Heritage Conservation Grants

The objectives of the HCG are to:

• to assist and promote trades and professions related to heritage conservation
• to connect individuals to their history, stories, and cultural heritage, contributing to their quality of life

Eligible Applicants:

• owners of State Heritage Places (private owners, companies, community groups, local government)
• individuals or groups with written permission from the owner
• owners or businesses within a State Heritage Area (for eligible work)
• unsuccessful previous applicants encouraged to re-apply
• State government-owned State Heritage Places not eligible (may qualify for GOH Fund)

Projects eligible include:

• documenting proposed conservation works
• conserving significant building fabric
• protecting the heritage value of buildings or structures
• ensuring structural integrity
• reinstating or protecting significant characteristics of State Heritage Areas
• covering project management and development approval fees, where applicable

Projects not eligible include:

• works that damage or diminish the heritage significance of a place or area
• works that are irrelevant to the heritage significance of a place or area
• retrospective works (completed before signing the grant agreement)
• insurance claims or works mandated by a work order
• new construction or repairs to building fabric without heritage value
• administrative costs or equipment purchases unrelated to conservation
• publications and website development
• interpretation activities

Simple (up to $5,000):

• documentation, such as architect fees and conservation management plans
• simple projects with one component, like salt damp treatment or re-roofing

Complex (up to $10,000):

• available for residential properties
• projects with multiple components, such as façade conservation, timber repair, and salt damp treatment

Major (up to $20,000):

• only for non-residential properties
• projects with multiple components that address at least two assessment criteria, like places at risk and adaptive re-use

In-kind-contribution

• In special circumstances, applicants/volunteers with specific qualifications (e.g., builder/architect) or those performing tasks typically done by paid contractors (e.g., builder’s labourer or painter) may offer in-kind contributions. However, any work undertaken must be guided by professional advice to ensure its appropriateness.
• Such in-kind amounts will be considered as part of the applicant co-contribution.

1. Adaptive reuse

• conservation projects that facilitate compatible new uses or the continued use of a place

2. Public realm

• conservation efforts that are visible to the public or accessible by the community

3. Heritage trades and training

• projects that involve traditional trades, skills, or support specialised training

4. Community projects and public benefit

• works that have a community-oriented focus or provide public benefits

5. Places at risk

• efforts aimed at preventing further deterioration and preserving fabric, including State Heritage Places affected by the River Murray flood

6. Regional and remote places

• projects that support and benefit regional areas

Contact Heritage South Australia to discuss proposed work and seek advice on appropriate methods.

Prepare scoping documents and specifications for the proposed work, including cost estimates.

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• conservation projects enabling compatible new uses or continued use of a place
• visible and accessible conservation efforts for the public or community
• involvement of traditional trades, skills, or support for specialised training
• works with community-oriented focus and public benefits
• efforts to prevent deterioration and preserve fabric, including flood-affected State Heritage Places
• projects supporting and benefiting regional areas

Applicants must include the following details in their application:

• advice from a heritage professional
• up-to-date quotes
• attach letters from property owners or sponsors (if required)
• include supporting photographs and documentation

Applications are submitted online via the DEW SmartyGrant System.

Book a no obligation discovery session with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.