Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Texas

Texas public libraries serving communities of 12,000 or fewer residents can seek funding to digitize historical newspapers and records through the Tocker Foundation’s partnership with the University of North Texas’ Digital Newspaper Program. Grants from Tocker Foundation help Texas historic preservation efforts by safeguarding local newspaper archives and making them accessible online via the Portal to Texas History.

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) was established to streamline the city's cultural efforts into one hub, combining all resources for cultural arts, public arts, heritage centers, heritage tourism, music, and special events. ACME strives to enhance coordination, improve services, and create synergistic opportunities to sustain and develop Austin’s rich creative ecosystem and places, ensuring Austin remains a global destination for creative experiences while honoring the city’s rich heritage.

Heritage Preservation Grant 

The Heritage Preservation Grant promotes tourism through historic preservation projects and activities rooted in local history and heritage at historic sites.

Grant funds support capital projects or heritage events that expand access to historic places and heritage resources and market the site's history to engage new audiences and tourists. All capital projects require a historic designation.  

Program goals include to increase Austin's heritage tourism; preserve and open access to historic spaces; bring local history to life through interpretation, activations, and storytelling; and support jobs in the creative economy. 

Capital Improvement Projects

Support capital improvement projects at historic sites – designated or eligible for designation that attract tourists. The site must be open, and its history must be actively marketed to tourists.

If awarded, all capital project proposals are required to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Office, Architectural Review Committee (ARC), and/or the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC).  

Capital Improvement Project Types

• American Disabilities Act (ADA) exterior access
• Awning rehabilitation / repair
• Cast iron restoration / repair
• Door / window / screen / trim restoration/repair
• Façade elements
• Foundation stabilization
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation / repair (does not require an exterior project proposal) (see pg. 202)
• Historic accessory structures
• Interior: Electrical Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
• Interior: Mechanical Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
• Interior: Flooring (must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) see pg. 204)
• Interior: Safety Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) (see pg. 202)
• Interior: Masonry (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
• Masonry rehabilitation / repair
• Millwork rehabilitation / repair
• Paint (in kind; must match existing unless pre-approved)
• Professional services or consultants required to support the project, such as Preservation Architects, Interpretive Planners, Architectural Historians, and other professional services contracts to support the project, its long-term preservation, or historic designation
• Roof Repair
• Sign installation (on private property and must comply with Historic Sign Standards)

Capital Project Requirements

• Grounds must be accessible, open, and marketed to tourists with reasonable visitation hours
• Interior project proposals must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal
• In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
• Interior projects must include a sensitive treatment plan which emphasizes preserving significant historic features and materials while minimizing physical and visual impact as recommended by The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
• Maintain historic designation
• Projects must occur at a designated historic site or a contributing property within a designated historic district. Verify the historic designation of a site using the City of Austin Historic Property View Finder 
• Projects must occur at a site eligible for local, state, or national historic designation, or determined eligible for designation by the Texas Historical Commission. Designation must be completed within the agreement term
• Project management fee and project administrative expenses are allowed up to 10% of the grant award (not to exceed $20,000) for capital projects
• If awarded, projects must be reviewed and approved either by the Historic Preservation Office and/or the Historic Landmark Commission after a preliminary review by the Architectural Review Committee
• Projects that are preservation-related or history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists
• Proposals on private property must include Owner Authorization with the application. Here is a link to the Owner Authorization Form. It can be used for historic public or private sites unless the managing City department gives other instructions.
• For projects on City owned park land please upload your approved Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Project Feasibility Form. This form is due to APR by July 28 for Heritage Events on City owned Parkland. This is to ensure that you receive the approved form in time to submit with your application.  
• Proposals must include one complete bid package (see definition) with bids from a contractor, (Preservation) Architect, subcontractor and vendors.  
• Proposals must include recommendations from an Architect or equivalent professional based on The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and/or the City of Austin Historic Design Standards
• Proposals must adhere to City of Austin Historic Design Standards and/or The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
• Proposed historic site may require an on-site assessment or review
• Proposals with City-owned sites must be approved by the managing department before applying for a grant
• Properties determined to be eligible for historic designation. If a property is not designated at the time of the application, the applicant must provide a determination of eligibility with the application and sites must be historically designated by the end of the grant agreement term
• Applicant must include marketing expenses in their budget proposal

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) was established to streamline the city's cultural efforts into one hub, combining all resources for cultural arts, public arts, heritage centers, heritage tourism, music, and special events. ACME strives to enhance coordination, improve services, and create synergistic opportunities to sustain and develop Austin’s rich creative ecosystem and places, ensuring Austin remains a global destination for creative experiences while honoring the city’s rich heritage.

Heritage Preservation Grant 

The Heritage Preservation Grant promotes tourism through historic preservation projects and activities rooted in local history and heritage at historic sites.

Grant funds support capital projects or heritage events that expand access to historic places and heritage resources and market the site's history to engage new audiences and tourists. All capital projects require a historic designation.  

Program goals include to increase Austin's heritage tourism; preserve and open access to historic spaces; bring local history to life through interpretation, activations, and storytelling; and support jobs in the creative economy. 

Heritage Events 

Support proposals that expand access to historic places and heritage experiences by highlighting local history and storytelling, connecting communities, and drawing both residents and tourists at historic sites. While bids are not required for Heritage Events, a proposed budget breakdown is required as part of the application process.  

Sites must be historically designated (or eligible for historic designation), occur within and approved by the City Council as a heritage district or corridor, or historically significant.

• Events must include historic research and highlight the history of the site
• Applicants must identify a specific location, with or without a historic designation, and explain why it’s historically important and how it connects to the project or activities
• Proposals must describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight and how the project promotes the tourism and hotel industries. (See Historical Associations Category in CoA Historic Zoning Application)
• Applicants must explain how the proposal will uncover untold stories associated with the location
• Proposals must include the development of a printed and digital itinerary, a site map, and a listing of nearby historic museums or heritage sites

Heritage Events - Eligible Properties WITHOUT Historic Designation but Pursuing Designation or a Historic Location

• Project may occur at a site eligible and pursuing a local, state, or national historic designation
• If pursuing, the historic designation must be completed within the grant agreement term
• Explain why the selected site is historically important and how it connects to the project or activities.
• Proposals must describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight and how the project promotes the tourism and hotel industries. (See Historical Associations Category in CoA Historic Zoning Application)

Heritage Event Project Types

• Events, festivals, or programs at a historic designated location or within a historic district and marketed regionally, nationally, or internationally
• Heritage, historic, or interpretive history-focused exhibits
• Projects or activities in heritage districts with historic assets previously approved by the City Council (includes the Red River Cultural District, African American Cultural Heritage District, and the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor)
• Production of special events and programs that highlight the history of the site
• Tour development: historic, heritage, legacy business, and natural resources 

Heritage Event Requirements

• Activities must occur in a Council District or Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
• For projects on City owned park land please upload your approved Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Project Feasibility Form. This form is due to APR by July 28 for Heritage Events on City owned Parkland. This is to ensure that you receive the approved form in time to submit with your application.
• For projects planned for Austin History Center (AHC) please use this form. This form is due to AHC by August 4 for Heritage Events at AHC.
• In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
• Obtain and maintain project insurance throughout the agreement term
• Preservation projects and programs that highlight storytelling and invite tourists and convention visitors to explore historic sites and museums
• Projects must be open to the public, serve the public interest, and be actively promoted to Austin residents, visitors, and tourists, including hours of operation or visitation on the website
• Proposals at City-owned site must gain approval through the managing department
• Proposals must complete the budget table in the application
• Review and acquire necessary permits through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C)
• Projects that are preservation-related or history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists

Tax-deductible organizations in Lubbock and Hale Counties can apply for Community Foundation of West Texas’s E. Jay Matsler Trust for Historic Preservation grants to support preservation and reuse of historic buildings and sites. Eligible Texas projects must involve properties listed or being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, especially civic, cultural, or economic community hubs.

Small, independently owned brick-and-mortar businesses doing historic preservation or economic development projects along the Route 66 corridor in Texas can apply for US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation fund capital improvements, planning, and marketing efforts that preserve Route 66 places and highlight underrepresented community stories.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Penn National Gaming provides Texas 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for community development, education, human services, cultural programs, health, and veteran and military support. Nonprofits physically located in Cameron or Harris County working on historic preservation as part of broader community development may be eligible.

Focused on historic preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation invites Texas public agencies and nonprofits to seek funding for planning, education, and outreach projects. Eligible organizations can request US $2,500 - US $5,000 for activities like preservation planning, feasibility studies, community forums, and innovative public education efforts that build local preservation capacity.

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and other 501(c)(3) groups preserving traditional cultures can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 for planning and emergency interventions in parts of Texas and the Southwest. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation help fund strategic preservation projects, legal and communications support, and capacity building for historic and archaeological sites.

Public libraries in Texas can apply for the Family Place Libraries grant to develop or expand family-centered early childhood services and redesign children’s spaces. Focused on library services, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission invites Texas institutions, including those in historic buildings, to strengthen family engagement, early learning, and community connections; awards more than US $8,000.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units can seek funding for Texas history projects including archaeology, archives, libraries, museums, education, preservation, publications, and scholarly research. With a mission to support Texas history, The Summerlee Foundation favors projects in underserved areas that show strong community backing and involve well-qualified participants.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and eligible supporting organizations can apply for the Powell Foundation Grant Program to support education, arts, conservation, and human services through operating, program, or project funding. Organizations working on community-based historic or cultural education within these areas may be eligible if they serve Harris, Travis, or Walker Counties.

For-profit businesses and 501(c)(3) organizations with at least two years of operations in the Austin metro area can receive up to US $250,000 for capital improvements to historic sites that promote tourism and the hotel industry in Texas. The City of Austin funds exterior-focused restoration projects at designated or eligible historic properties that are actively marketed to tourists.

Texas historic preservation organizations and for-profit or 501(c)(3) site stewards can access funding through City of Austin for heritage events and projects at historically designated locations in the Austin metro area. Grants up to US $150,000 support festivals, exhibits, tours, markers, and other activities that expand access to historic places and attract tourists.

For-profit businesses and 501(c)(3) organizations operating at least two years in the Austin metro area can apply for City of Austin Heritage Preservation Grants of up to US $50,000 for historic preservation tourism projects. Grants from City of Austin help Texas historic preservation efforts through events, exhibits, tours, and heritage activities that expand access to local history.

Conservators, curators, and museum or academic institution staff working on historic preservation of South American viceregal art can apply for the Thoma Foundation Art of the Spanish Americas Conservation Grant, with awards up to US $50,000. Focused on conservation, the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation invites Texas-based and international preservation professionals to propose research, restoration, equipment, or training projects.

Texas libraries seeking to expand inclusive services in Texas can apply for the Texas State Library & Archives Commission’s Special Projects Grant; awards up to US $75,000 for community-focused library programs. Projects should improve access for patrons facing barriers, support literacy and digital inclusion, and enhance staff capacity to meet community needs.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities, religious organizations, governmental entities, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Central Texas can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 for programs in economic mobility, health and humanities, or regional sustainability. Austin Community Foundation’s Forever Austin Fund may support work that includes preservation of community heritage or historic spaces within these broader priorities.

Grants from Texas Commission on the Arts help Texas arts-focused nonprofits and government entities seek cultural district designation to drive economic development and community revitalization. Eligible applicants include established arts organizations, local arts agencies, minority arts organizations, government agencies, and college arts institutions, which may incorporate historic preservation within broader cultural tourism and community heritage efforts.

Nonprofit organizations serving residents in eligible West Texas counties can seek project grants supporting seniors, children and youth, education, arts access, or economically disadvantaged communities. Grants from Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation help Texas organizations offer culturally enriching, educational, and human services programs; awards range from US $15,000 - US $75,000.

Texas organizations working on historic preservation in Texas can receive matching support for projects that protect architectural and archaeological resources. The Texas Historical Commission provides US $10,000 - US $50,000 reimbursement grants for acquisition, restoration, planning, design, surveys, archaeological investigations, curatorial work, and heritage education, with priority for endangered historic properties and significant archaeological sites.

Texas libraries with special or unique collections can apply for the TexTreasures Grant to support digitization, microfilming, and cataloging projects that increase public access in Texas. Offered by the Texas State Library & Archives Commission, awards up to US $50,000 are available for both small libraries and more complex, collaborative projects.

Texas 501(c)(3) charitable organizations working on religious, educational, scientific, artistic, literary, animal welfare, or related programs can access funding through A M Pate Jr Charitable Trust, with typical awards of US $10,000 - US $15,000. Groups engaged in historic preservation efforts within these categories may be especially competitive if serving Tarrant County or previously supported by the trust.

Texas public libraries and library systems can access funding through the Texas State Library & Archives Commission to run community reading and literacy programs, with awards up to US $10,000. Projects may serve youth, teens, adults, or whole communities and can include partnerships that engage residents, which may complement historic preservation education efforts.

Texas historic preservation and related charitable organizations can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to support projects in historic preservation, arts, education, health and human services, and the environment. With a mission to enhance quality of life, Burdine Johnson Foundation prioritizes Hays County and Central Texas groups, with occasional support elsewhere in the state.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities planning new, expanded, or capital projects in historic preservation and related fields can apply for Impact San Antonio grants up to US $100,000. Organizations serving residents in Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, or Wilson counties may fund projects completed within 24 months across arts, education, environment, family, or health.

Historic preservation and conservation nonprofits in Texas, especially those serving Galveston, can seek funding for projects that enhance quality of life and protect local heritage. Ippolito Charitable Foundation offers up to US $10,000 for 501(c)(3) programs in the City of Galveston, including initiatives in economic development, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation tied to historic assets.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in Texas can seek funding to plan and promote preservation of battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures. National Trust for Historic Preservation grants support planning, professional consulting, capacity building, and innovative public education or outreach that advances historic preservation efforts.