Best Grants for Historic Buildings in Alaska

Owners of historic properties in Alaska can seek funding for rehabilitation and preservation projects, including surveys, inventories, planning, and public education. The Alaska Office of History and Archaeology supports historic preservation by providing up to US $50,000, covering up to 60% of project costs when work follows federal preservation standards and a protective covenant is executed.

To preserve and interpret Alaska's rich maritime heritage the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the State Libraries, Archives, and Museums (LAM) announce the launch of the Alaska Maritime Heritage Preservation Program. This program is designed to protect Alaska's maritime resources and advance public awareness of Alaska's nationally significant maritime properties, collections, traditional skills, and knowledge.

The Alaska Maritime Heritage Preservation Program will offer Alaskans two new grant opportunities for preservation and education projects.

Applicants for preservation grants can request from $15,000-$75,000 and applications for education grants can request from $10,000-$50,000.

Eligible projects must support the preservation, education, or interpretation of Alaska’s maritime heritage by addressing approved resource categories and demonstrating clear public benefit. Applications should reflect strong community value and alignment with program goals.

Projects must address one or more of the following resource categories:

• Maritime heritage collections
• Traditional maritime skills
• Maritime education activities
• Historic maritime properties (meeting National Register significance criteria)

Applications must also demonstrate:

• How proposed activities directly benefit one or more eligible resource categories
• Community and heritage value, supported through letters or documentation
• Clear alignment with program intent, including preservation, documentation, and education/interpretation of maritime heritage

Alaska nonprofits and other eligible organizations planning capital or programmatic projects with broad community impact, including historic building preservation, can apply for Community Support Grants ranging from US $35,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Rasmuson Foundation help fund construction, renovation, furnishings, equipment, technology upgrades, and related costs for significant community facilities and sites.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Alaska planning historic preservation or education projects can apply for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Preservation Funds, awarding US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning and outreach. Funding can support consultants, staff time, feasibility studies, community forums, and public programs that advance local preservation efforts.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local governments, Tribal governments, and some faith-based organizations can seek large grants for capital projects and programs, including historic preservation. Rasmuson Foundation provides Alaska organizations with more than US $250,000 for construction, renovation, equipment, vehicles, large-scale creative works, and other projects of community or statewide importance.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations planning or implementing historic preservation projects in Alaska and nationwide can seek US $2,500 - US $15,000 for planning, education, and bricks-and-mortar work. With a mission to preserve historic environments, the National Trust for Historic Preservation funds consulting, communications, conferences, and restoration of designated historic sites, structures, and cultural landscapes.

Historic preservation nonprofits and public agencies in Alaska stewarding modern buildings by Black architects can seek US $150,000 project planning grants, including limited capital work. Focused on conserving Black modernist architecture, the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports research, planning, and technical studies for 20th-century historic assets such as campuses, cultural centers, and community sites.

Individual engineers, architects, and other preservation-related professionals in the U.S., including those working with Alaska historic buildings, can receive up to US $15,000 for innovative preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse proposals. James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation supports projects that advance historic preservation practice and share results with the wider preservation community.

Historic preservation nonprofits in Alaska that are dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network can seek up to US $10,000 for advocacy, capacity building, or climate-related projects. The Moe Family Fund from the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports innovative, catalytic efforts that strengthen preservation organizations and may include staff time, consultants, training, and outreach costs.

Alaska historic preservation groups and entities representing historic Black churches can access funding through the Preserving Black Churches Grant Program for capital projects, planning, programming, and organizational capacity. Administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, awards range from US $50,000 - US $500,000 and support long-term stewardship and community use of historic Black houses of worship.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans through historic preservation, education, arts, environment, family, or health initiatives in Alaska and other U.S. locations can seek funding up to US $100,000. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large project grants for new or expanding veteran-focused programs over a two-year period.

Historic preservation and agriculture-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Alaska, can seek support for projects involving farms, barns, equipment, or natural resource preservation. Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s Mishler Brown Fund offers annual grants to U.S. nonprofits whose missions align with farming, agriculture, or historic farm-related preservation needs.

The Municipality of Anchorage is offering the Mayor's Art Grants to support local nonprofit organizations in the arts and culture sector. With a total funding of $175,000, these grants aim to foster public engagement through various projects, including performances and accessible art. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be locally recognized, and adhere to a nondiscrimination policy. This initiative enhances community wellness by promoting cultural heritage and artistic expression.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations working on historic preservation and related services, primarily in Utah but also elsewhere in the U.S., can seek funding for impactful programs. The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation awards US $5,000 - US $100,000 for projects including historic building preservation, environmental conservation, children’s and elder services, vision care, and drunk driving prevention and education.

Alaska historic preservation and cultural organizations, especially 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools or colleges, can seek funding for bluegrass-related arts, education, literary, or history projects. Alaska historic groups can access funding through the IBMA Foundation, with awards of US $1,000 - US $2,500 for qualifying bluegrass-focused initiatives.

Historic preservation organizations in Alaska seeking support for Confederate or Southern heritage projects can apply for funding to preserve or restore artifacts, buildings, monuments, cemeteries, and related sites. Focused on heritage preservation, Order of the Southern Cross invites applicants that typically have at least half of their project costs already committed to request assistance completing their work.

Students pursuing history, museum studies, archival management, library science, historic preservation, or related fields can receive $1,000 scholarships for undergraduate, post-graduate, or recognized certification/apprentice programs. Focused on history and traditional arts and trades, the Community Foundation of Carroll County opportunity may benefit those in Alaska working with historic buildings and preservation.

Accredited Main Street America programs working on preservation-based downtown and commercial district revitalization in Alaska and nationwide can apply for the Great American Main Street Awards, which recognize outstanding community transformation. With a mission to reenergize historic commercial districts, Main Street America provides national recognition, media support, and promotional benefits that can elevate local historic preservation and revitalization efforts.

The Hazel Herring Civic Improvement Grant, established by the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association, supports projects aimed at enhancing community spaces. Eligible initiatives include community gardens, playgrounds, and beautification efforts. This grant allows members to fund new phases of ongoing projects, fostering civic engagement and improving public areas. Since its inception, the grant has evolved from an award to a funding opportunity for branches and divisions, ensuring a lasting impact on local communities.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

The McClure Family Foundation Grant honors the legacy of Charles and Dorothy McClure by supporting nonprofit organizations that strengthen families and communities. The foundation aims to promote the arts, historic preservation, education, faith-based initiatives, and the well-being of mankind. Eligible applicants include public charities, governmental units, and established churches. The foundation values personal connections with applicants and encourages endeavors that foster community responsibility and individual leadership.