Best Preservation Grants in Iowa

Barn owners in Iowa seeking funds to repair or restore historic agricultural structures can apply for matching grants supporting roofs, siding, and foundations. Grants from Iowa Barn Foundation help Iowa historic preservation projects that involve barns at least 50 years old, significant to the rural landscape or community, and protected by an easement agreement.

Nonprofits, governments, tribal entities, businesses, and individuals in Iowa can receive emergency funding to protect at-risk documentary collections through this Historical Resource Development Program grant. The State Historical Society of Iowa offers up to US $15,000 per request, with applications accepted annually starting July 1 and awards made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Nonprofit corporations, governmental units, tribal governments, individuals, and private businesses in Iowa can receive up to US $50,000 to preserve, rehabilitate, or interpret historic properties and sites. Grants from the State Historical Society of Iowa support projects involving National Register-listed or eligible properties, historic and prehistoric site surveys, and public or staff education on historic preservation.

Iowa nonprofits, government units, tribal entities, businesses, and individuals preserving historical documentary materials can apply for grants up to US $50,000 to process, protect, and provide access to collections. Iowa historic preservation projects involving archival supplies, digitization, microfilming, and improved researcher access can receive support from the State Historical Society of Iowa’s Historical Resource Development Program.

Iowa nonprofits, government units, tribal entities, businesses, and individuals preserving historical assets can access funding for museum projects, collections, and preservation work. Iowa preservation and museum organizations can access funding through the State Historical Society of Iowa, with awards up to US $50,000 for activities like conservation, cataloging, exhibitions, education, and preservation-related equipment or facilities.

Iowa cities and counties seeking planning funds for capital improvements, asset management, or historic district surveys can apply for up to US $15,000 through the state’s CDBG Planning Grants Program. With a mission to strengthen economic and community vitality, Iowa Economic Development Authority supports non-entitlement communities in developing plans that guide future CDBG projects and protect public, cultural, and historical resources.

Nonprofit organizations, government units, tribes, individuals, and businesses in Iowa can receive up to US $5,000 to preserve or interpret one- and two-room historic school buildings. With a mission to support historic preservation, Iowa Arts Council funds acquisition, conservation, interpretation, and related training through the Country School Grant Program.

Academic researchers and graduate students in Iowa can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 to conduct non-commercial research on geography education. Grants from National Geographic Society help higher education institutions study educational approaches, tools, and outcomes, which may benefit projects examining historic places, community heritage, or preservation-related learning in Iowa.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Iowa planning historic preservation projects or education efforts can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Preservation Funds, awarding US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning and outreach. Funding can cover consultants, staff time on the project, community forums, and innovative public education reaching new audiences.

Nonprofits, governments, tribes, businesses, and individuals in Iowa can receive up to US $5,000 to preserve or interpret historic one- and two-room country school buildings. The State Historical Society of Iowa supports acquisition, conservation, interpretation, and related training projects that enhance the state’s historical resources through its Country School Grant Program.

Iowa communities under 10,000 residents seeking to enhance surface transportation and related historic or scenic assets can access funding and planning support through the Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program. Trees Forever provides facilitation, with ISU and Iowa DOT offering technical assistance for projects like pedestrian and bicycle facilities, trail conversions, beautification, and preservation of historic transportation sites and routes.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies partnered with a 501(c)(3) in Iowa can apply for Jeffris Family Foundation’s Jeffris Heartland Fund, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for Historic Structure Reports. Projects must involve nationally or statewide significant historic sites in smaller communities and provide a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Nonprofits, governments, tribes, businesses, and individuals preserving Iowa’s historical resources can receive up to US $50,000 for acquisition, conservation, interpretation, and related training projects. State Historical Society of Iowa provides Iowa historic preservation, documentary collections, and museum projects with matching grants that enhance public access and support the state’s economic and cultural vitality.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits, churches, schools, hospitals, and governmental agencies can apply for the Fort Dodge Community Foundation’s County Endowment Funding Grant to support charitable projects improving community quality of life. Organizations in Webster and Northwest-Central Iowa counties may fund historic preservation, cultural heritage, and related community betterment initiatives that strengthen local communities.

Pella-area 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt nonprofits in Iowa can seek up to US $5,000 for projects that enhance community quality of life, including historic preservation efforts. Pella Community Foundation supports creative, innovative programs and capital projects in areas such as heritage, culture, recreation, health, education, and community development.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Iowa preserving modern architectural sites designed by Black architects can seek US $150,000 for planning-focused historic preservation projects. Focused on conserving Black modernism, the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports research, conservation plans, feasibility studies, and limited capital improvements for significant 20th-century buildings at least 50 years old.

Individual engineers, architects, and other preservation-related professionals in the U.S. proposing work that advances historic preservation can receive up to US $15,000 for research or design projects. James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation’s Robert Silman Award supports innovative preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse proposals, which may benefit Iowa practitioners whose work can be shared with the broader preservation community.

Historic preservation organizations in Iowa that are dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network can seek up to US $10,000 to support advocacy, capacity building, or climate change projects. The Moe Family Fund from the National Trust for Historic Preservation backs innovative, catalytic efforts that strengthen preservation partners nationwide.

The Gilbert M and Martha H Hitchcock FoundationThe Gilbert M and Martha H Hitchcock Foundation is one of the oldest private, continuously run family foundations in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 80 years serving the greater metro Omaha and Council Bluffs area with philanthropic support. From the start, the foundation matched the Hitchcocks' passions: supporting local journalism and the hard-working youth who delivered it, supporting religious institutions, promoting Omaha's growth, and providing care to the sick and elderly. In time, its focus has expanded to include private and higher education, the arts, conservation and animal welfare, preserving history, and social service organizations serving the greater Omaha and Council Bluffs area.

The Clayton County Foundation for the Future Grant supports projects focused on enhancing education and addressing community needs, particularly for underserved populations. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate capacity building, community impact, and innovative solutions. Eligible projects span health services, education, community development, and arts, with a maximum funding request of $1,000. This year, there is a strong emphasis on youth enrichment initiatives, ensuring the involvement of those served in program planning.

The Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation, established in 1994, supports public agencies and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to preserve historic environments. With grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, this highly competitive funding opportunity aims to foster appreciation for cultural heritage and enhance community livability. Eligible activities include planning, education, and preservation projects. Applicants must match the grant dollar-for-dollar and adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the success of their initiatives.

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 Ella C. Rownd Trust, managed by the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, provides funding for capital projects benefiting Cedar Falls residents. With $13,000 available this year, nonprofit organizations and schools in Cedar Falls, IA, are encouraged to apply annually for these grants. Established in 1976, the Cedar Falls Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through private philanthropy.

The Diamond Arts & History Fund, administered by the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, supports innovative projects in the arts and history of Cedar Falls. With $4,000 available this year, nonprofit organizations and local schools are encouraged to apply for funding, fostering community engagement through interactive and multisensory experiences. This initiative aims to enhance cultural appreciation and accessibility in the Cedar Falls area, reflecting the foundation's commitment to public good since its inception in 1976.