Deadline Date: March 19, 2026
Heritage conservation grants provide an important opportunity for property owners to preserve historic places while sharing the financial responsibility of the work.
Funding is generally offered on a dollar-for-dollar basis, meaning the grant covers up to half of the total cost of approved conservation works or documentation. With a minimum grant amount of $1,000, even small projects can receive meaningful support, helping owners protect the cultural value of their properties.
The program offers three levels of funding depending on the scale and complexity of the project. Simple projects can receive up to $5,000 for tasks such as architectural documentation, conservation plans, dilapidation reports or single-component repairs. These smaller works often help stabilize or plan for the long-term care of a heritage place without requiring extensive construction.
More extensive residential projects fall under the complex category, with funding of up to $10,000. These are intended for properties requiring multi-component repairs such as reinstating lost architectural features, completing façade conservation or combining several repairs like roof, gutter and timber restoration. This category supports homeowners undertaking significant work to maintain the integrity and character of their historic residences.
Major grants of up to $20,000 are available only for non-residential properties. These projects must address at least two key assessment criteria, such as protecting places at immediate risk or enabling adaptive re-use. Larger or more intricate conservation efforts, including multi-stage structural or material restoration, are supported under this category to ensure that important community and commercial heritage sites remain viable.
Eligibility is broad, making the program accessible to a wide range of applicants. Private owners, companies, community organizations and local governments who manage State Heritage Places can apply. Individuals or groups may also submit an application with written permission from the owner. Owners and businesses located within a State Heritage Area may qualify for funding depending on the type of work proposed. Those who were not successful in previous rounds are encouraged to reapply, ensuring that worthwhile projects continue to have opportunities for consideration.
Although State-owned heritage places are not eligible under this particular program, they may be supported through other government funding sources. Overall, the grant framework offers a valuable pathway for conserving heritage properties, ensuring these important sites can be protected, restored and adapted for future generations.
For more information, visit Government of South Australia.
