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

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

Yes.

THF supports a broad range of preservation initiatives, including the safeguarding of historic structures, artifacts, and archives, archeological research, history education efforts, and the promotion of the arts. For more information on what types of projects the Foundation funds, take a look at current THF preservation endowments and projects that have received funding support. 

Every community and organization that has a worthwhile project is encouraged to apply. However, different endowments support different types of projects. The 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.

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

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.

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).

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.

The Foundation does not consider applications from individuals, businesses, or organizations that do not have 501 (c)(3) status.

No, organizations must have a 501 (c)(3) status.

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

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 in each quarterly issue of Texas HERITAGE Magazine.

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.

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

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.

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 one year between requests is encouraged. The organization must also be current with scheduled follow-up reports for grants received to be considered for additional funding. 

Yes.

No.

Call the Foundation office at (512) 453-2154 ext. 1, or send an email to grants@texashistoricalfoundation.org.