The Normal Town Council created the Dr. Robert G. Bone Historic Preservation Grant Program in April 1991. This program is named after the late Dr. Robert G. Bone, former President of Illinois State University, in recognition of him being the first appointment to the Normal Historic Preservation Commission and his strong support for the preservation of Normal’s historic resources.
The program is designed to provide the owners of historic properties with financial assistance in the restoration and preservation of exterior architectural features of those structures. A property must be a locally designated landmark or part of a locally designated historic district to be eligible for funding under this program. All other eligibility criteria and the funding priorities are established by the commission.
When in operation, the Bone Grant Program provides funding for up to 50% of the total costs of eligible exterior restoration or preservation projects with a maximum grant amount of $4,000 per property per year. A property may obtain as many grants as possible in a year provided the total grant amount awarded does not exceed $4,000.