Does the city/state/federal government or any other institution offer
financial assistance for the restoration of antique homes?
Specifically, for foundation support, lead removal, and asbestos
removal of a home built in 1865 in Ayer, Massachusetts?

Your best bet would be to seek funding for lead remediation activities
-- there are federal funds available to homeowners for this purpose,
and they are generally distributed through state government and
local-level community organizations.

Some helpful links for funding sources in Massachusetts are:

http://www.state.ma.us/dph/clppp/financ.htm
Financial Assistance Programs for Deleading

and...

http://www.granite-state.com/grants.html
Several million dollars worth of grants are available from the Federal
and State government to help you remove or encapsulate the lead paint
in the places you live and work....Granite State Environmental is a
leading resource where individuals can learn more about what kind(s)
of moneys they may be eligible to receive; and in many cases we can
help you chart a course through the grant application process so that
you can receive the money you are entitled to.

--------------------

The situation is very different for asbestos remediation.  Although I
work on environmental issues professionally, I am not aware of any
large-scale programs that make funds available to private homeowners
(some schools may eligible for funds, however).

The Mass. Department of Environmental Protection website has a good
deal of information on asbestos at this site:

http://www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/asbestos/asbhome.htm
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Asbestos
information page.

Unfortunately, there is no indication that anyone in the state or
elsewhere offers any financial assistance for asbestos remediation.

--------------------

There also do not seem to be funds available for general financial
assistance for antique or historical homes restoration.


I hope this is the information you needed.  If anything here is
unclear, or needs elaboration, just post a Reqeust for Clarification,
and I'll be happy to assist you further.

This is great! I'm much more confident in the answer because it was
done by someone that works with environmental issues. Thank you!

Thanks for the generous rating and tip!  Always appreciated.  And best
of luck with your old house.

paf