Best Preservation Grants in New York

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City and northern New Jersey can seek funding for arts and culture, education, health, employment, youth, families, and public policy programs. Grants from Achelis and Bodman Foundation help New York organizations, including those preserving cultural and community assets, cover operating or program needs within these focus areas.

Tax-exempt charitable, scientific, and educational organizations in New York seeking support for preservation-related projects may be eligible for seed funding that helps new initiatives get off the ground. Focused on science and technology education, medical research, and preserving the Edison legacy, the Charles Edison Fund tends to support organizations in the New York–New Jersey metropolitan area.

New York humanities, performing arts, and research library organizations seeking support for cultural heritage, archives, and related preservation projects can apply for funding from the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation. The foundation backs scholarship, performing arts, and research libraries, including projects that enhance access to archival and unique sources, which may benefit historic preservation efforts.

The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation supports non-profit organizations that align with its mission of aiding those in need, preserving wildlife, and assisting American armed forces and veterans. Grant applications must comply with Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and the foundation's specific guidelines. However, applications from for-profit organizations, political entities, government bodies, and individuals are not accepted. The foundation aims to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Nonprofit public charities working on community development, affordable housing, and economic opportunity in low-income New York City neighborhoods can apply for The New York Community Trust’s Thriving Communities grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $200,000. Projects that preserve affordable housing or strengthen neighborhood-based organizations may be especially competitive.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations publishing nonfiction on art, architecture, design, or cultural and environmental preservation can receive US $1,500 - US $12,000 for specific book production costs. The Jm Kaplan Fund’s Furthermore program supports editing, research, design, illustration, photography, and printing for high-quality works, with many past grants benefiting New York preservation and heritage projects.

The Samuels Foundation: Performing Arts Grant supports New York City's not-for-profit performing arts organizations, focusing on high-quality productions in dance, music, opera, and theatre. With a commitment to both established and emerging groups, this grant aims to enhance the cultural landscape while maintaining an open-door policy for new applicants. Organizations may apply once a year, and while general operating support is prioritized, proposals for creative projects are also welcomed. Note that funding is limited, and not all applications will be successful.

New York City 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on human services, education, legal aid, workforce development, health, environment, or arts and culture can apply for Venable Foundation grants; awards are approximately US $10,000 for projects or general operations. Organizations with preservation-related programming that benefits economically disadvantaged residents may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in New York City providing free or low-cost arts access for audiences or artists can apply for Lily Auchincloss Foundation’s fall arts grants. Focus areas include free exhibitions, performances, arts education, and artist support such as studio space, specialized equipment, and professional development, which may benefit preservation-focused cultural programs.

Nonprofit organizations in New York working on environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, or related education can apply for Joseph Robert Foundation grants of up to US $10,000 for general operating or project support. Smaller organizations and community-based initiatives, including those enhancing parks and public spaces, may be especially competitive and could support local preservation-focused efforts.

New York 501(c)(3) nonprofits hosting community events or programs around environmental stewardship, safety, or sustainable neighborhoods can access funding through the PSEG Foundation, with awards up to US $10,000. Eligible projects must benefit communities where PSEG operates, including Albany and Long Island, and align with priorities like public safety, parks, climate resilience, or natural resource protection.

Grants support not-for-profit colleges, universities, and amateur performing arts organizations in New York with up to US $15,000 for production and musical expenses of stage and concert works by Kurt Weill or Marc Blitzstein. Grants from Kurt Weill Foundation for Music help New York arts groups that preserve and present these historic musical theater works.

Focused on media arts, the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music invites New York nonprofit organizations to seek support for radio, television, film, video, audio, or multimedia projects. Eligible projects must feature the life and/or music of Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, or Marc Blitzstein and may complement cultural preservation efforts.

Professional nonprofit opera, theater, dance companies, orchestras, and ensembles in New York can seek funding for performances of works by Kurt Weill or Marc Blitzstein. Kurt Weill Foundation for Music supports productions that use original versions and orchestrations, which may help organizations preserve and present significant 20th-century musical theater repertoire.

Authors and not-for-profit publishers preparing peer-reviewed scholarly manuscripts on Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, or Marc Blitzstein can seek funding for publication-related costs in New York and beyond. With a mission to preserve these musical legacies, the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music provides assistance for editing, indexing, design, and reproduction fees that may complement cultural preservation work.

New York local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 for environmental, passive recreation, and historic preservation projects in Iroquois pipeline host communities. Iroquois Gas Transmission System supports shovel-ready initiatives that provide long-term community benefits, including land conservation, civic improvements, and targeted arts and culture with strong community involvement and additional fundraising.

Focused on historic preservation and community quality of life, the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation invites New York 501(c)(3) organizations in Stamford and Worcester to apply for project support. Eligible nonprofits may fund preservation of historic sites alongside education, health, housing, youth, public safety, and other community-focused initiatives in the foundation’s service area.

The Wolf Kahn Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on visual arts, enhancing education and artist careers through exhibitions and residencies. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, prioritizing projects that promote social justice and environmental awareness. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific regions, while school-based programs and certain other entities are excluded. This initiative honors Wolf Kahn's legacy by fostering artistic collaboration and public engagement.

Historic preservation and education nonprofits in Central New York’s Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, and Oswego counties can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 from the John Ben Snow Foundation for projects with a strong educational component. Focused on education, the foundation also considers preservation efforts that incorporate environmental or community history programming.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in New York’s Capital Region can seek one-year project support for community needs, with a preference for land conservation and preservation, homelessness, disabilities, new Americans, and Amsterdam, NY residents. Focused on community impact, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region offers US $1,000 - US $15,000 grants.

501(c)(3) organizations serving Western New York counties can apply for Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s competitive grants, awarding US $18,000 - US $20,000 for projects aligned with its community goals. Historic preservation efforts, including restoring significant architectural landmarks and promoting cultural tourism, may be eligible when they advance regional vibrancy and equitable community engagement.

The Holocaust Research Education & Documentation Grant Program, managed by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, aims to support projects related to Holocaust education, research, and documentation. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations and research institutions. The program provides funding for various categories, including archival projects, educator training, and innovative media formats. Applicants must ensure that their projects align with the program's mission to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and assist Jewish victims of Nazi persecution.

501(c)(3) organizations in New York using arts and cultural work for racial justice can apply for Scherman Foundation’s Arts Program funding. Eligible groups are BIPOC-led or BIPOC-accountable and focus on narrative change, artivism, and movement-building, which may include preserving and uplifting local cultural heritage in historically marginalized neighborhoods.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor, working on housing, land use, workers’ rights, or related racial justice issues in New York, can apply for support to advance economic, political, and cultural transformation for BIPOC communities. Grants from Scherman Foundation help New York groups build grassroots power, advocacy, and movement infrastructure that may benefit preservation-focused neighborhoods and communities.

New York 501(c)(3) community-based organizations, educational institutions, and coalitions can seek funding for climate resilience, social justice, or clean energy and technology career programs through Con Edison. The Community Partnerships program prioritizes projects in historically marginalized neighborhoods, including efforts that protect ecosystems, strengthen community resilience, and build green workforce pathways that may benefit preservation-focused initiatives.

The Emma Barnsley Foundation Grant supports the prevention of cruelty to animals and promotes their care and protection. Established in memory of Emma Barnsley, the foundation provides funding for educational purposes related to veterinary medicine and wildlife studies. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those in Texas and New York. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission of protecting animals and their environments.

Municipalities and not-for-profit organizations in New York can seek matching funds for acquiring, planning, developing, and improving parks, historic properties, and designated heritage areas. The Environmental Protection Fund Grant Program from New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation offers up to US $675,000 for eligible outdoor and indoor preservation and recreation projects with long-term public benefit protections.