How It Works

Funded by a generous donation from the family of Merrilee Kullman and jointly managed by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and the Preservation Resource Center; Homeowners designated by NOJHF as a “culture bearer” are eligible to receive a grant of up to $20,000 to cover minor repairs to the exterior of their historic home within Orleans Parish. 

Examples of eligible repairs:

  • Repairing or replacing damaged gutters, siding, and trim
  • Repairing or replacing roofs
  • Repairing or replacing damaged or inappropriate doors, windows, or shutters

Who Qualifies?

This program assists low-to-moderate-income homeowners who own a historic home within Orleans Parish and who also qualify as a culture bearer. All submitted applications (see below) will be sent to NOJHF for confirmation of culture bearer designation. Those approved, will be sent back to the PRC for additional eligibility verification.

Qualifications requirements:

  • Qualify as a “culture bearer,” as defined by NOJHF staff. This definition includes New Orleans musicians and cultural practitioners who embody and sustain the city’s musical and cultural traditions through performance, education, and community involvement. These individuals serve as ambassadors of our unique culture and actively contribute to its vitality.
  • Must reside in Orleans Parish
  • Must be the homeowner and only own one property
  • Hold a clean title to their home, with no existing liens or fines associated with the property.
  • The home must be 50 years old or older
  • Must be a low- to moderate-income household as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This means the total household income cannot exceed the current 80 percent AMI limit, which is as follows in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA HUD Metro:
    • $48,650 for a family of 1
    • $55,600 for a family of 2
    • $62,550 for a family of 3
    • $69,450 for a family of 4
    • $75,050 for a family of 5
    • $80,600 for a family of 6
    • $86,150 for a family of 7
    • $91,700 for a family of 8

How to Apply

  • If you meet the above criteria, please fill out the Online Application below or call 504-581-7032 to complete the application over the phone.
  • If you have any questions about being a culture bearer please email the Jazz & Heritage Programs Department at  programs@jazzandheritage.org 
  • For all other questions, please contact the Preservation Resource Center by calling (504) 581-7032. You also can complete the Online Application below, and a staff member will be in touch soon.
  • Preservation Resource Center follows equal housing opportunity policies to ensure there is no discrimination on our selection process. PRC’s Historic Home Repair Grant Program provides funding to hire licensed and insured contractors from our verified contractor list to perform repairs on homes in need of exterior maintenance on Orleans Parish.
  • The PRC scope is generally limited to MINOR PROFESSIONAL work on the EXTERIOR of the property. Homeowners will be contacted by the PRC to schedule an initial home evaluation.

If you have questions about eligibility or the application please call (504) 581-7032 or email MShoriak@prcno.org.