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, such as cornices

• 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.

APPLICATION instructions

To apply for a grant:

1. Download the HIP Grant Guidelines and Application and review the requirements and instructions. Applications are due May 1, 2024

2. Download and review the following example grant applications:

   • Example 1

   • Example 2

     Note: These example PDFs are black and white. Projects involving color must include color chips.

3. Download and complete a W-9 IRS form.

4. Complete the application and email it, along with supporting documents, to Mary McCormick at buttecpr@gmail.com. Digital submissions are preferred, but you can also mail your application to Butte CPR, PO Box 164, Butte, MT 59703.

Note: Work must be completed within 18 months in order to receive awarded grant funds. However, an extension can be requested for extenuating circumstances. Requests for extensions must be made in writing within the 18 months.