THF Grants

Grant FAQs

• For projects involving structural restoration, must an applicant follow the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for such work?

  The Texas Historical Foundation strongly urges applicants to follow the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties as guidance for decision-making about work or changes to a historic property. The Standards are frequently cited and referenced by federal, state, and local agencies, as well as used by professionals in the history field.

  To Download a copy of the Secretary of Interior’s Standards, click here:

  Download Secretary of Interior’s Standards

  If you have any difficulties downloading the file, please email admin@texashistoricalfoundation.org or call 512.453.2154 for assistance.

• Where can I find a Texas Historical Foundation grant application?

  To download an application click here:

  Download Application

  If you have any difficulties downloading the application, please email admin@texashistoricalfoundation.org or call 512.453.2154 for assistance.

• What is the deadline for receiving grant proposals?

  Grant applications must be received at the THF office by the first day of the following months: March, June, September, and December.

• Is there a limit to the amount of grant funds an organization can request?

  Grant requests between the range of $1,000 to $5,000 are suggested.

• What is the process for grant review?

  The THF grant coordinator will review the application for completeness, checking that all required supporting documentation has been received. The proposal is then sent to the Grants Committee for assessment and makes a recommendation to the THF board. The full board votes on proposals at the quarterly meeting typically held during the third week of the month following each submission deadline (January, April, July, and October). An organization will receive notification of the decision by mail within 7 to 10 business days following the board meeting. Please do not call or email the office to inquire about the decision unless your organization did not received notification by mail within the promised time period.

• Must applicants have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to apply for a THF grant?

  The Foundation does not consider applications from individuals, businesses, or organizations that do not have 501 (c)(3) status with the following exceptions: religious organizations and city/county/state historical agencies.

• Can a nonprofit organization apply for a grant if their 501(c)(3) application has been submitted, but not as yet approved?

  Organizations may submit a proposal but must indicate on the application that certification is pending. Once certification is received, the organization must submit a copy of the documentation confirming approval as a 501(c)(3) entity to THF.

• Can a city or county government apply for a grant?

  Yes, but historically, proposals from government entities have not been approved.

• Do I need to be a member of the Texas Historical Foundation to apply for a grant?

  THF membership is not required, but a show of support for our mission and efforts is always appreciated. Please keep in mind that an organization submitting a proposal can join at any membership level. All museum members enjoy a free listing in the Texas historical museums section that appears on the back pages of each quarterly issue of Texas HERITAGE Magazine and on the THF website.

• Are grants limited to organizations based in Texas?

  Yes

• What kinds of projects does the Foundation favor?

  In general, the Foundation supports bricks‐and‐mortar‐type restoration projects, efforts that promote Texas history education, such as providing classroom or online resources, educational DVDS or documentaries that will be distributed or broadcast statewide or nationwide, and archeological projects. However, this does not mean that groups with other projects should not apply.

• Are there types of projects that are not of interest?

  Historically, THF has no record of funding requests for capital campaigns, general operating expenses, or underwriting fundraising events.

• Does the Foundation favor rural or urban projects?

  Every community and organization that has a worthwhile project is encouraged to apply. However, the Foundation Jeanne R. Blocker Endowment supports project in the area of rural preservation; for grant purposes this means communities with populations of less than 30,000.

• What other criteria does the Foundation consider when making grants?

  It is important that each proposal show a strong record of community support. Each application should demonstrate that area residents, local businesses and/or community leaders have endorsed the project by volunteering, donating to the cause, or assisting otherwise.

  An organization is encouraged to demonstrate the ability to obtain to the financial resources necessary to ensure the project’s completion. The Foundation board likes to see that grant requests (including those that are pending or have been denied) have been made to other funders and that other methods of fundraising (letter writing campaigns, barbecues, garage sales) are planned or have already taken place. The grant application provides an organization the opportunity to list this information.

  Another factor that the board takes into account is a project’s longevity. For bricks‐and‐mortar projects, consideration is given to the resources put in place that will maintain the property after restoration, either through revenue generated by use of the property or through other means (funds held in a trust).

• For projects involving restorations of structures, must the applicant own the property? What about easements?

  Yes, ownership of the property by the requesting organization must be proven. The Foundation has no record of approving requests involving property easements.

• A previously submitted proposal for a project that is still in progress was declined by THF, can my organization submit another request for that same project?

  Yes.

• Will THF consider loans?

  No.

• If a grant is turned down, will we be told why?

  Texas is large, and historical preservation needs are great. Because of the number of proposals that are received, THF is not able to respond affirmatively to all requests, and that is the most frequent reason for denials.

• Does THF’s grants program have a standard requirement that funds have to be matched?

  While a fund match is certainly desirable and encouraged, there is not a standard requirement that grant funds be matched. However, under certain circumstances, THF may make the grant conditional upon the applicant raising either a matching amount or the remaining balance of funding needed to complete the project before the grant money is dispersed.

• We received a THF grant in the past, but can we submit an application for a new project in development? What if we want to request more funding for the same project?

  An organization can submit a grant proposal for a new project or for another phase of a previously‐funded project, but a waiting period of 18- 24 months between requests is encouraged.

• Who do I contact for further information?

  Call the Foundation office at 512.453.2154 and ask for the grants coordinator.