By: Tom Duggan – December, 2013
The Festival of Trees, Inc. is calling for applicants for its 2014 Historic Preservation Grant Program. This Methuen-based non-profit organization raises money through its annual Festival of Trees event to fund preservation efforts throughout the Merrimack Valley and beyond.
The Historic Preservation Grant Program is designed to provide preservation funding to private non-profit organizations, private businesses housed in a historic property, and the exteriors of individual homes which are listed on the Massachusetts and/or national historic registers and public entities. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals by the December 30, 2013 deadline.
“We started this event with the purpose to restore and preserve our heritage here in Methuen and due to its growth and success over the past 19 years, we are now helping to do the same in many of our surrounding communities,” said Sharon Pollard, President of the Festival of Trees.
“We have had a sizeable increase in grant applications over the past few years and our goal is to help fund as many of these essential projects as we can.”
The Historic Preservation Grant Program (HPGP) awards matching grants of up to $10,000 to qualified historic preservation projects. To qualify, buildings or structures must have been built prior to 1900.
Successful applicants must have completed the bid process and be able to share information including contractors as well as project and construction details.
Grant applications can be requested by calling (978) 685-8878 or by emailing Sharon at info@methuenfestivaloftrees.com. Applications are also available on the Festival of Trees website at www.methuenfestivaloftrees.com.
To date, the Festival has awarded over $1.4 million in preservation grants throughout the Merrimack Valley. This year, the Festival is celebrating its 20th year of sharing the magic of the holiday season.