MINNESOTA HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL GRANTS - Grants Manual
Eligibility
General parameters for applicant and project eligibility are set by the grant program appropriation, which specifies funding for “history programs and projects operated or conducted by or through local, county, regional or other historical or cultural organizations; or for activities to preserve significant historic and cultural resources.”
Who May Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations,
- government units,
- tribes and
- educational organizations.
Private property owners and for-profit organizations may not apply directly but may receive funds by collaborating with a sponsoring, eligible applicant on an eligible project. Both parties must have a vested and active interest in the project.
Grant applications for projects involving cooperation between several organizations are encouraged, especially when the project would (1) result in noticeable cost savings and/or (2) serve greater numbers of people than if it were conducted by only one organization. For partnership projects, be sure to clearly identify the lead organization that is to coordinate the project work, serve as the fiscal agent and project director and submit all final reports.
What is Funded
Eligible projects fall into two large project categories – history projects and historic preservation projects. If your planned project does not appear to fit into one of these categories, call or write the Grants Office before submitting an application.
What is NOT Funded
Grant funds may NOT be used to substitute for traditional funding sources. That is, they may not be used for administrative expenses unrelated to the project, general operating costs, or maintenance expenses. Other ineligible costs:
- Equipment purchases except when necessary and reasonable to carry out project objectives and when the project guidelines permit such purchases.
- Expenditures incurred before the date you are authorized by the Minnesota Historical Society to begin work.
- Indirect cost rates or percentages, which are applicable for certain federal grants programs, are not applicable in the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants program.
- Costs and projects related to the federal Section 106 process.
