Certified Local Government Program
Historic Preservation Field Services Bureau
Each federal fiscal year, New York State sets aside ten percent of the state's allocation of federal historic preservation funds for pass-through to Certified Local Governments. These funds are awarded on the basis of competition among eligible applications, evaluated and ranked according to the established selection criteria. Past grant awards have ranged from $1,200 to $29,000, with most in the $5,000 to $15,000 range. The total amount of available funding varies each year with the federal allocation.
Eligibility: Only completed applications accompanied by all necessary documentation will be considered for funding. CLG grants are only awarded to Certified Local Governments in good standing. For local governments applying for CLG status, reviews of requests for CLG status and grant applications can be done simultaneously.
Project Scheduling: Generally, grants are under contract two to three months after the application is filed. Grant projects must be completed in the fiscal year of the award or the fiscal year following. Projects that cannot meet this schedule should be phased to accommodate the funding cycle.
Pre-applications: Local governments wishing guidance in developing subgrant applications may submit proposed projects for SHPO review at any time. The pre-application should be as detailed as possible and should conform to the standard application format. Within a month of receipt, SHPO staff will review the proposal and advise the applicant of any revisions necessary for projects to meet program standards and priorities.
Eligible activities: CLG funding may be applied to many kinds of projects that address the goals of identifying, evaluating, nominating, and protecting a community's cultural resources. Project categories identified as priorities are training for municipal officials; public education programs, surveys and designations undertaken as part of a comprehensive plan, correction of deficiencies in CLG performance, and demonstration projects on critical issues, such as compliance with state building and fire codes.
Method of Payment: Payment is made only on a reimbursement basis, following submission of completed work and documentation of total expenditures. Communities are encouraged to contribute funds or in-kind services equaling at least 40% of the total project cost.
Send completed grant application forms to:
- CLG Program-Grants Management Bureau
- NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
- Agency Building One, Empire State Plaza
- Albany NY 12238
For Additional information, contact CLG Coordinator, Dan McEneny at (518) 268-2162 or at
- CLG Program/NYS OPRHP
- Peebles Island State Park
- PO Box 189
- Waterford NY 12188-0189