Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Georgia

Public charities in the Southeast, including Georgia, that advance southern history, culture, and historic preservation can seek operating, program, research, or publication support. Watson Brown Foundation provides grants, often for museum and archive projects, preservation efforts, and educational programming, with some awards such as Junior Board chapter grants at US $33,000 annually.

Local governments in Georgia can seek US $10,000 - US $20,000 to support historic preservation activities, including surveys, National Register nominations, planning, and design guidelines. Grants from Georgia Department of Community Affairs help Georgia historic preservation efforts with reports, assessments, preservation plans, and architectural drawings that strengthen local and Certified Local Government programs.

Nonprofit and governmental organizations in Georgia seeking funds for capital improvements to historic sites can apply for the Georgia Trust Callahan Incentive Grant. Georgia Department of Community Affairs offers 1:1 matching grants up to US $5,000 for National Register-listed or eligible properties, supporting impactful rehabilitation or restoration with strong community backing and sustainable long-term use.

Georgia historic preservation nonprofits and cultural institutions can access funding through the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation for capital projects and initiatives at well-established organizations. Support focuses on museums, historic sites, and arts and culture institutions with strong leadership and broad community backing, primarily in metro Atlanta and other Georgia cities promoting community development.

Nonprofit organizations in Georgia working on community wellness, economic empowerment, community arts, education, housing security, or historic sites and museums can apply for Cousins Foundation support. Funding is available for general operations, programs, and capital projects, with priority for Metro Atlanta communities; historic preservation projects that fit these priorities may be eligible.

Georgia 501(c)(3) organizations undertaking arts, culture, and historic preservation projects in Macon and Bibb County can apply for funding to create measurable, lasting community impact. The Peyton Anderson Foundation supports sustainable preservation, artistic and historic development, and innovative, collaborative projects that strengthen Macon-Bibb’s cultural identity and economic vitality.

Georgia entities stewarding historic Black churches can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preserving Black Churches Grant Program to support capital projects, planning, programming, and organizational capacity. Eligible applicants include historic Black congregations, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and public agencies across the U.S., with awards ranging from US $50,000 to US $500,000.

Historic preservation organizations in Georgia that are dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network can seek up to US $10,000 to strengthen advocacy, capacity building, or climate-related preservation work. The Moe Family Fund for Statewide and Local Partners from the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports innovative, catalytic projects and requires a one-to-one match for eligible project expenses.

Historic preservation professionals and related design practitioners in Georgia can seek up to US $15,000 for research or proposals on preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment in the U.S. Grants from James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation support innovative, original work that can be shared with the preservation community and benefit underrepresented communities.

Historic preservation nonprofits and public agencies in Georgia can seek US $150,000 project planning grants to conserve modern buildings designed by Black architects. Focused on modern architectural heritage, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Conserving Black Modernism program funds planning, limited capital improvements, and technical studies for significant 20th-century sites serving the public.

Public agencies and nonprofits in Georgia planning or implementing historic preservation projects can seek US $2,500 - US $15,000 to support planning, education, and bricks-and-mortar work. With a mission to foster appreciation of cultural heritage, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps fund consultants, communications, workshops, and restoration or rehabilitation of historic sites and landscapes.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, established by George P. Mitchell in 1997, supports the preservation of historic interiors through grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, while individuals may apply if their project involves a National Historic Landmark. The competitive selection process typically concludes within three months, with grant recipients required to match funds dollar-for-dollar. This initiative promotes education and planning activities crucial for maintaining historic interior integrity.

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.

The National Fund for Sacred Places Grant Program supports historic houses of worship in the U.S. through matching grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance community engagement and preserve culturally significant buildings. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their historical relevance and community service, particularly those representing underrepresented groups. The program prioritizes urgent repair needs and projects that foster inclusivity and accessibility.

The Ross Merrill Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Preservation and Care of Collections recognizes North American institutions demonstrating exceptional dedication to conservation. This award highlights organizations that engage in significant outreach, involve conservation professionals, and show a commitment to community education regarding the importance of preserving cultural heritage. While no monetary prize accompanies the award, it serves as a prestigious acknowledgment of exemplary conservation efforts. Nominations are encouraged from both inside and outside organizations.

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.

The Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation provides grants primarily to support institutions in Vermont, focusing on issues such as elderly welfare, educational assistance for learning disabilities, and community preservation. Emphasizing partnerships and innovative program models, the Foundation prefers applicants with a strong financial management background. Grants typically range from a few thousand dollars to $20,000, with larger amounts considered for significant impact projects. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with projects in art, culture, historic character, or related areas in Georgia and across the U.S. can seek up to US $100,000 for transformative initiatives. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large project grants for new or expanding veteran-focused programs in defined focus areas.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on farming, agriculture, historic preservation of farms and barns, or natural resource conservation can apply for flexible project funding through the Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s Mishler Brown Fund. Georgia organizations preserving historic farm sites or rural landscapes may be especially well positioned for support.

Historic preservation and related cultural or educational nonprofits in Georgia may be eligible for funding that improves quality of life and supports preservation efforts. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation programs, the Valley Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily serving communities in Santa Clara County and beyond, to apply for support that strengthens society and local heritage.

Historic preservation and related cultural organizations, local governments, and Native American groups can seek funding for preservation, cultural activities, and other charitable projects, including those in Georgia. Focused on education, health, public safety, addiction treatment, housing, the arts, the environment, and historic preservation, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians invites eligible U.S. Native American organizations to apply.

Historic preservation and conservation nonprofits in Georgia can seek funding for projects that protect significant buildings and enhance natural landscapes. The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations with successful, innovative programs in natural and historical conservation, primarily where its directors and members live or have community involvement, with awards rarely exceeding $15,000.00.

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations working on historic preservation and related community services, including those in Georgia, can seek project funding from the David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $100,000. The foundation primarily supports Utah-based work but may fund U.S. nonprofits preserving historic buildings and sites alongside its other charitable priorities.

Nonprofits and churches undertaking capital projects in LaGrange and Troup County, Georgia can access funding through Fuller E Callaway Foundation for charitable, religious, and educational facilities. Grants typically support one-time construction, major renovations, land acquisition, and community development, which may benefit historic preservation projects that involve enduring building improvements or cultural institutions.

Georgia historic preservation and cultural organizations can access funding through IBMA Foundation for bluegrass-related arts, education, literary, or history projects. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools or colleges may receive US $1,000 - US $2,500 to support programs that preserve, teach, or document bluegrass heritage and history.

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

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.