Funding of Monument Preservation Measures for Churches, Religious Communities, or Municipalities (Monument Conservation North Rhine-Westphalia)

The Monument Preservation Program North Rhine-Westphalia supports private and public owners as well as non-profit organizations in the preservation of historically valuable churches, religious community buildings, and municipal properties in accordance with monument conservation standards. The goal is to secure, repair, and present architectural monuments pursuant to the North Rhine-Westphalia Monument Protection Act, in order to permanently preserve the cultural heritage in the cities and municipalities of the region. Funding is provided for measures that commence without service contracts and whose total financing is already secured. A prerequisite is the official recognition as a listed building in North Rhine-Westphalia as well as lawful possession or ownership of the respective property.

Up to 30% of eligible expenses are funded, with a maximum of EUR 350,000 per project. Grants can be applied for repair and restoration work on historic building fabric, securing and uncovering measures, as well as the renewal of windows, facades, roofs, and other building components. Furthermore, scientific investigations, documentation, and concepts for the mediation and presentation of protected monuments are eligible for funding. The annual application period for the following year is conducted exclusively via the online portal of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. Required submissions include the fully completed electronic funding application, the monument protection permit (if applicable), a detailed financing plan, and proof of monument-related additional expenses. The responsible district government reviews the applications professionally and issues the funding approval, after which disbursements are made in installments.