Best Grants for Historic Preservation in District of Columbia

District of Columbia organizations planning transportation-related community projects can access funding through the District Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program. This reimbursable federal-aid program supports non-traditional projects that enhance multimodal options, access to transit, Safe Routes to School, and pedestrian, bike-friendly, or historic and landscape improvements connected to the transportation system.

Academic researchers and graduate students studying geography education in the District of Columbia can apply for National Geographic Society funding, with awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000 for non-commercial research projects. Eligible work includes historic preservation-related themes within geography, such as human histories, cultures, and place-based learning, producing deliverables like theses, dissertations, or empirical studies by August 2027.

Historic preservation and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia region can seek support for projects within 100 miles of Coatesville, Pennsylvania that emphasize health and human services. The Stewart Huston Charitable Trust considers project, operating, capital, equipment, and selective last-resort funding, favoring efforts that address clear community needs and leverage other financial and volunteer resources.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on historic preservation and cultural or natural resource protection in the District of Columbia and other Mid-Atlantic states can receive up to US $7,500 for planning and education projects. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports activities like preservation planning, feasibility studies, community forums, and public education or outreach initiatives that engage new audiences.

DC-based individuals, community groups, and nonprofits can apply for HumanitiesDC’s DC Oral History Collaborative grants, offering up to US $8,000 to collect new oral history interviews. Funded projects document local stories for formal archiving in the DC Public Library, supporting historic preservation and historical records in the District of Columbia.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia can receive US $2,500 - US $5,000 for historic preservation planning and education projects, including outreach and capacity building. National Trust for Historic Preservation funds initiatives that advance local preservation efforts and engage new audiences in preservation concepts and techniques.

District of Columbia historic preservation nonprofits and public charities can access funding through Delaplaine Foundation to support archival projects, structural restoration, and related educational programming. Eligible 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in cultural arts, history, community services, health, or spiritual enrichment may be competitive, with priority given to programs demonstrating long-term community benefits.

The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation focuses on improving the lives of underserved individuals in the DC area through grants in five key areas: Arts and Humanities, Community Services, Education, Environment, and Health & Wellness. The Foundation supports organizations that demonstrate cultural competence and systemic change, aiming for self-sufficiency and holistic well-being for all community members. Grants emphasize access to resources and equitable opportunities to foster meaningful community engagement.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations planning historic preservation projects in small towns of 10,000 or less, including eligible communities in the District of Columbia, can seek US $2,500 - US $15,000 for planning and education efforts. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation help fund consultant fees, feasibility studies, design guidelines, and public outreach on preservation.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in the U.S., including those in District of Columbia, can seek US $2,500 - US $15,000 to plan, preserve, or restore historic interiors. The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund supports consultant fees, interior restoration plans, conservation plans, workshops, and related educational efforts for historic preservation projects.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia can receive US $2,500 - US $15,000 for historic preservation planning, education, and restoration projects through the Johanna Favrot Fund from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Funding can cover consultants, preservation conferences, communications materials, and bricks-and-mortar work on designated historic sites, landscapes, or archaeological resources.

Focused on historic preservation of modern architecture by Black architects, this program invites U.S. public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek US $150,000 for planning and limited capital work. District of Columbia stewards of eligible historic sites may use funds for studies, conservation plans, feasibility analyses, and related technical preservation planning.

Individual engineers, architects, and other preservation-related professionals in the U.S. can receive up to US $15,000 for innovative proposals in preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment. The James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation’s Robert Silman Award supports original research or design work that advances historic preservation and can be shared with the preservation community, including practitioners in the District of Columbia.

Historic preservation organizations in the District of Columbia that are dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network can receive up to US $10,000 for advocacy, capacity building, or climate-focused projects. The National Trust for Historic Preservation funds staff time, consultants, training, research, and related project expenses on a 1:1 matching basis.

Historic preservation organizations, public agencies, and entities representing historic Black churches can seek US $50,000 - US $500,000 for capital projects, planning, programming, staffing, and endowments nationwide. Focused on Black church preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation invites District of Columbia preservation groups to apply for projects that steward and better utilize these historic structures.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving veterans through historic preservation, arts, education, environment, family, or health initiatives can receive up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects. Impact100 Global Veterans provides funding nationwide, and District of Columbia organizations working on veteran-focused historic and cultural preservation may be eligible.

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.

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.

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.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

IBMA  Foundation Project Grants

The IBMA Foundation awards project grants each year, usually in amounts between $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2024. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in one of the following areas

• Arts & culture
• Education
• Literary or academic programs
• History preservation

The Society of the Order of the Southern Cross Grant aims to support charitable projects that preserve and restore Southern heritage artifacts and locations. Eligible projects may include military artifacts, monuments, and historical sites. Organizations typically need to secure 50% of necessary funding before applying. The Order encourages discussions for projects that may not meet standard funding levels, emphasizing their commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship

The purpose of the Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship is to provide scholarships to college bound high school students, or students currently enrolled in undergraduate studies or pursuing post-graduate studies in general history or a specialty area of studies in history to include but not limited to; museum studies, archival management, library science, historic preservation, material culture, American Studies, archaeology, anthropology, art or architectural history or preservation technology; or to students pursuing a recognized certification or apprentice program dedicated to traditional arts, industries, trades or crafts.

The Scholarship amount is $1,000.

National Main Street Center Inc.

Main Street America (MSA) leads an inclusive, impact-driven movement dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through place-based economic development and community preservation. We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Main Street America was founded in 1980 as the National Main Street Center®, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Over the past 40 years the MSA network has helped to generate over $115.27 billion in local reinvestment, rehab 345,801 buildings, create 815,894 new jobs, and start 181,647 new businesses in over 2,000 communities. 

Great American Main Street Awards

Main Street America celebrates communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive, preservation-based revitalization efforts in their historic downtowns and commercial corridor districts with the Great American Main Street Awards (GAMSA).

Winners represent the diversity of communities in the Main Street America network — small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts from every region in the country — and demonstrate the power of the Main Street Approach™. Since the inception of the Great American Main Street Awards in 1995, 118 Main Street programs have been honored.

Selection Criteria: Semifinalists and winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Criteria for winning GAMSA include: strength of the Main Street program in spurring community transformation, commitment to historic preservation, innovative programming, implementation of cross-sector partnerships, community outreach and stakeholder engagement, and ensuring their downtown districts are for everyone. 

Accolades & Ceremony: Semifinalists are promoted through Main Street America’s digital channels and receive media relations support. Winners also receive a short documentary film, a plaque, communications and media relations support, prominent placement on the Main Street America website for two years, and recognition at the 2027 Main Street Now Conference in Detroit, Michigan.

Accredited charities in the District of Columbia and worldwide can seek funding for humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that engage Roche expertise and employees. La Roche prioritizes innovative, sustainable initiatives, so historic preservation organizations with qualifying community, cultural, or educational components may be eligible through local affiliate offices.

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.