Eugene D. Funk Grant Program

This grant program is designed to provide the owners of historic properties with financial assistance in the preservation, restoration or rehabilitation of exterior architectural features of buildings and structures on such properties. The program is administered by the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission. 

This grant program is named after Mr. Eugene D. Funk, Jr., former president of the Funk Seeds Company and a prominent community leader, in recognition of his many contributions to the community.  

Properties must be designated with the S-4 (Historic Preservation) District zoning overlay to be eligible.

• The program provides funding for up to 50% of the total cost of eligible exterior projects, with a maximum grant amount of $5,000 per project.
• Any applicant may receive only one grant per fiscal year, per property, except for major restoration projects which may be considered for two.

For additional information on eligibility, review the Funk Grant Program Criteria and and Conditions.

Apply for a Funk Grant online here.

Harriett Fuller Rust Grant Program

The City of Bloomington has committed itself to the continued revitalization of its downtown. The City hopes to encourage private investment in commercial buildings in the downtown area through a program which offers financial incentives to businesses to improve the appearance, safety, structural integrity and quality of their storefronts and buildings as a whole.

This grant program is named after Harriett Fuller Rust, in recognition of her many contributions to the community. She served with many community service organizations including 37 years on the United Way of McLean County board of directors, as a board member and president of Victory Hall Home for Boys, the Advisory Council to the Bloomington Board of Education, Illinois Shakespeare Society Vice President, Illinois Wesleyan University President’s Club President, and the McLean County Historical Society board of directors.

Ms. Rust’s can-do spirit was seen in the aftermath of a fire that damaged the McLean County Historical Society in 1972 and participated in raising $320,000 to get the museum back on its feet. As board president, she accomplished the library material restoration program, expanded the museum’s size, and acquired a 30-year lease on the Old Courthouse building to house the museum.

Ms. Rust is the recipient of many awards, including: the city of Bloomington’s "Preservationist of the Year Award" (1995) and "Illinois Museum Trustee of the Year" (1998).

Properties must be within a designated program area of Downtown Bloomington to be eligible.

• The program provides funding for up to 50% of the total cost of eligible exterior projects, with a maximum grant amount of $25,000 per project.  Additional funding may be available for specific projects.
• One grant per fiscal year is allowed per building, a single applicant may request up to two grants per year for separate buildings.

For additional information on eligibility, review the Rust Grant Guidelines here.  

Apply for a Rust Grant online here.