Historic Preservation Grants
The RCCC Historic Preservation Grant Program helps non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, institutions, and commercial entities preserve and protect historic buildings in Richland County. Historic Preservation Grants are available up to $50,000 and may be used for preservation/restoration costs, consultant fees, or educational programs. A match of 20% is required. All projects must demonstrate a clear public benefit.
To be eligible to receive Historic Preservation Grant funding, a building or site must first be determined to be historically significant. Any building that is on the National Register of Historic Places, has been deemed eligible for the Register, is a Columbia City Landmark, is a Town of Blythewood Historic site, or was listed by the Richland County Bicentennial Committee (1981) is automatically eligible. For all other properties, click on the Historic Building Eligibility link below. The application must be submitted to, and approved by, the RCCC before a grant application can be considered.
The deadline for submittal is early February of each year. If approved, funds become available in July. To date, the Historic Preservation Grant program has been instrumental in restoring and preserving dozens of properties that help tell the story of who we are and where we’ve come from.
RCCC grant applications must be submitted online using Zoom Grants. The application is available at RCCC - Historic & Natural Resources Grants
FY25-26 Historic Preservation Grant Criteria & Guidelines
Historic Building Eligibility Application
Standards for Rehabilitation
For assistance in completing an application, please refer to:
Applicant Training Handout - RCCC Grant
Other resources include:
Applicant Training Slideshow
How to Apply (Video)
For technical questions, check Zoom Grants University, contact Technical Support at 866.323.5404 ext 2 or email questions@zoomgrants.com
Grantee Forms
These are forms for applicants who have been awarded grants and must submit documentation throughout the year.