public.
This year marks the 40th year of the Linn County Historic Preservation Grant Program. Since its inception in 1980, the program has awarded over one million dollars in funding toward 228 historic preservation projects in Linn County.