Grant FAQs

Grant applications must be received at the THF office by the first day of the following months: February, 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. 

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

Every community and organization that has a worthwhile project is encouraged to apply. THF regularly funds projects both urban and rural. 

Rural projects in particular are eligible for awards from the Jeanne R. Blocker Memorial Fund. Qualifying projects take place in communities of 30,000 or fewer.  

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).

Applicants 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. Budgetary limitations are the most frequent reason for denials, however if the Foundation is able to offer additional constructive guidance, they will do so.  

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.

Because only 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible, governmental organizations do not tend to qualify. However, applications from Friends groups are accepted. 

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.

While the Foundation may consider long-term lease agreements in special cases, generally speaking ownership of the property by the requesting organization must be proven. 

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, and will disqualify projects in which it is clear that the Standards are not being followed. 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

An organization can submit a grant proposal for a new project or for another phase of a previously‐funded project after a period of one year. The organization must also be current with scheduled follow-up reports and in full compliance with prior grant agreements to receive additional funding. 

Yes.

Loans and contributions to capital campaigns are not eligible at this time. 

Click here to get in touch with Foundation staff. 

Yes, the Duda Preservation Awards are distinct from the Texas Historical Foundation’s quarterly Grants Program and can be awarded concurrently. Application or receipt of a THF Grant does not disqualify applicants from Duda Preservation Award nomination, or vice versa.  

Duda Preservation Awards are distinct from Texas Historical Foundation's quarterly Grants Program in many ways. The eligibility requirements for the Duda Preservation Awards are more stringent than the regular Grants Program. A broad range of projects related to Texas history are eligible for Grants Program funding, whereas the Duda Awards apply only to specific archeological and architectural projects. THF Grants are awarded four times a year, with the average grant being $5,000, whereas the Duda Awards take place biennially with prizes of $20,000-$100,000.  

To learn more about the Duda Preservation Awards, visit texashistoricalfoundation.org/duda-award.html