Best Preservation Grants in Texas

Texas Historical Commission

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is the state agency for historic preservation. We save the real places that tell the real stories of Texas. The Texas State Legislature established the agency in 1953 as the Texas State Historical Survey Committee with the task to identify important historic sites across the state. The Texas Legislature changed the agency's name to the Texas Historical Commission in 1973. Along with the name change came more protective powers, an expanded leadership role, and broader educational responsibilities.

The mission of the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is to protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the active use and economic benefit of Texans and visitors while bridging the past with the future.

Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program

The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) offers funding to counties through its nationally renowned, award-winning grant program. The THCPP may award up to $10 million to eligible counties through a biannual, competitive application process. To participate in the THCPP and be eligible to receive grant funding, a project must meet the following criteria:

• A building that serves or has served as a county courthouse
• A building that is over 50 years old or is certified as worthy of preservation
• A building that has a current master plan approved by the THC. 

Courthouses with an approved Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) master plan may apply for emergency funding at any time, and construction grant recipients may apply for supplemental funding to address changes to their project.    

About

The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC) is an Advisory Commission to the Texas Historical Commission (THC).

The THGAAC is composed of nine citizen members appointed by the governor to six-year terms. Commissioners and staff members connect with thousands of Texans each year by promoting public education and awareness of the Holocaust, other genocides, and antisemitism in Texas.

Our Mission

The mission of the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission is to combat and confront hatred, prejudice, and indifference by educating all Texans about the Holocaust and other genocides in an effort to dismantle antisemitism and prevent future atrocities.

THGAAC Education Grant

The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC) offers to fund a variety of programs through its THGAAC Education Grant program. These grant funds may be used for:

• Combating antisemitism and/or implementing Holocaust and genocide courses of study and awareness programs;
• Supporting volunteers who have agreed to share, in classrooms, seminars, exhibits, or workshops, their verifiable knowledge and experiences regarding the Holocaust or other genocides;
• Supporting events that memorialize the Holocaust and other genocides;
• Supporting events designed to enhance public awareness of the fight against antisemitism and continuing significance of the Holocaust and other genocides; and
• Supporting efforts to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

This grant is open to all permanent, non-profit institutions that are headquartered in the State of Texas.

Amounts up to $50,000.00 may be granted per project.

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. The Summerlee Foundation provides support statewide, with particular interest in underserved cultural and geographic areas and projects demonstrating expert involvement, strong community backing, or recognized historic status.

Texas-based community organizations working on historic preservation, veterans, pro-life causes, support animals, or general community needs can apply for the Apricity Foundation Grant. Funding supports programs that entertain, educate, inspire, and strengthen local communities, and may benefit preservation-focused projects that fit these priorities.

Texas organizations preserving historic or archaeological sites can apply for Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Preservation Trust Fund grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for acquisition, restoration, planning, design, investigation, surveys, curatorial work, and heritage education. Competitive, reimbursement-based awards require a 1:1 cash match and prioritize endangered, historically significant properties and sites statewide.

Texas historic preservation and related charitable organizations can access funding through the Burdine Johnson Foundation to support projects in arts, education, health and human services, the environment, and historic preservation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 prioritize Hays County and Central Texas groups, with occasional support elsewhere in the state.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and government entities can seek funding to install Legends & Lore markers celebrating local folktales, legends, and folklife traditions. With a mission to honor community cultural heritage, William G Pomeroy Foundation supports projects that promote cultural tourism and preserve shared stories, customs, and expressive arts in eligible states including Texas.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in Texas can seek funding for historic preservation planning, education, and outreach projects, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $5,000. National Trust for Historic Preservation support can cover professional consultants, staff time, community forums, and innovative programs introducing new audiences to preservation.

Texas Preservation Trust Fund

The TPTF Grant Program is your opportunity to save and protect Texas' threatened historic resources.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) awards grants for preservation projects from the Texas Preservation Trust Fund (TPTF). The Texas Legislature established the TPTF in 1989. The fund is currently managed by the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company. Investment earnings are distributed as matching grants to qualified applicants for acquisition, survey, restoration, preservation, planning, and heritage education activities leading to the preservation of historic architectural and archeological properties and associated collections of the State of Texas. Competitive grants are awarded on a one-to-one match basis and are paid as reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred during the project.

TPTF — Panhandle Special Fund

As part of mitigation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and in consideration for a partial covenant release, TxDOT allocated $500,000 to the TPTF grant program for the partial acquisition of the former historic Amarillo Helium Plant to use as right-of-way. These funds will provide one-to-one matching grants for eligible projects in TxDOT’s Amarillo District, which includes Armstrong, Carson, Dallam, Gray, Deaf Smith, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Potter, Randall, Roberts, and Sherman counties. The THC anticipates grant awards to be in the $10,000 to $100,000 range. The total amount of funds in this earmark available for eligible projects in the FY 27 grant cycle is $243,617.69. Grants require a one-to-one match.

With a mission to support Galveston’s long-term success, Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund provides Texas nonprofits with micro-grants up to US $5,000 to build capacity and launch community-based programs. New or smaller 501(c)(3) organizations benefiting Galveston, including those working in historic preservation and community heritage, can apply after completing an eligibility screening.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations supporting or benefiting the Galveston, Texas community can apply for the Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund’s Vibrant Culture core grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $75,000 for arts, humanities, and historic preservation initiatives. Funding supports preserving Galveston’s cultural heritage and strengthening its creative ecosystem, including tourism and community culture efforts in Texas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on farming, agriculture, natural resource conservation, or historic preservation of farms, barns, and equipment in Texas and nationwide can seek project-based support through the Mishler Brown Fund. The Community Foundation of Elkhart County awards annual grants sized to match the scope of proposed agriculture and preservation projects.

Small, independently owned brick-and-mortar businesses pursuing historic preservation or economic development projects along the Route 66 corridor in Texas can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 for capital, planning, or marketing efforts. The National Trust for Historic Preservation prioritizes projects highlighting underrepresented Route 66 community stories, including painting and mural projects for the 2026 centennial.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving veterans through preservation, education, arts, environment, family, or health initiatives can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects. Impact100 Global Veterans provides funding for programs fully benefitting veterans, including those that enhance historic, cultural, or natural sites, which may support preservation efforts in Texas.

Public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits in Texas counties along the Route 66 corridor can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to preserve and interpret historic places. National Trust for Historic Preservation funding supports restoration, stabilization, consultant services, education programs, and related project costs for Route 66–connected sites and stories.

Historic Black churches and related nonprofits in Texas can seek funding to preserve and steward historic Black houses of worship, including capital work, planning, staffing, and cultural programming. Focused on historic preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preserving Black Churches program offers US $50,000 - US $500,000 to support long-term sustainability and community-serving uses.

Historic preservation organizations in Texas that are dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network can receive up to US $10,000 to strengthen advocacy, capacity, or climate-related preservation work. National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Moe Family Fund supports staff time, consultants, research, training, and related project expenses with a required one-to-one match.

Individual engineers, architects, and other preservation-related professionals in Texas can apply for the Robert Silman Award to support original work on preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment in the U.S. James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation provides up to US $15,000 for research or design proposals that advance historic preservation practice and can be shared with the field.

Focused on historic preservation, this program invites Texas public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek US $150,000 for planning and limited capital work on modern buildings designed by Black architects. The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Conserving Black Modernism grants fund research, technical studies, conservation plans, and stewardship strategies for significant 20th-century sites.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations in eligible West Texas counties can apply for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Southwest Intervention Fund; awards US $2,500 - US $10,000 for preservation planning and emergency interventions. Funding supports traditional culture sites, archaeological resources, legal advocacy, and capacity-building projects in the Southwest region.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Texas can receive US $2,500 - US $15,000 for historic preservation planning, education, and bricks-and-mortar projects through the Johanna Favrot Fund from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Funding can cover consultants, conferences, communications, and restoration work, with a required dollar-for-dollar cash match.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Texas Preservation Trust Fund

The TPTF Grant Program is your opportunity to save and protect Texas' threatened historic resources.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) awards grants for preservation projects from the Texas Preservation Trust Fund (TPTF). The Texas Legislature established the TPTF in 1989. The fund is currently managed by the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company. Investment earnings are distributed as matching grants to qualified applicants for acquisition, survey, restoration, preservation, planning, and heritage education activities leading to the preservation of historic architectural and archeological properties and associated collections of the State of Texas. Competitive grants are awarded on a one-to-one match basis and are paid as reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred during the project.

Dallas

As the result of covenants released on several historic buildings at the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant (NWIRP) in Dallas, over $1.4 million in funds were dedicated to the TPTF program for historic preservation projects in the City of Dallas. The total amount of funds available for eligible projects for the FY 2027 grant cycle is $783,719.00. The THC anticipates grant awards to be in the $10,000 to $250,000 range. Grants require a one-to-one match.

Nonprofits and for-profit businesses planning heritage tourism events or preservation-focused programs in Texas can receive up to US $50,000 to highlight local history at sites pursuing or lacking formal historic designation. City of Austin’s Heritage Preservation Grant supports historic research, tours, exhibits, and storytelling that expand access to heritage sites and draw tourists.

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 WITH Local, State, or National Designated Historic Location

• Project must occur at a designated historic site, historic district, or within official City of Austin heritage districts

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