Agenda - Council Work Session - 03/25/2025

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• Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grants: If the Town Hall project will spur economic growth (e.g. as a heritage tourism center or incubator), EDA's Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance grants could be a fit. The EDA offers various funding opportunities for redevelopment and infrastructure; eligibility requires demonstrating jobs or economic impact Vistoric Financial Assistance I Northfield, MN - Official Website). Example: The EDA has funded historic downtown revitalization projects where reusing a building was part of a broader economic development plan. • Ramsey can access small grants via the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the Minnesota SHPO. These typically fund planning, surveys, or bricks -and -mortar on a matching basis (often up to $25,000). Historic Preservation Fund (U.S. National Park Service) • Others: The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) or National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) occasionally have grants for historic sites used as cultural centers or museums. For instance, NEH's Public Humanities grants might fund exhibits or interpretation if the Town Hall becomes a museum. (Grants I National Endowment for the Humanities). While these programs have specific scopes, in combination they can cover various aspects of a rehabilitation project. State Grants and Programs (Minnesota) . Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) —Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants (Legacy Grants): Minnesota's Legacy Amendment (Arts &Cultural Heritage Fund) provides funding for historic preservation through this grant program. Government units and nonprofits are eligible to apply (Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants I Minnesota Historical Society). Grants support projects that preserve Minnesota's history and cultural resources, including planning and restoration of historic structures. There are Small Grants (up to $10,000, no match required) and Large Grants (over $10,000, often ranging $50k—$300k+). Small grants have multiple deadlines (e.g. January, April, July, October), while large grants typically have two rounds per year (pre -application usually in summer). Projects should relate to a site of historical significance (ideally listed or determined eligible for the National Register or local designation). We've used previously, but does not mean we cannot again . State Capital Projects Funds: Although not a grant program per se, it's worth noting that Minnesota's Legislature can fund local historic preservation projects through bonding or special appropriations. Cities sometimes request capital investment from the state for significant projects. Example: The historic Chatfield Center for the Arts (a former school) received state bond funds for its renovation. Ramsey could explore advocating for state capital funding in a future legislative session, especially if the Town Hall project has regional significance or is paired with other community development (this would require support from local legislators and is a competitive political process). Local and Regional Funding Sources • Anoka County Historical Society / Regional Heritage Organizations: The Anoka County Historical Society (ACHS) itself does not have a large grant program, but it can be a valuable partner. ACHS could help by providing historical research or significance validation for grant applications, and it can sponsor or co-sponsor Legacy grant projects. Additionally, ACHS might receive Legacy funds for county -wide projects and could include the Town Hall in such efforts (for example, a county historic sites preservation initiative) • Local Fundraising and City Funding: Although not external grants, it's worth noting local sources as part of the funding mosaic. Ramsey's budget can contribute, and demonstrating local match money often strengthens grant applications. A local fundraising campaign (soliciting donations from residents, businesses, and alumni of the community) can generate funds and public support. In some Minnesota cities, local businesses and civic groups (Rotary, Lions, etc.) have sponsored specific restoration items (e.g. a restored window or a display in a historic building). While these are not formal grant programs, leveraging community support and city funds can be crucial in matching grants and covering any gaps. Private and Nonprofit Funding . Private Foundations: Numerous foundations in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest fund community and historic preservation projects. For example, the Jeffris Family Foundation focuses on Midwestern historic preservation and often funds Historic Structure Reports (HSRs) and planning for significant buildings in smaller communities (Jeffris Family Foundation I Dedicated to Midwestern Historic Preservation). A grant from Jeffris could fund detailed architectural studies or restoration plans for the Town Hall. Corporate