Become a member
Login

Reno Heritage Fund

Preservation

Reno Heritage Fund Grants

The Reno Heritage Fund focuses on two funding areas.

  • Home Improvement Projects (HIP) are for the rehabilitation of historical structures in a manner authentic with the original architectural style, through small matching grants.
  • Special Heritage Projects support history-related projects of importance to the Reno community. These projects are at the discretion of the HRPS board.

How it works

Applications for a Home Improvement Grant may be made at any time. The process starts with a Letter of Intent, to provide initial project details so the RHF Committee can determine whether the project can be funded. Once the project is given preliminary approval, applicants will be asked to submit a formal Application. Decisions of the RHF Committee are final. Priority will be given to owner-occupied projects that enhance original historical neighborhood character and the original architectural style of the structure. Typical grants are under $7,500 and must be matched by the homeowner.

Guidelines

  • Preference will be given to Reno based projects but worthy projects in other areas of the Truckee Meadows can be considered. Structures must be at least 50 years old, or of historical and/or architectural significance. Applicants must be Nevada residents.
  • A letter of intent describing the project must first be approved by the RHF committee. After the approval, applicants can then submit the RHF grant application.
  • Grants will be given for exterior improvements only (e.g., front door, front windows, porch details). Grants are not intended for landscaping or hardscaping projects. Exceptions may be made, on a case-by-case basis by the awarding jury, if the landscaping improvement is heirloom and appropriate to the original time frame of the building or has a direct impact on the preservation of the structure.
  • Improvements must be authentic to the style of the structure. For example, a new door or window for a Craftsman Bungalow needs to be of Craftsman Bungalow style. Vinyl products are not historically authentic and the grant will not fund vinyl windows. Purchase or repair of historically appropriate wood or metal framed windows will be funded.
  • Grant monies must be matched by funds on a 1:1 ratio by the property owner. Exceptions may be made by the judgment of the awarding jury. The level of match may be reduced if the applicant can demonstrate extenuating circumstances.
  • All proposals, estimates, and projects must be completed by a licensed contractor. Samples of color schemes, paint chips, roof materials and/or photos of items being requested must be provided with the original application.
  • No work can commence until approval of the grant application by the RHF Committee.
  • Any work completed through a Reno Heritage Fund grant must remain with the property if it is transferred or sold.
  • HRPS reserves the right to request that the grant recipient refund the amount of the grant if the property is sold or demolished within 3 years of the funding.
  • Awardee acknowledges receiving the EPA lead-based paint booklet and agrees to sign a Hold Harmless Waiver.
  • The awarding jury is allowed to visit the site for review and feedback for a period of two years for educational purposes.
  • Work must be completed within 90 days of approval of application, unless otherwise indicated by the awarding jury. 50% of the grant monies will be given to the awardee prior to commencement of work, the remaining 50% within 30 days of completion.
  • Failure to complete work in an agreed upon time frame will negate the grant. The awardee will be required to refund the initial cash award.
  • Grant requests for commercial projects must have in place all completed city and county permits, zoning, deeds, and property line adjustments.
  • The property owner agrees to participate in appropriate publicity about the improvements, including photographs of the work.

Documents

Grant Guidelines, Letter of Intent and the Grant Application are being supplied by HRPS and will be linked here.


Reno Heritage Fund

Documents and Forms

Current as of May/June 2026. Start with the Guidelines and the Letter of Intent; the Application is submitted after preliminary approval.