Now Accepting Applications

Preservation Partnership Program

A Matching Grant Program for Privately Owned Historic Properties

How to Apply Read the Guidelines

At a Glance

  • TRC matches up to 50% of approved project costs
  • Up to $2,500 for minor exterior improvements, or $2,501 to $20,000 for major projects
  • For privately owned homes and businesses in the City of Tombstone
  • Work must be on exterior features visible from the street

Preserving Tombstone's Historic Character

The Preservation Partnership Program is a matching grant initiative designed to support the restoration and rehabilitation of privately owned historic properties within the City of Tombstone. Through a shared investment between property owners and the Tombstone Restoration Commission, the program helps protect the buildings, streetscapes, and architectural details that define the community's distinctive heritage.

For more than 75 years, the TRC has helped restore Tombstone's landmarks. But much of what makes the town special is in private hands: the homes, storefronts, porches, and signs that line its streets. This program extends the TRC's mission to those buildings by partnering with the owners who care for them.

A Partnership for Preservation

By helping offset eligible project costs, the program encourages responsible stewardship and thoughtful improvements that retain historic character while extending the useful life of significant properties. The result is a practical public-private partnership that strengthens neighborhood identity, supports heritage tourism, and preserves Tombstone's historic resources for future generations.

Restore. Rehabilitate. Preserve.

Together, we can safeguard the places that tell Tombstone's story.

How the Program Works

A matching partnership, not a full funding source

Shared Investment

TRC will fund up to 50 percent of approved project costs. The owner contributes at least 50 percent, and that contribution must be documented.

Two Funding Tiers

Micro Preservation Grant: up to $2,500 for minor exterior improvements. Major Preservation Partnership: $2,501 to $20,000, with a detailed project proposal. Both receive full board review.

Paid as Reimbursement

Funds are not issued upfront. TRC reimburses its share after the work is completed, receipts and before-and-after photos are submitted, and a TRC representative verifies the site.

A Clear Timeline

Approved projects must begin within 90 days of approval and be finished within 12 months, unless the Commission grants an extension in writing.

Funding availability is subject to the TRC's annual budget. The Commission may adjust match percentages based on project scope, urgency, and available funding.

Is My Project Eligible?

Eligible Properties

Your property must meet all of these:

  • Located within the City of Tombstone
  • Recognized as historic in character or contributing to the historic district
  • Privately owned residential or commercial property
  • The project affects exterior features visible from the public right of way

Eligible Work

  • Exterior structural stabilization
  • Roof repair or replacement consistent with historic character
  • Woodwork restoration
  • Historically appropriate exterior paint restoration
  • Window and door restoration (not vinyl replacement)
  • Porch reconstruction consistent with historic documentation
  • Historically appropriate signage

Not Eligible

  • Interior remodeling not visible to the public
  • Routine maintenance such as cleaning or landscaping
  • Completed projects
  • New additions inconsistent with historic character
  • Decorative or cosmetic improvements unrelated to preservation
  • Projects begun before written approval

Don't start work before you're approved. Projects begun before the TRC gives written approval are not eligible for funding.

How to Apply

Applications are being accepted now

  1. Read the program guidelines. They explain eligibility, matching, reimbursement, and the agreement you'll sign if approved.
  2. Complete the application form. Use the PDF or the printable web version below.
  3. Gather your attachments: proof of ownership, photographs of current condition, contractor estimates or material quotes, and evidence that your matching funds are available.
  4. Submit your application by mail, email, or in person (see the options at right). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
  5. Board review. Applications are scored on visibility and public impact, historic integrity, urgency of need, the owner's financial commitment, and community impact. Approval requires a majority vote of the Commission.
Application (PDF) Printable Web Version

Program guidelines: read online or download the PDF.

Submit Your Application

Choose whichever is easiest for you:

By mail
Tombstone Restoration Commission
P.O. Box 606
Tombstone, AZ 85638
By email
TombstoneRestorationCommission@gmail.com
Scan or photograph each page and attach your photos and documents.
In person
At a monthly TRC meeting, 5:30 PM at the TRC building, 6th and Allen Streets.
See the Meetings page for the next date.

Questions? Call (520) 335-4255 or use our contact form.

Celebrating Our Partners

To promote preservation awareness and community pride, funded projects may be featured in TRC publications and on social media, and owners may be offered a small recognition plaque for their property.