The State Historical Fund Secures Funding for Second Grant Round in October 2013

DENVER, May 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- History Colorado is pleased to announce the addition of a second State Historical Fund (SHF) grant cycle for fall 2013. The Joint Budget Committee recommended allocating $5 million in General Fund dollars toward the final payment for the restoration of the State Capitol dome, which the General Assembly approved as part of the Long Bill.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130529/DC22681)  

In accordance with legislation, for the last three years History Colorado had transferred SHF funds that were typically allocated for statewide grants directly to the dome restoration project. These transfers had eliminated funds necessary for SHF to hold a second competitive grant cycle for requests of up to $200,000 per applicant.

The application deadline for the second grant cycle is October 1, 2013. SHF Outreach Specialists are available to provide guidance to potential grant applicants and review grant application drafts.  Application drafts must be submitted by September 1, 2013, in order to be reviewed by an SHF staff member. Contact Cynthia Nieb, Deputy Director of the State Historical Fund, 303/866-2809, [email protected] with questions.

SHF awards grants to public entities and nonprofit organizations for historic preservation projects throughout the state. Since 1992, SHF has invested more than $254 million in grants throughout all 64 counties. Since 1981, historic preservation projects in Colorado have created almost 36,000 jobs and generated nearly $2.5 billion in direct and indirect economic impacts.

SHF was created by the 1990 constitutional amendment allowing limited gaming in Cripple Creek, Central City and Black Hawk. The amendment directs that a portion of gaming tax revenues be used for historic preservation throughout the state. Funds are distributed through a competitive process and all projects must demonstrate strong public and community support. For more information regarding SHF visit HistoryColorado.org.

"Historic preservation creates jobs, fuels local economies, builds strong communities and protects the environment, all while preserving Colorado's rich architectural, archaeological and agricultural past," said Steve Turner, AIA, Vice President of Preservation Programs at History Colorado and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. "History Colorado thanks the members of the Joint Budget Committee and the General Assembly for using State Capitol Constructions funds in lieu of SHF dollars so that much needed preservation projects can be accomplished this year."

Media Contact:
Shannon Haltiwanger, Preservation Communications Manager
(303) 866-2049, [email protected]

SOURCE History Colorado