Best Grants for Historic Preservation in California

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

The Build OC Fund, under the Samueli Foundation, aims to enhance community well-being in Orange County, California, by funding capital projects for nonprofit organizations. Grants of up to $1,000,000 support facility acquisition, construction, renovation, or equipment purchases, helping organizations deliver essential services. Eligible applicants must demonstrate site control and a commitment to the community, with a focus on realistic projects that align with the foundation's mission. Prioritization is given to projects nearing completion.

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.

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 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 Historical Heritage Grant Program, established by the County of Santa Clara in 1990, supports the preservation of significant cultural and historical resources. Grants are awarded based on competitive reviews and recommendations, focusing on projects that stabilize or restore designated historic sites. While funding priorities exist, projects located in public parks or involving city-protected resources are favored. However, past recipients may face lower priority for new funding.

The Pasadena Community Foundation's Arts & Culture Grants support local nonprofits that enrich the community through arts and culture. Established in 2023, this program focuses on ongoing needs and responses to the Eaton Fire, emphasizing innovation, technology, audience engagement, and collaboration. Eligible organizations must be located within the Pasadena Unified School District and have a record of effective service. Applications are prioritized based on their potential to foster community impact and inclusivity.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

Historic preservation-focused small, independently owned brick-and-mortar businesses in California communities along the Route 66 corridor can apply for US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support capital, planning, or marketing projects. National Trust for Historic Preservation funding may benefit legacy businesses in San Bernardino County working to preserve historic buildings and underrepresented Route 66 stories.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with projects in art, culture, historic character, or preservation can apply for Impact100 Global Veterans funding of up to US $100,000, including work in California. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, transformative grants for new or expanding veteran-focused initiatives across its defined focus areas.

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 June G. Outhwaite Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Santa Barbara County, focusing on areas such as medical care, assistance for the disabled, and wildlife preservation. Established by June Outhwaite, the foundation prioritizes projects benefiting Southern Santa Barbara County. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations. The trust aims to strengthen the community by funding diverse initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The Pacific Power Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community vitality through charitable investments, with a focus on arts and culture. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, supporting projects in performing arts, visual arts, and cultural heritage. In 2021, over $1 million was awarded to local nonprofits, underscoring the foundation's commitment to community growth in service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho.

The Belvedere Community Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Belvedere and the Tiburon Peninsula through funding various community projects. Grants support initiatives in education, public safety, and environmental preservation, among others. Eligible applicants must be located in Marin County and demonstrate how their projects align with the foundation's mission. The program encourages matching funding and focuses on community enhancement.

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 CFMC Small Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, supports emerging projects and small organizations focused on specific populations or areas. Applications are reviewed in three cycles each year: February, June, and October. This streamlined program aims to address critical community needs while fostering healthy, safe, and vibrant communities across Monterey County.

The Community Foundation for Monterey County offers Community Impact Grants to support nonprofits and public agencies addressing critical community issues in areas such as the environment, animal welfare, community development, arts, culture, and historic preservation. With an average grant award of $25,000, these funds aim to enhance community well-being, promote engagement, and foster cultural expression. Applicants must demonstrate effectiveness and a commitment to serving Monterey County residents.

The SLOCCF General Grant Program, managed by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, provides unrestricted funding to local nonprofits serving the community. This competitive grant process involves a thorough review by an external committee focused on enhancing access to opportunities and dismantling disparities. Eligible organizations must primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents and hold a valid 501(c)(3) status. Grants are available for arts, environment, health, and services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The Robert and Virginia Stanton Endowment Grant, established in 1994, prioritizes funding for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations serving Monterey County. This grant emphasizes one-time special or capital projects that enhance community benefit, particularly in arts, education, and public infrastructure. Notable priorities include support for the restoration of buildings designed by Robert Stanton and various cultural institutions. In 2025, only invited agencies will be considered, ensuring focused contributions to impactful community initiatives.

The Teichert Foundation Grant supports organizations in California that enhance community welfare through civic improvement, culture, education, and environmental sustainability. Established by Teichert Construction, the foundation aims to foster a healthier, educated, and more equitable society. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and public agencies in specified counties. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs and demonstrate fiscal responsibility, ultimately striving to create lasting impact and better health for all.

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.

The Conservation Guest Scholars Grants, offered by the J Paul Getty Trust, provide established scholars with the opportunity to conduct independent research at the Getty Conservation Institute for three to six months. Recipients receive financial support, access to research collections, and a collaborative environment with other scholars. This program particularly encourages applications from international researchers and those with a strong background in conservation and heritage studies. Grants include a travel stipend and accommodation in Getty scholar housing.

The Americana Foundation's American Heritage Grant aims to support projects that broaden inclusivity in early American art and narratives, especially for underrepresented groups. Recognizing the historical significance of Americana, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote understanding and appreciation of America's diverse heritage. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipal entities. The foundation encourages innovative projects that reinterpret early American material culture, fostering a deeper connection to the past for future generations.

The James Marston Fitch Mid-Career Fellowship offers research grants up to $15,000 for mid-career professionals in fields like historic preservation, architecture, and urban design. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to innovative research and a clear dissemination plan. The fellowship encourages impactful projects that contribute significantly to the field, ensuring that only qualified individuals can apply, as it does not fund organizational projects or dissertation research.

The Klamath Community Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life for the Klamath Basin community by awarding grants to local non-profit organizations. These grants support various areas including health services, education, community development, and the arts. By pooling resources from donors, the foundation minimizes administrative costs and maximizes funding for impactful projects. This initiative encourages community involvement and aims to address changing needs while preserving the unique character of the Klamath region.

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund, supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance the capabilities of preservation organizations through mentoring and organizational development. Grants cover travel and mentor honoraria, fostering collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, prioritizing those who previously applied but did not receive funding. Eligible applicants include Forum members and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on innovative ideas for mentorship opportunities.