California Historic Preservation Grants (HPF)
California Office of Historic Preservation
Amount
$25,000 – $500,000
Deadline
Annual (next cycle TBA)
Eligibility
501(c)(3)
Region
CA
The California Office of Historic Preservation administers federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grants to support the identification, evaluation, and protection of California's historic and prehistoric resources. Churches and other religious properties listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places may apply for survey, planning, and rehabilitation grants. Grant cycles typically open in the fall with awards announced the following spring.
Eligible purposes
Grants often don't cover the full project
Most churches combine grant funding with a church loan to fully fund construction, renovation, or expansion projects. Check your loan readiness to see what lenders will cover the gap.
Check your readiness →Tips for applying
- Read the full guidelines first. Every grant program has specific eligibility criteria, required documentation, and scoring rubrics. Review these thoroughly before starting your application to ensure your church qualifies.
- Start early.Most grant applications take 2–4 weeks to compile properly. You will likely need financial statements, Board resolutions, project plans, and letters of support. Starting early gives you time to gather everything without rushing.
- Quantify your community impact. Grant reviewers want to see specific numbers: how many people your church serves, what programs you run, and the measurable outcomes of your ministry. Vague claims about community benefit are less compelling than concrete data.
- Consider hiring a grant writer.Professional grant writers who specialize in nonprofit and religious institution funding can significantly improve your success rate. Many charge 5–10% of the grant amount or a flat fee.
- Have a backup plan. Grant funding is competitive and not guaranteed. If your project depends on grant funding, explore loan options as well. Our free readiness assessment can help you understand your loan eligibility alongside your grant applications.