Deadwood Fund Grant

The Deadwood Fund Grant program is administered by the South Dakota State Historical Society, a division of the South Dakota Department of Education that is responsible for preserving, interpreting, and promoting the state’s historical and cultural heritage. The program is funded through a portion of gaming revenues generated in Deadwood, South Dakota, which are allocated by state law specifically for historic preservation efforts. Through this funding mechanism, the program enables communities, organizations, and individuals across South Dakota to access financial support for projects that protect and enhance historically significant properties. The primary purpose of the Deadwood Fund Grant is to encourage the restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation of historic buildings, structures, and archaeological sites throughout the state. Projects supported by the program must focus on maintaining the historical integrity and cultural significance of properties while allowing for their continued or adaptive use for residential, commercial, or public purposes. All funded work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, ensuring that preservation efforts adhere to nationally recognized guidelines for maintaining historic character and materials. Funding is typically awarded in amounts ranging from 1000 to 25000 dollars per project. Grants are distributed on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must complete and pay for project work before receiving funds. The program requires a minimum dollar for dollar match from nonfederal and nonstate sources, although nonprofit organizations may use in kind contributions for up to half of their required match or, in some cases, may be eligible for reduced match requirements. Funds cannot be used for administrative costs, general maintenance, new construction, or non historic improvements, and applicants must demonstrate that their projects provide significant public preservation benefits. Eligibility for the program is broad and includes individuals, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies. However, all applicants must meet specific criteria, including demonstrating that the property is listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, providing proof of matching funds, and ensuring that the property will have a continued functional use after project completion. Applicants must also commit to maintaining the property long term and, if awarded funding, must agree to an eight year preservation covenant requiring adherence to preservation standards and periodic public accessibility. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive package that includes a detailed project description, budget, cost estimates, proof of ownership, documentation of matching funds, and photographic evidence of the property’s current condition. Applicants must also provide at least three contractor or professional cost estimates and may include supporting materials such as preservation plans or documentation of community support. Completed applications must be submitted in hard copy with original signatures to the State Historic Preservation Office. Applications are accepted on a recurring basis with two annual deadlines, February 1 and October 1. For the fall cycle referenced in the provided announcement, applications are due October 1, 2026, with awards expected around January 1, 2027. Projects may not begin until after award notification, and recipients typically have one year to complete their work, with possible extensions of up to one additional year. The review process involves evaluation by preservation staff and an internal review panel, with final funding decisions made by the South Dakota State Historical Society Board of Trustees. Applicants can contact the State Historic Preservation Office for guidance throughout the application process. Assistance is available via phone at 605 773 3458 or by email at shpo@state.sd.us. Additional information, application materials, and funding opportunity details are accessible through the South Dakota State Historical Society website. The program operates on a competitive basis, and submission of a complete application that meets all eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding.

Ensure strict compliance with Secretary of the Interior standards provide strong documentation of match and demonstrate clear public preservation benefit