Open Application

The City of Salem offers the Residential Toolbox Grant to help residents enhance or restore homes that are historically designated. This program supports the preservation of Salem’s rich history by encouraging the maintenance and improvement of historic residential properties.

Grant awards are up to $1,000 per applicant. If you receive an award, you must provide a dollar-for-dollar match. This means that for every dollar the city provides, the applicant must contribute an equal amount.

Grant funding sources include:

• Certified Local Government Program of the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
• Private residents
• City of Salem General Fund

Timeline

Cycle one is closed now.

Apply: Application period is July 1, 2025 through August 1, 2025, or until all grant funds are awarded, whichever occurs first.

Fill out an online application. (English)

Fill out an online application. (Spanish)

To apply, you must submit:

• Site plan
• Contractor's signed bid (contractor MUST be Lead Certified)
• Three to five "before" photos

Projects must be completed by November 30, 2025.

Applications opened on July 1, 2025 and are due by Friday, August 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Cycle one of 2026 opens January 2026.

Details to be announced.

Grant guidelines

Application Criteria

The proposed work must meet the following criteria:

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

Extensions

Planning Division staff has the authority to grant one extension to the required project completion date.

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