The Heritage Grant Program was established in 1994 as a way for PACA to fund community preservation projects.  Each year a percentage of the previous year’s salvage proceeds are distributed.  Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations, public institutions, recognized neighborhood associations, and public agencies based in Champaign County.  Projects must involve preservation, conservation, and/or education related to history, architecture, or archaeology in Champaign County.  Projects may fall into any of five categories:  bricks and mortar, land acquisition/move, professional architectural feasibility study, preservation education, and interpretation. 

Since its inception, over $81,000 has been distributed throughout Champaign County for qualifying preservation projects.  Requests for Proposals are usually issued in February with a submittal deadline of May.  Grants are awarded in June/July and must be used within one year.  The program is a reimbursable grant – an invoice/statement for the expenditure must be submitted, along with a final report, before PACA will issue the grant check.  Generally, numerous small grants to various organizations are awarded, rather than one large grant.  See the list below for previous grant recipients.