Certified Local Government (CLG) Grants

Certified Local Government (CLG) Grants is sponsored by Idaho State Historical Society. The CLG program assists local communities in preserving their unique historic character and provides technical assistance and small grants to local governments to preserve their historic resources.

Certified Local Government - Idaho State Historical Society --> Certified Local Government - Idaho State Historical Society Official Government Website Local Government & Preservation Planning Idaho Certified Local Government Program In partnership with the National Park Service, Idaho’s Certified Local Government (CLG) program empowers communities to preserve and celebrate their unique histories.

Through the CLG program, local governments play an active role in the National Register of Historic Places, gain a stronger voice in federally funded projects, and access annual grant opportunities that support a wide range of local preservation initiatives. Today, Idaho proudly counts 40 certified partners across the state—each committed to sustaining the places, stories, and traditions that define their communities.

Forward-Thinking Preservation Planning Preservation planning in Idaho is more than protecting historic buildings—it’s a forward-thinking approach that weaves heritage into the fabric of community development.

By integrating preservation into comprehensive and long-range planning, Idaho communities ensure that their historic places remain vital assets, contributing to local identity, economic vitality, and a shared sense of place for generations to come.

state & local preservation plans documenting cultural resources Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation Historic Preservation’s Economic Benefits Disaster Preparedness Guidelines Disaster Preparedness Guidance for Historic Properties in Idaho Certified Local Government FAQ Any city, county, parish, township, or municipality which meets the program requirements and completes application process can apply to become a CLG.

I'm with a local historical society, museum, or non-profit group. Can we still apply to become a CLG? Unfortunately, no. Only cities, counties, and other subunits of government are eligible to apply to become a CLG.

It is only the local government that can become a CLG, so they are the only ones who can apply. You can either approach your local government directly and ask them about applying, or you can contact our office and SHPO staff will reach out for you. How can my community become a CLG?

Assuming that your community already meets all of the requirements to become a CLG, it is simply a matter of getting in touch with our office and submitting a little bit of paperwork. Once the paperwork is completed and submitted to our office, SHPO staff will review it and, if complete, submit the application to the National Park Service with our recommendation.

The Park Service will then complete their review and provide their response back to us. Once we have received concurrence from the Park Service, SHPO staff will notify your community and at that point, your community is declared a Certified Local Government!

From the time the paperwork is submit to our office to final decision will depend on whether we or the Park Service need to request additional information from your community, but typically, if everything is in order, the turn-around period can be as little as less than a month. More information on the application process and the necessary paperwork can be found in the Idaho Certified Local Government Program Handbook, available here .

What are the requirements to become a CLG? There are few, specific minimum requirements that a community has to meet before they can apply to become a CLG; the community will be expected to maintain these requirements for as long as they wish to continue to participate in the program.

Have a Historic Preservation Commission as established by local ordinance 5-10 members appointed by governing authority, with an effort to represent specific historic preservation disciplines Members must have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation Appointment terms up to 3 years; can be reappointed Solicit expertise when reviewing National Register nominations (if necessary) Regular professional development/training Conduct a Survey and Have a System to Maintain an Inventory Public Participation in the Preservation Program Encourage Local Preservation Planning Efforts Enforce Local and State Preservation Laws Who can apply for the CLG Grants?

CLGs are the only ones who can apply for CLG Grants. Other local groups and non-CLG communities are not eligible to apply. What kinds of projects can be funded?

All CLG Grant funded projects must relate to the National Register of Historic Places in some way.

Typical project types include: Architectural surveys (Thematic and/or Geographic) Preparation of National Register of Historic Places nominations Design guidelines and historic context reports Acquisition and Development (including “bricks-and-mortar” projects) Develop community preservation plan Publishing educational materials Public/HPC training, education, and workshops Does the CLG program involve any restrictions on private property?

NO. There is no required design review component to participate in the Idaho Certified Local Government program. There are only two (2) situations related to the CLG Program which involve design review: 1. If there are Federal funds, permits, or approvals involved in a bricks-and-mortar project (e.g. Federal Tax Credits or CLG Grant funds); or 2.

If the local community decides to pass a local ordinance requiring it for historic districts (e.g. local zoning code requirements). ver: 4. 1.

9 | last updated: July 14, 2026 at 08:07 am