2025 Grant Application is closed.

One of Butte's greatest treasures is its historic structures, large and small. Butte CPR has set aside a portion of its revenue for grants for facade improvements. The goal of the Historic Improvement Project program is to preserve and promote the structural integrity and character of the exterior architecture of historic buildings in Butte.

The selection committee awards grants to either residential or commercial applicants who meet the criteria. Grant amounts typically range between $300 and $3,000.

Funds for grants are generated by donations and other Butte CPR programs. None of the money is from government grants or agencies.

Award criteria:

• Structure must have been built in 1950 or earlier.

• Improvements must be visible from the street.

• Improvements must be compatible with the historic character of the building and have a positive visual impact on the neighborhood.

• Preference is given to applicants who have not received and are not eligible for other grant funding, such as URA grants.

• Selection committee members are not eligible for grants.

Eligible activities include:

• Exterior painting upgrades.

• Historic masonry and stucco re-pointing, cleaning, and repair.

• Replacement or repair of original architectural features (for example, cornices).

• Replacement of historically inappropriate windows, awnings, porch columns, doors, etc., with historically appropriate items.

The following activities are NOT eligible:

• Interior renovations.

• Routine roof and chimney repair unless they are major design elements.

• Vinyl or aluminum siding over existing repairable wood siding.

• Painting unpainted historic masonry.

• Substantial reconstruction of structural elements.

• Interior plumbing and electrical work.

• Projects which fail to meet all the HIP grant requirements.

• Re-painting of buildings that received an earlier grant for painting.