
Historic Property Matching Grant Information
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
​This is a matching grant which will pay up to 50% of the approved Project Cost, up to a $5,000 maximum. The amount of each grant is in the sole discretion of Preservation Burlington, regardless of the total Project Cost.
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Two types properties are eligible to apply:
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Homeowners are eligible to apply if their property is either located within one of Burlington’s six designated National Register Historic Districts or listed individually as a local, a state, or a National Register landmark.
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Owners of Income Properties are eligible by the same standard, except that they need only be in close proximity to a designed National Register Historic District in the city.
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Click here or below for more information about Burlington's National Register residential Historic Districts.​
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Grant awards will be announced in writing, and paid out as each Project is completed as originally approved under program guidelines.
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Funds from the Preservation Burlington Grant Program may be used for exterior preservation work only, such as:
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Period porch repair and restoration
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Repair/restore period wood doors and/or windows, including street-facing garage doors
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Original siding/stucco/masonry and exterior trim restoration
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Historic foundation and hardscape stabilization
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Exterior painting, including prep and priming
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Other needed work in keeping with the structural and design integrity of the historic building.
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Program funds cannot be used for:
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Interior work of any kind
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Landscaping
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Fencing
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Enclosing open porches
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Exterior materials other than the historically appropriate type
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Door or window replacement other than the historically appropriate type
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Any work deemed inappropriate by Preservation Burlington in its mission to keep its historic districts faithful to history and to follow best practices for the treatment of historic properties.
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Special consideration will be given to Projects that will make use of original materials, avoid removal of stable historical elements, and exhibit high quality work to enhance, restore, and/or stabilize the historic home as viewed from the street or public sidewalk.
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Contractor credentials, which are important in terms of assuring quality work, should be submitted with the application. This is not a DIY funding program. Work funded under this program is to be completed by qualified tradesmen, and where required by local and state building codes, they should be licensed and insured. Contractor bids will be solicited by grantees, and Preservation Burlington will not negotiate between grant applicants and contractors.
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Projects must meet code requirements of the City of Burlington, the Burlington Historic Preservation Commission, the State of North Carolina, and any other applicable government authorities.
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All funded work is to begin after the grant contract is signed selection, not before. Grant funds will not apply retroactively to work already performed.
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Grant recipients shall agree to display, in front of their residence, a banner or sign provided by Preservation Burlington, which will remain on display throughout the year in which the Project is being funded.
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Failure to comply with the approved Project Plan without first obtaining an approved change order in writing from Preservation Burlington may result in the loss of grant funding (or do-over work). Preservation Burlington reserves the right to deny payment if completed work is inconsistent with the approved plan or if work is of substandard quality.
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Work on funded Projects is to begin no later than July 1, 2023, and be completed by September 30, 2023. Failure to meet these timing milestones may result in loss of funding. If unanticipated circumstances arise, Preservation Burlington will consider granting one 30-day extension of time for good cause, following a request in writing submitted to Preservation Burlington no later than September 1, 2023. Preservation Burlington may grant or deny a request for extension in its sole discretion.”
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Once the Project is completed, the Grant Committee will inspect the work to ensure it has been accomplished as per the approved plan.
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Upon successful and timely completion of the Project and all grant requirements, the matching funds will be paid to the applicant
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Grantee(s) agree not to sell the property within 2 years of grant funding; if the property is sold within 2 years, owners agree to repay the grant amount to Preservation Burlington.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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The Application Deadline is April 1, 2023. Between February 15 and March 15, Preservation Burlington is available for informational meetings by appointment, so as to provide technical assistance to prospective Applicants.
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To be successful, applications must provide all requested information and be supported by written description, drawings, a materials list, current property photos, historic photos (if available), preferred contractor quotes, and site plan as referenced on the Application Form.
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Grant selection will be made by the Board of Directors of Preservation Burlington, following initial evaluation by its internal Grant Committee. Preservation Burlington reserves the right to approve or deny any application in its sole discretion. Applicants whose Projects are not funded in 2023 are encouraged to request committee feedback regarding their proposals, and they may reapply in any later grant cycle.
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Applicants need not be members of Preservation Burlington. However, membership is always encouraged and does allow for special consideration. Click here to learn more.
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Financial need will be given special consideration in grant selection process. Applicants may choose to include information supporting financial need, but they are not required to do so.
THE GRANT AWARD
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Projects will be evaluated on a list of criteria designed to reward historically appropriate and well-executed improvements that respect the character of the historic residence and that support the unique context of the historic district. If the Project is to be phased, it is best to include an overall exterior plan to show the applied for work in its relation to the overall plan.
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Notifications of awardees for 2023 will be sent on May 15, 2023 – either by email or by snail mail (for those with no email address on file). Thereafter, a meeting with representatives of Preservation Burlington will be scheduled to finalize the grant commitment with Grantees. Proof of funds for the owner’s half (or more) of the Project should be provided by May 31, 2023 and failure to provide proof of funds can result in disqualification.
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Grant funding will be paid after all program requirements are met and the Project is completed on a timely basis. The number of grants to be awarded, and the amount of each, is within the sole discretion of the Preservation Burlington Board of Directors.
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Grantees are encouraged to contact members of the Preservation Burlington Grant Committee at any time for reasonable assistance in carrying out their Project by emailing presburlington@gmail.com.
Historic Property Matching Grant
Applicant Resources
Click on the resources below for guidance on restoration best practices.
Get to Know Us
Through preservation, education, and involvement, Preservation Burlington seeks to protect and celebrate the architectural and historical heritage of Burlington and the surrounding area. Historic preservation and adaptive re-use contributes to stronger, safer neighborhoods, economic development, aesthetic beauty, and community pride. By fostering within the community an appreciation of our historic properties, we aim to promote interest in, and good stewardship of our local historic treasures.

We promote the preservation of historic structures by supporting property owners.
We educate the public about what historic preservation is, why it matters, and how it can enrich the entire community.
We advocate for preservation initiatives by encouraging projects that balance the need for development and growth with the desire to retain our historic resources.
