Best Preservation Grants in Wisconsin

The Robert Silman Award, presented biennially by the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation, recognizes innovative proposals in the preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment. Open to professionals in various design fields, the award encourages originality and practical applications that advance preservation in the U.S. With a funding limit of $15,000, it seeks projects that demonstrate a clear plan for dissemination and positive community impact, especially for underrepresented groups.

The Moe Family Fund for Statewide and Local Partners Grant Program, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, offers grants of up to $10,000 to dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network. This program focuses on strengthening preservation organizations and addressing key issues, including advocacy, capacity building, and climate change initiatives. Eligible projects should demonstrate innovation, potential impact, and a clear budget, while adhering to preservation standards and timelines.

The Preserving Black Churches Grant Program, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to support the preservation of historic Black churches. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and fund various projects, including restoration, capacity building, and community engagement. The program encourages applications from active and non-active congregations, nonprofits, and public agencies, emphasizing the importance of these churches in their communities. This initiative seeks to strengthen heritage and foster cultural connections.

Sustainability Grants provide essential operational support to charities in Door County, ensuring the quality of life for local residents. These grants assist with various needs, such as funding case managers for troubled teens, purchasing equipment for arts groups, and supporting educational programs. Although not glamorous, this funding is vital for maintaining community programs and addressing challenges faced by families during the seasonal economy. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $5,000.

The Impact100 Global Veterans Awards empower women to make a significant difference by awarding grants up to $100,000 to nonprofits that serve veterans. Focus areas include art and culture, education, health and wellness, environment, and family initiatives, promoting the well-being and support of veterans across the United States. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including tax-exempt status, and are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize funds effectively within two years.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

About Madison Community FoundationSince 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving. 

Mission : MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.Columbus Area Endowment GrantColumbus Area Endowment Grant (CAE) is dedicated to enhancing the educational, cultural and economic vitality of the Columbus area for present and future generations. It supports the community’s quality of life through charitable grants. Interest areas include cultural enrichment, community development, education, environment and historic preservation.

CAE awards grants to nonprofit organizations that serve the Columbus and Fall River communities in parts of Dane, Columbia and Dodge Counties.

Specifically, we provide:

• Program grants that support new programs or expand existing programs that have a track record of success.
• Capital grants that support construction or purchase of facilities, land, vehicles or equipment.

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.

About Madison Community FoundationSince 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving.

Mission : MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.Middleton Endowment GrantThe Middleton Endowment (ME) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Middleton area for present and future generations. ME will accept grant requests from qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Key interest areas include: cultural enrichment, community development, education, natural and historic preservation and the needs of residents in the Middleton area.

West Bend Insurance Company's Charitable Fund, established at the West Bend Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of residents in the greater West Bend area. The fund prioritizes grants for nonprofit organizations focused on aging, arts, education, environment, housing, medical research, mental health, and workforce development. It supports collaborative projects that boost organizational capacities and community service. Grants are available for new programs, capital projects, and operating support, with a focus on innovative solutions.

The West Wind Fund Grant, provided by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to support the preservation of historic sites in Bayfield. This grant encourages innovative restoration projects and co-funding partnerships with organizations and individuals. Eligible applicants must be charitable organizations or have a fiscal sponsor, and they should serve the Bayfield community. The fund prioritizes initiatives that include professional consultations, infrastructure repairs, and educational outreach related to local history.

About Madison Community FoundationSince 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving. Mission : MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.About Portage Area Community Fund (PACF) GrantPACF is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the greater Portage area for present and future generations.Key interest areas include:

• Civic and cultural enrichment,
• Natural and historic preservation,
• Parks and recreation,
• Community development,
• Youth and educational resources, and
• The needs of the community in the Portage area.

The Argyle Community Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, is a permanent endowment dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Argyle area. Each year, grants are awarded to local non-profits, schools, and government agencies to support various charitable projects. These grants focus on education, youth, healthcare, historic preservation, and the arts, ensuring that community needs are met effectively.

The Darlington Area Community Fund Grants, established in 1999, is a vital endowment supporting charitable, educational, and cultural initiatives in the Darlington area. Managed under the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, these grants are awarded annually to non-profit organizations and local agencies that benefit the community. The fund relies on community support to sustain its growth and impact, making it essential for local development and community well-being.

The Platteville Community and Excellence in Education Funds support various charitable initiatives in the Platteville area, promoting projects in arts, education, health, and environmental preservation. Established in 2002, these funds provide grants to enhance community services and educational needs not covered by school budgets. With a focus on local engagement, the fund encourages contributions from individuals and organizations to foster a vibrant community, ensuring that diverse educational and cultural opportunities thrive for all residents.

The Lancaster Community and Excellence In Education Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, is a charitable endowment dedicated to supporting the Lancaster community. It funds projects that enhance education, the arts, and historic preservation, among other areas. Non-profit organizations, local schools, and government agencies can apply for grants to foster community improvement. However, individual grants are not permitted. This fund plays a vital role in enriching the local community's resources and opportunities.

The New Glarus Community Foundation Grant supports local non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies through annual grants. Established in 1996, this charitable endowment gives back to the community by funding projects in the arts, education, healthcare, and environmental preservation. Notably, the fund cannot provide grants to individuals, ensuring that community-focused initiatives receive the necessary support to thrive. The foundation is a component of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin.

The Milton Community Fund Grant, established in 1996, supports charitable initiatives in the Milton area through annual grants funded by community donations. It aims to enhance historical preservation, environmental projects, education, healthcare, youth programs, and support for the elderly. Grants are awarded to non-profits, local schools, and government agencies, emphasizing collaborative efforts to improve community welfare. Managed by local volunteers, the fund adapts to the evolving needs of the community it serves.

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 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.

The Americana Foundation's American Heritage Grant aims to support projects that broaden inclusivity in early American art and narratives, especially for underrepresented groups. Recognizing the historical significance of Americana, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote understanding and appreciation of America's diverse heritage. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipal entities. The foundation encourages innovative projects that reinterpret early American material culture, fostering a deeper connection to the past for future generations.

The James Marston Fitch Mid-Career Fellowship offers research grants up to $15,000 for mid-career professionals in fields like historic preservation, architecture, and urban design. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to innovative research and a clear dissemination plan. The fellowship encourages impactful projects that contribute significantly to the field, ensuring that only qualified individuals can apply, as it does not fund organizational projects or dissertation research.

The Richard L. Blinder Award, presented biennially by the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation, recognizes architects and professionals in historic preservation for innovative proposals that advance architectural preservation in the U.S. The award encourages originality, whether through real projects or polemical exercises. With a funding limit of $15,000, recipients must demonstrate a need for their study and a realistic dissemination plan within 24 months, contributing to the preservation community.