In 2010, the Salem City Council adopted the Salem Historic Preservation Plan which outlines specific goals regarding historic preservation in our city.  One of the stated goals was to establish a grant program for historically designated residential properties to help with the expenses of maintaining our historic resources.

The Planning Division of the Community Development Department in 2011 was awarded a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant from the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to implement the Residential Toolbox Grant Program.  Additional funds have since been received from private donors.  The program grants are a dollar-to-dollar match with a limit of $1,000, and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For the 2012 grant cyle, the Historic Landmarks Commission determined that $6,000 was available to be awarded and set the application period as February 15, 2012, through March 15, 2012, or until all funds are awarded, whichever comes first.  Eligible projects are to be completed by June 30, 2012.