FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Funds available to aid in the preservation of historic resources vary considerably depending on whether the property is owned by an individual(s) or by a non-for-profit, and whether the property is residential or commercial/income-producing, and whether the resource is included on the National Register of Historic Properties.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

Grants/Loans: There are limited grants available to private homeowners, which is one of the reasons Cazenovia Heritage was founded. Our goal is to grow the funds necessary to provide grants or low-cost loans to homeowners where economic constraints are prohibiting the use of preservation materials or practices. 

We are pleased that as of 2025, Cazenovia Heritage has established the Carl D. Stearns Preservation & Restoration Grant program in support of projects to restore or protect historic architectural features of  homes.  This program will provide up to $2500 for residents within the Town boundaries in a competitive process.  Applications are available February 1 and due by March 15, with the award to be announced by April 30th.

To be considered for a grant, a residence must be at least 50 years old, located anywhere within the Town or Village of Cazenovia.  The project cannot have already been completed and may include:  exterior painting, cleaning, and repair; replacement or repair of windows, siding, cornices, moldings, etc.; removal and/or replacement of historically inappropriate elements such as windows, awnings, porches, porch columns, doors, etc.; restoration or repair of interior historic architectural features that contribute to the historic integrity of the structure; and consulting assistance of a restoration professional in analyzing and determining appropriate solutions. 

Complete guidelines can be found here - «LINK».  Click here for the application - «LINK».

Tax Credits: State tax credits are available for restoring  a house on the National Register only if the property is located in a qualifying census tract. As of 2025, Cazenovia is no longer in a qualifying census track. If your property is listed on the Register individually or as part of the Village National Register District, tax credits are available for up to 20% of rehabilitation costs. See instructions and the application form on the New York State website: https://parks.ny.gov/shpo/tax-credit-programs/

Tax Credits for Historic Structures:  SHPO presentations on State and Federal Tax Credits and the National Register Program are available here:   «LINK»

NON-RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

Grants generally are available to non-for-profits, municipal, and public buildings and range from modest to significant.  Feel free to contact us to identify potential sources.

Rehabilitation tax credits are available for income-producing properties listed on the National Register. Projects for such places may qualify for a 20% federal income tax credit and for an additional 30% state tax credit if located in a qualifying census tract. This can include businesses, residential rental buildings, and barns.  As of 2025, Cazenovia is no longer in a qualifying census tract.  As information, the NYS website has details and application forms here: https://parks.ny.gov/shpo/tax-credit-programs/

Tax Credits for Historic Structures:  SHPO presentations on State and Federal Tax Credits and the National Register Program are available here:   «LINK»

EASEMENTS

Easements are preservation tools that can help protect a historic property by safeguarding its historic character, materials, and significance. A legal agreement between the owner of a historic property and a qualified third party, a preservation easement establishes a degree of perpetual protection for the property.

In addition to preventing inappropriate changes from being made to a historic property, easements also can offer a tax advantage for the donor. Easement donors make a gift to current and future generations when they voluntarily place perpetual restrictions on their historic property.