Heritage Grants

The New Heritage Conservation Grants Program is now OPEN

The new Heritage Conservation Grant Program will provide a total of $2.5m in grant funding during the next decade – up from $1.25m provided under the previous program initiated in 2018.

This new program is now open to receive applications and will close 2:00pm 10 August 2023. All applications must be submitted through our new DEW SmartyGrant System. Further details about the program and a link to the application form is here.

Or can be found at: https://environmentsa.smartygrants.com.au/HCG2023-24

Heritage Conservation Grants are available to owners of State heritage listed places.

Grants provide up to $20,000 for conservation work or documentation.
All grants will be provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

The Heritage Conservation Grant Program is competitive, so in addition to the conservation benefits of projects, special consideration may also be given to places impacted by the River Murray flood, projects that benefit the public realm, activate under-utilised places, and support specialised heritage training. If you intend to apply, remember to refer to the Heritage Conservation Grants Guidelines for Applicants and focus your application on the relevant criteria.

Grant Categories

In most cases, funding for conservation works will be paid on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The minimum grant for any project is $1,000.

There are three categories of funding.

Simple- up to $5,000 (GST exclusive) – Projects may include - Documentation, e.g. Architect fees, conservation management plans, dilapidation reports, development application drawings/schedules. Simple projects with only one component, e.g. Salt damp treatment or re-roofing.
Complex – up to $10,000 (GST exclusive) – THIS IS THEMAXIMUM AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES. Projects for residential properties with multiple components such as reinstatement of lost significant fabric or larger, more complex repairs e.g. façade conservation including timber repair and salt damp treatment; roof and gutter replacement including new roof framing and fascia’s.
Major– up to $20,000 (GST exclusive) - ONLY AVAILABLE FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES. Projects for non-residential properties with multiple components addressing at least two of the Assessment Criteria, e.g. (1) Places at risk; (2) Adaptive re-use.

What you will need to apply

To submit an application, you must:

Have received advice from a heritage professional.
Have up-to-date quotes ready to attach to your application.
(To help you find the right person to undertake your heritage conservation project, visit the Heritage SA Register of Heritage Trades and Consultants.)
Attach letters from property owners or sponsors (if required).
Attach supporting photographs and documentation to your application.

About the Program

If you own a State Heritage Place or a place within a State Heritage Area and are planning a conservation project that will help to conserve or protect significant fabric or heritage values, you may be eligible to receive a Heritage Conservation Grant. To find out more about Heritage Conservation Grant eligibility and criteria, please read the Heritage Conservation Grants Guidelines for Applicants.

In most cases, funding is provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis to successful applicants including private owners, companies, local councils & community groups who are owners of State Heritage Places, and owners or businesses situated within a State Heritage Area. State Heritage Places owned by the State Government are not eligible.

Heritage Conservation Grants are aimed at helping rejuvenate the state’s built heritage, ensuring it is protected and preserved for future generations. So far, $1,250,000 of grant funding has stimulated a total direct investment of $8.22 million into heritage conservation works.

Find out more about past successful applications here.

For more information about Heritage Conservation Grants please contact Heritage South Australia on 8207 7753 or email DEW.HeritageGrants@sa.gov.au

Building Upgrade Finance

Building Upgrade Finance may be available to supplement grant funding for non-residential heritage building upgrade works where the grant funding provides only a proportion of the total cost. Building Upgrade Finance is secured against the land, via a local council charge, with repayments made through the local council rates billing process and then transferred to the financier by the local council.

To find out more about Building Upgrade Finance, including where it is currently available visit www.buildingupgradefinance.net.au.