Certified Local Government Subgrant Program

The Certified Local Government Subgrant Program is administered by the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office, which operates under the Wisconsin Historical Society. This program distributes a portion of the federal Historic Preservation Fund, which is managed at the national level by the National Park Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The funding originates from federal offshore oil lease revenues rather than taxpayer dollars. By federal mandate, at least ten percent of the state’s Historic Preservation Fund allocation must be passed through to Certified Local Governments, creating a recurring, competitive subgrant opportunity administered annually within Wisconsin. The primary purpose of the program is to support the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic resources at the local level. Funding is intended to assist projects that strengthen preservation planning and public engagement rather than physical rehabilitation. Eligible project types include community or neighborhood surveys, nominations of properties to the National Register of Historic Places, educational initiatives about historic preservation, planning documents, and training-related activities. Importantly, funds cannot be used for rehabilitation, repair, or restoration work, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on planning and documentation rather than construction. Funding is distributed on a cost-reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must initially cover project expenses and then request reimbursement from the State Historic Preservation Office. While no matching funds are required, subgrantees must maintain auditable records and comply with federal administrative and procurement standards. Awards are competitive and determined based on established evaluation criteria, with proposals first required to meet minimum eligibility standards before being scored across multiple categories. Projects are ranked based on reviewer scores, and funding is allocated beginning with the highest-ranked applications until available funds are exhausted. Eligibility for this program is restricted to Certified Local Governments located within Wisconsin. These entities are municipalities or counties that have met federal and state requirements for historic preservation programs. Applicants must coordinate closely with the State Historic Preservation Office throughout the application process, beginning with early consultation to identify eligible projects and continuing through submission and project execution. For certain project types, public engagement activities are expected prior to submission to demonstrate community involvement and project relevance. The application process involves multiple steps. Applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent outlining the proposed project and anticipated funding request. This step is required for consideration and allows the State Historic Preservation Office to provide early guidance. Following this, applicants must complete and submit a full application by the designated deadline. Applications must adhere strictly to the guidelines, including required documentation, budget justification, and compliance with federal regulations. Failure to meet submission requirements or deadlines results in disqualification. Applications are reviewed by State Historic Preservation Office staff and scored based on quality and completeness. Recommendations are then presented to the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Review Board for approval. Final award decisions are typically announced in March following the February review process. Once awarded, recipients must enter into a formal agreement, conduct a competitive procurement process for consultants if applicable, and carry out the project within the defined timeline. Reimbursement requests are submitted periodically as work progresses, with final payments contingent on successful completion and submission of all required deliverables. The program operates on an annual cycle with a Letter of Intent typically due in September and the full application due in December. Awards are finalized early in the following year, and project work proceeds according to the approved schedule. Because this is a recurring funding opportunity tied to federal allocations, applicants can anticipate future cycles but must adhere to evolving criteria and timelines established each year by the State Historic Preservation Office.

Ensure project aligns strictly with eligible activities; provide comprehensive and well-documented responses; engage with SHPO early; include clear budget justification and public engagement evidence