Conservation License Plate Grant Program - "Moose" Plate Grants

From New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources

The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources (NHDHR) aims to preserve significant publicly owned historic resources that contribute to New Hampshire’s history and cultural heritage. This includes a focus on supporting conservation and preservation efforts to protect critical resources across the state, from scenic lands and wildlife to historic sites.

Type of Support

Overview

The Conservation License Plate Program, known as the “Moose Plate” program, provides grants up to $20,000. The grants support projects that:

  • Adhere to the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
  • Focus on preservation projects for publicly owned historic buildings, bridges, cemeteries, and other historically significant resources eligible for or listed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places or the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Aim for the conservation, stabilization, and/or preservation of significant publicly owned archaeological sites.
  • Preserve historical properties owned by towns, cities, counties, or state agencies.
  • Do not request more than the $20,000 grant maximum.

Funding for these grants comes from the sale of “Moose Plate” license plates, with portions of the proceeds allocated to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which then makes funds available to the NHDHR based on annual revenue from new purchases and renewals of the plates.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
NH
Organization Type
New Hampshire state agencies
New Hampshire county agencies
Local municipalities
Non-profit organizations [IRS Code 501(c)(3)] operating in a publicly owned building
Other
  • Operating in a publicly owned building

Ineligibility

For-profit organizations
Federal government agencies
Private individuals
Projects for privately owned historic resources
Archaeological research
Engineering studies or reports
Preservation projects not adhering to Secretary of the Interior Standards
Organizations submitting more than one application to Division of Historical Resources in a single grant cycle
Organizations submitting applications for the same project to more than one Department of Natural and Cultural Resources division in a single grant cycle
Work already started or completed before grant award approval
Construction of new buildings
Acquisition of collections or historic sites
Conservation of collections
Reconstructing historic properties
Moving historic properties or work on properties no longer eligible for listing
Cash reserves, endowments, revolving funds, or fundraising costs
Lobbying or advocacy activities
Administrative costs
up to 20k

Submission

Schedule
Step 1: Letter of Inquiry
Application deadline
May 5, 2025
Step 2: Full proposal (check website)

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