Open Application

The City of Salem offers the Residential Toolbox Grant to help residents improve or restore homes that are historically designated. This program is important because it helps preserve Salem's rich history. By encouraging the maintenance and improvement of historic residential properties, the City supports the community and its heritage.  

Grant Awards

Grant awards can be up to $1,000 for each applicant. If you receive a grant, you must match the amount dollar for dollar. This means that for every dollar the City gives you, you must contribute an equal amount. 

Funding Sources

The funding for these programs comes from: 

• The Certified Local Government Program of the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office
• Private Residents
• The City of Salem General Fund

Timeline

There are two application cycles each year.  

Cycle One

• Cycle One Application Period Closed March 1, 2026

Cycle Two

• Opening Date: July 2026 
• Details: To be announced. 

Grant Guidelines

Application Criteria

The proposed work must meet these criteria:

• Enhance, restore, preserve, renovate, or rebuild the historic aspects of the structure. 
• Meet the design standards in Salem Revised Code Chapter 230. 
• Be on the exterior façade of an eligible contributing building or be a seismic retrofit with an approved building permit. 
• Comply with state regulations for Lead Safe Practices. 
• Not have any historic code violations in the last year. 

Extensions

The Planning Division staff can grant one extension to the required project completion date. 

While your work is in progress, you must post a Salem Heritage sign on your property.