Best Preservation Grants in Texas

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

For-profit businesses and 501(c)(3) organizations with historic sites in Texas’ Austin metro area can apply for up to US $250,000 to fund exterior-focused capital improvements that enhance heritage tourism. The City of Austin’s Heritage Preservation Grant supports ADA access, façade and structural repairs, and related professional services at designated or eligible historic properties.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship

The purpose of the Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship is to provide scholarships to college bound high school students, or students currently enrolled in undergraduate studies or pursuing post-graduate studies in general history or a specialty area of studies in history to include but not limited to; museum studies, archival management, library science, historic preservation, material culture, American Studies, archaeology, anthropology, art or architectural history or preservation technology; or to students pursuing a recognized certification or apprentice program dedicated to traditional arts, industries, trades or crafts.

The Scholarship amount is $1,000.

Austin Woman's Club Howson Mohrmann Scholarship Endowment Fund

Undergraduate senior or graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin who is or will be studying historical preservation (such as architectural, landscaping, textiles, art, etc.)

Awards

• (1) $3,000.00