DRAC grant — Conserving registered cultural heritage (registered historic monuments, ISMH)
This permanent scheme targets owners of monuments registered on the ISMH, with a grant rate generally lower than for classified monuments — up to 30% for exterior works on the registered parts. The DRAC has broad discretion depending on the Ministry of Culture’s programme 175 funding available each year; additional funding can be sought from the Regions, Départements and the Fondation du Patrimoine.
A historic monument on the supplementary inventory (ISMH) is not subject to the same constraints as a classified monument, but conservation works still represent a significant investment for a private owner. The DRAC can grant a subsidy for these works, within the limit of the funding available each year.
Funded by DRAC — Ministère de la Culture
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Who can apply
Owners or co-owners — individuals or private-law legal entities — of a historic monument registered on the supplementary inventory of historic monuments (ISMH) can apply for this grant.
Eligibility conditions
Only works on the registered parts of the monument can be subsidised. A prior declaration of works must be submitted to the DRAC before the works start — unlike classified monuments, using a chief architect of historic monuments (ACMH) is not compulsory for ISMH monuments, although using a heritage architect is recommended. Works affecting the exterior appearance (façades, roofs, external joinery) are concerned as a priority.
What the scheme covers
The works concerned are the conservation and restoration of the monument’s registered parts, with priority given to exterior elements. Additional funding can be sought from the Regions, Départements and the Fondation du Patrimoine; the Fondation du Patrimoine label also makes it possible to open a public fundraising campaign for private ISMH monuments.
Amount and funding terms
The maximum amount indicated for this scheme is €150,000, with an intervention rate of around 20% according to the information available; the source text mentions a rate generally of up to 30% for exterior works on the registered parts. As funding depends on annual availability, the amount actually granted depends on the DRAC’s decision.
How to apply
1. Check that the monument is registered on the supplementary inventory (ISMH). 2. Define the planned works on the registered parts, with priority given to exterior elements. 3. Submit a prior declaration of works to the DRAC before any start. 4. Apply for the DRAC grant and explore possible additional funding (Region, Département, Fondation du Patrimoine). 5. Wait for the DRAC’s approval before starting the works.
Timeline
A permanent scheme with no fixed deadline, but funding depends on annual availability — the DRAC may prioritise certain applications according to the programme 175 funding actually available each year.
Key facts
- Funder
- DRAC — Ministère de la Culture
- Type of funding
- Grant
- Status
- Ongoing
- Maximum amount
- €150,000
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Funding rate
- 20%
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Geographic scope
- All of France
Frequently asked questions
Is a chief architect of historic monuments required?
No, it is not compulsory for ISMH monuments (unlike classified monuments), although a heritage architect is recommended.
What is the grant rate?
Generally up to 30% for exterior works on the registered parts, depending on the funding available.
Are all works eligible?
No, only works on the registered parts of the monument can be subsidised.
Can it be combined with other funding?
Yes, additional funding can be sought from the Regions, Départements and the Fondation du Patrimoine.
Official source
Official DRAC — Ministère de la Culture page ↗(drac_culture)Applications are made from the official source (usually in French).
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