Certified Local Government (CLG) Grants Program

The Certified Local Government (CLG) Grants program is administered by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and supported through federal funding provided by the Historic Preservation Fund of the National Park Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior. This program is designed to strengthen local preservation efforts by providing financial assistance to city and county governments that have achieved Certified Local Government status. The CLG designation indicates that a jurisdiction has met federal and state standards for maintaining an active and effective historic preservation program. Through this structure, the program ensures that preservation activities at the local level align with broader statewide and national preservation priorities. The primary purpose of the CLG grant program is to support projects that preserve, document, and promote historic and cultural resources. Funded activities must align with the statewide comprehensive preservation planning process established by the Texas Historical Commission. Eligible project types include architectural, historical, and archaeological surveys, preparation of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, development of local preservation plans, and drafting or updating preservation ordinances. Additional eligible uses include creating local design guidelines, researching preservation incentive programs, and supporting training or workshops related to preservation practices. Funding provided through the CLG program typically ranges from 5,000 to 45,000 dollars per project. These funds are distributed as reimbursement grants, meaning recipients must incur and document eligible expenses before receiving payment. The program requires a one-to-one matching contribution from the applicant, meaning that for every dollar awarded, the applicant must provide an equal amount of non-federal funding or approved in-kind contributions. An exception exists for Community Development Block Grant funds, which may be used toward the match. This cost-sharing requirement ensures local investment and commitment to preservation initiatives. Eligibility for the program is limited to city and county governments that have been officially certified as CLGs by the National Park Service and are in good standing with the program. Eligible applicants may collaborate with other CLGs to undertake larger or regional projects. Additionally, CLGs may sponsor third-party organizations such as nonprofit entities, educational institutions, or private firms to carry out project activities, although the CLG remains responsible for oversight and compliance. This flexibility allows communities to leverage external expertise while maintaining accountability. Applications are reviewed through a competitive evaluation process conducted by an interdisciplinary panel of Texas Historical Commission staff. The panel assesses proposals based on criteria outlined in the official application manual, focusing on alignment with preservation goals, project feasibility, and anticipated impact. Final funding decisions are made during the Commission’s January quarterly meeting. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the summary information, applicants are expected to demonstrate strong alignment with statewide preservation priorities and clear project outcomes. The CLG grant program operates on an annual cycle. Application materials, including the grant manual and submission forms, are typically released in August each year and distributed through the CLG listserv. The application period for the most recent cycle has closed, indicating that the program is currently between funding rounds. Applicants interested in future funding opportunities should monitor the THC website and communications channels for updates. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the CLG program administrator via email or phone, and additional reporting requirements such as quarterly progress reports apply to funded projects.

Align projects closely with statewide preservation priorities and clearly demonstrate impact in eligible categories such as surveys, planning, or ordinances