Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Nevada

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 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 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.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Nevada preserving historic interiors can apply for the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund, awarding US $2,500 - US $15,000 for planning, education, and interior restoration projects. Eligible projects include professional consultations, restoration plans, conservation plans, furnishings plans, workshops, and bricks-and-mortar work, with a required dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations planning or implementing historic preservation projects in Nevada can seek US $2,500 - US $15,000 to support planning, education, and bricks-and-mortar work. With a mission to save historic environments, National Trust for Historic Preservation funds consultant services, preservation programs, and restoration or stabilization of designated historic sites, landscapes, and archaeological resources.

Nevada public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits preserving modern buildings by Black architects can seek US $150,000 for planning-focused historic preservation projects. Focused on conserving Black modernist architectural heritage, the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports research, planning, limited capital improvements, and technical assistance for significant 20th-century sites open for public benefit.

Engineers, architects, and other U.S.-based preservation design professionals exploring preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment can receive up to US $15,000 for original proposals. The James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation’s Robert Silman Award supports innovative historic preservation work that can be shared with the preservation community, including Nevada-focused projects.

Historic preservation organizations in Nevada 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 and can be replicated by others.

Nevada historic preservation groups and entities representing historic Black churches can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preserving Black Churches Grant Program; awards US $50,000 - US $500,000 for capital projects, planning, programming, organizational capacity, and endowments. Eligible applicants include congregations, 501(c)(3) stewards, and public agencies across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with historic preservation or related projects in Nevada and other U.S. locations can seek funding for initiatives in art and culture, environment, or recreation. With a mission to empower women givers, Impact100 Global Veterans provides up to US $100,000 for transformative, veteran-focused programs across its defined focus areas.

Nonprofit public charities with 501(c)(3) and 509(a) status carrying out historic preservation or related projects in Southern Nevada can seek large project grants benefiting local residents. With a mission to empower impactful community programs, Impact Las Vegas Foundation supports initiatives in areas like historic facilities, cultural heritage, environment, education, and community spaces across eligible Nevada counties.

Historic preservation and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Nevada can seek support for projects involving farms, barns, agricultural sites, or natural resource preservation. Community Foundation of Elkhart County’s Mishler Brown Fund provides grants to U.S. nonprofits whose missions center on farming, agriculture, and preservation, with award size aligned to the scope of the proposed project.

Nevada governmental agencies, nonprofits, for-profits, and owners of properties on the Las Vegas Historic Register can access funding through the City of Las Vegas for projects that preserve and commemorate Las Vegas history. Eligible work includes historic preservation, events, education, and arts or media projects that enhance public awareness of the city’s heritage.

Historic preservation nonprofits in Nevada working to improve quality of life may be eligible for funding via Valley Foundation. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation programs, it supports 501(c)(3) organizations primarily serving Santa Clara County communities, with some grants extending beyond that core area.

Historic preservation and related cultural organizations, especially Native American groups, can apply for funding from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians for projects in education, cultural activities, historic preservation, and other charitable purposes. While the fund primarily serves specific Oregon counties and Native American organizations nationwide, Nevada-based Native American historic preservation efforts may be eligible.

Historic preservation nonprofits in Nevada can seek project, operating, or endowment support for conservation and restoration efforts, including significant heritage buildings and community outdoor environments. Alvah H and Wyline P Chapman Foundation also funds programs for children and families, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, homelessness, and natural conservation, with most awards under $15,000 and a required board sponsorship or endorsement.

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations working on historic preservation, vision care, children’s services, elder advocacy, environmental conservation, or drunk driving prevention in Utah can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $100,000. The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation primarily supports Utah-based projects, which may include preservation of historic buildings and related exhibits, with some flexibility for work beyond the region.

Nevada historic preservation and cultural organizations can access funding through the IBMA Foundation for bluegrass-focused arts, education, literary, or history preservation projects. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools or colleges. Awards range from US $1,000 - US $2,500 for projects that primarily involve bluegrass music and support its heritage.

Nevada historic preservation organizations with projects focused on Confederate or Southern heritage artifacts, structures, or sites can seek support for restoration and preservation work. Focused on historic 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.

College-bound and current undergraduate or graduate students in Nevada studying history, museum studies, archival management, library science, historic preservation, archaeology, anthropology, art or architectural history, or related traditional trades can apply for the Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship. Focused on historical fields, Community Foundation of Carroll County awards US $1,000 to support their education.

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.

Nevada historic preservation and community-focused charities can seek funding for accredited projects that promote sustainable development and engage local partners and employees. Roche supports humanitarian and social development, science and education, community and environment, and arts and culture initiatives through its Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program, with local affiliate offices managing in-country giving.

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 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 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.