Best Preservation Grants in Georgia

Public charities focused on southern history, culture, and historic preservation in Georgia and the broader Southeast can receive operating, program, research, and publication support through the Watson Brown Foundation. Grants, often around US $33,000 for preservation projects in east central Georgia, may benefit colleges, universities, museums, archives, and similar organizations.

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

Nonprofit and governmental organizations in Georgia seeking funds for capital improvements to National Register-listed or eligible historic sites can apply for 1:1 matching grants up to US $5,000. Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Callahan Incentive Grant supports bricks-and-mortar rehabilitation or restoration projects that demonstrate strong community impact and sustainable long-term use.

Georgia historic preservation and cultural institutions can access funding through the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation for capital projects and other major initiatives. Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits, especially well-established museums and preservation organizations with strong leadership and community support, may be competitive for grants that help them expand facilities, restore historic assets, or meet extraordinary needs.

Nonprofit organizations in Georgia working on community wellness, economic empowerment, community arts, education, housing security, or historic preservation can apply for Cousins Foundation grants. Funding supports general operations, programs, and capital projects, with priority for Metro Atlanta areas such as the Carver cluster, East Lake, and Grove Park that face systemic inequities.

Georgia 501(c)(3) organizations working on arts, culture, or historic preservation projects that benefit Macon and Bibb County can seek funding for initiatives with measurable, lasting community impact. The Peyton Anderson Foundation prioritizes sustainable historic preservation, arts and cultural institutions, and collaborative projects that strengthen Macon-Bibb’s regional identity and economic vitality.

Georgia entities representing historic Black churches can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation to support capital projects, endowments, organizational capacity, programming, and project planning. Grants of US $50,000 - US $500,000 help preserve and better utilize historic Black houses of worship and related structures across the U.S., including Georgia congregations and stewarding nonprofits.

Historic preservation organizations in Georgia 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 for Statewide and Local Partners from the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports innovative, catalytic efforts that strengthen preservation groups and expand their impact.

Individual engineers, architects, and other preservation-related professionals in Georgia can seek funding for innovative proposals in historic preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment. The James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation’s Robert Silman Award offers up to US $15,000 for original U.S.-focused work that can be shared with the preservation community through publications, presentations, or similar dissemination.

Georgia public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits stewarding modern buildings by Black architects can seek US $150,000 for preservation planning and limited capital work. Focused on conserving Black modernist architecture nationwide, the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports research, technical studies, and management plans that strengthen long-term historic preservation efforts.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations 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 funds consultant services, preservation programs, communications materials, and restoration or stabilization of historic sites and structures.

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 preservation, arts, education, environment, family, or health initiatives in Georgia and across the U.S. can seek up to US $100,000 for transformative projects. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, two-year grants for new or expanding veteran-focused programs.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on farming, agriculture, historic preservation of farms and barns, or natural resource conservation can seek project-based support through the Mishler Brown Fund. Community Foundation of Elkhart County awards annual grants nationwide, so Georgia preservation organizations working with agricultural heritage or rural historic resources may be eligible.

Historic preservation and related nonprofits can seek funding for educational, historical, and preservation programs through Valley Foundation support, including work benefiting Georgia communities. Focused on improving quality of life, this grant is open to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations primarily serving Santa Clara County residents and communities, with some support extending beyond that area.

Focused on historic preservation and related cultural activities, this program invites charitable organizations and local governments to apply for project support. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians fund work in education, health, public safety, housing, the arts, environment, and preservation, with eligibility for Native American organizations nationwide and nonprofits in designated Oregon counties, which may include Georgia-focused preservation partners through national Native networks.

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 operating, project, or endowment needs, with a preference for communities where its directors and members live or have longstanding family interests, including parts of Georgia.

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations working on historic preservation and related causes, primarily in Utah but also elsewhere in the U.S., can seek project funding to support their work. The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $100,000 for initiatives including historic preservation, environmental conservation, children’s services, elder advocacy, vision care, and drunk driving prevention.

Historic preservation and community-focused nonprofits in Georgia, especially in LaGrange and Troup County, can seek capital and special project support for charitable, religious, and educational purposes. Grants from Fuller E Callaway Foundation help fund enduring construction, major renovations, and cultural or historical facilities, which may benefit organizations preserving historic sites and archives in the region.

Georgia historic preservation and education nonprofits, schools, and public agencies can access funding for bluegrass-related arts, culture, literary, or history projects. Through the IBMA Foundation’s Project Grants, eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified governmental entities may receive US $1,000 - US $2,500 to support bluegrass-focused preservation and educational initiatives.

Historic preservation organizations in Georgia seeking support for Confederate heritage projects can apply for funding to preserve or restore artifacts, structures, and historic locations. Focused on heritage preservation, Order of the Southern Cross invites applicants to request help completing projects such as conserving artifacts, restoring monuments or cemeteries, or installing interpretive signage across the U.S.

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.