Certified Local Government (CLG) Grants

The Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant Program, jointly administered by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service, provides grant funding to support local preservation planning, documentation, education, and development ('bricks and mortar') projects. The program provides participating communities with funding and technical support to plan for, protect, and celebrate significant historic resources, serving as a catalyst for local revitalization and economic vitality.

Only active Certified Local Governments in good standing with SHPO are eligible to apply. Non-profits and public entities located within the jurisdiction of a CLG are also eligible to access grant funding by partnering with the CLG on a joint application. Any municipality or county that attains formal CLG certification prior to the application deadline becomes an eligible applicant.

Projects are funded under two broad categories: (1) Pre-Development and Development Projects, and (2) Planning, Documentation, and Education Projects. Pre-development and development grants are restricted to properties owned by a local unit of government, non-profit organization, or public entity. Eligible pre-development activities include architectural plans, specifications, feasibility studies, and historic structure reports for properties listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Development projects fund physical rehabilitation and stabilization for properties individually listed in or contributing to a National Register historic district. Planning, documentation, and education projects include architectural and archaeological surveys, National Register nominations, preservation ordinances, design guidelines, and public educational workshops.

Applicants must prepare and submit complete application packets in accordance with the annual CLG Grant Project Manual and instructions published by Michigan SHPO. Required materials typically include the project application, standard grant agreement forms, signature page, fiscal management documentation, local government resolutions, and, where applicable, partnership agreements or easements. For the FY26 grant cycle, applications closed on February 6, 2026, with the next application cycle anticipated to open in fall 2026.