State Development Grant Program

The State Development Grant Program is administered through West Virginia’s historic preservation framework and is funded by appropriations from the West Virginia Legislature using Lottery Funds. The program is designed to support the preservation and continued use of historic properties across the state. It reflects a broader statewide commitment to maintaining cultural heritage assets, particularly those recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The program supports brick-and-mortar projects, emphasizing tangible, physical improvements to historic structures and sites rather than planning-only or operational activities. The primary purpose of the program is to ensure the long-term preservation, stabilization, and appropriate use of historic properties. Eligible projects must relate to properties that are either individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, contribute to a listed historic district, or involve archaeological development of a listed site. The funding supports a range of preservation activities including sustaining existing structural integrity, protecting properties from deterioration, rehabilitating buildings for modern use while retaining historical character, reconstructing historically accurate features, and stabilizing deteriorated structures. Allowable uses of funds are specifically tied to preservation work categories. These include activities that maintain the integrity and materials of a property, protective measures to prevent further damage, repairs and alterations that allow adaptive reuse while preserving historical features, and reconstruction efforts that reflect a property’s appearance during a specific historical period. Additionally, projects that address structural instability are eligible. All funded work must align with preservation standards and maintain the cultural, architectural, and historical significance of the property. A key requirement of the program is a mandatory one-to-one matching contribution. This means that for every dollar awarded, the applicant must provide an equal amount in matching funds. While in-kind contributions are permitted, at least half of the match must be provided in cash, and all cash contributions must be from non-federal sources. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning that applicants must first incur and document eligible expenses before receiving funds. Importantly, any work completed prior to the execution of a formal grant agreement is not eligible for reimbursement. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive. Applicants may include state and local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private citizens, for-profit entities, educational institutions, and Certified Local Governments. Individuals are eligible if they own the property, hold a long-term lease with permission to undertake the project, or have a documented agreement to purchase the property prior to award. This inclusivity ensures that a wide range of stakeholders involved in historic preservation can access funding. The application process is conducted through an online grants portal. For the upcoming cycle, the application is expected to open around July 1, with a submission deadline of September 30. Applicants are required to submit their proposals through this portal, following the outlined requirements and ensuring all eligibility and documentation criteria are met. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed, projects are expected to demonstrate alignment with preservation goals and compliance with program requirements. The program appears to operate on an annual cycle based on the stated timeline for the fiscal year application window. Although exact award notification dates and performance periods are not specified, the structure of the program suggests a standard review and award process following the application deadline. Applicants should plan for reimbursement-based funding and ensure readiness to meet both financial and project execution requirements within the grant period.