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Grants

Grant FAQs

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

    Applications for THF's Quarterly Micro Grant Program can be downloaded here.

    Requests for grants in excess of $8,000 are considered annually as a part of the Annual Grants program, and require a letter of inquiry to apply. If your letter of inquiry is selected for consideration, you will receive additional materials and instructions to submit an application. 

    If you have any difficulties downloading the Quarterly Micro Grant application or have further questions regarding submissions, please email grants@texashisthoricalfoundation.org

  • What is the deadline for receiving grant proposals?

    Quarterly grant applications typically must be submitted by 5:00 CT on the first of the following months: June, September, December, March. For 2024 Annual Grant program requests, a letter of inquiry should be submitted by April 1, 2024. If your proposal is selected, you will be contacted with application materials as well as a timeline to submit them. 

    For the most current information on all grant cycle deadlines, please see Application Deadlines

     

     

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

    Grant requests up to $8,000 are recommended for the Quarterly Micro Grants Program. Requests in the range of $8,000-$25,000 are considered annually; please submit a letter of inquiry to grants@texashistoricalfoundation.org.  

    The most current information on forthcoming review cycles for Quarterly and Annual Grants can be found here.

  • We would like to apply for a 2024 Annual Grant, but have already applied for or received a Quarterly Grant in the last year. Are we eligible?

    Recent recipients of THF Quarterly Micro Grants are eligible for the 2024 Annual Grant program; both for the project for which they have received funding and for other projects. This may change in future Annual Grant cycles. 

    If you have applied for, but not received, a Quarterly Micro Grant for a specific project, it is a good indicator that the project is a not good match to succeed in the Annual Grants process. The Annual Grants program is more competitive than the Quarterly Micro Grants program, with only a handful of proposals selected to move forward to the application stage and a single applicant awarded funding.  

  • Can I apply for the Duda Preservation Award simultaneously?

    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.  

  • What is the difference between THF Grants and the Duda Preservation Awards?

    Duda Preservation Awards are distinct from Texas Historical Foundation's Annual Grants and Quarterly Micro Grants Programs in many ways. The eligibility requirements for the Duda Preservation Awards are more stringent than our 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. For details of eligibility and FAQ's pertaining to the Duda Preservation Awards, click here

  • What does THF look for in an LOI or Letter of Inquiry?

    An LOI, or Letter of Inquiry (sometimes referred to as a Letter of Interest) is your pitch to a grantmaking organization, requesting consideration for funds and briefly introducing your project and organization in a compelling way. 

    If you are considering throwing your hat in the ring for the 2024 Annual Grant cycle, you may be wondering what THF looks for in an LOI. A strong LOI will do the following: 

    • Introduce the the organization and request 
    • Outline the project scope and methodology 
    • Provide the basics of the project budget and additional funding sources 
    • Provide intended project outcomes  
    • Be succinct and to the point; ideally no more than 2 pages in length. Remember, you will have time to expand later. 

    We ask that you please keep these letters succinct, and be sure to include a primary contact for the application process, including contact information and mailing address. 

  • 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?

    Applicants are discouraged, but not precluded, from applying for the same project in concurrent cycles once denied without first speaking with THF staff. 

    Because THF is a small organization handling a high volume of grant requests, an explicit reason the request was declined is not always available in a request response. However, THF staff can generally provide feedback upon request. To request application feedback, click here

  • Are grants limited to organizations based in Texas?

    An organization not based in Texas may apply for THF grant funding provided that all other eligibility elements are met and at least one of the following elements is present: 

    • The project centers the history or preservation of the state or former Republic of Texas 
    • The proposed project will take place largely in the state of Texas
    • The primary objective of the project directly benefits Texas citizens in a manner consistent with THF's mission 
    • The project otherwise celebrates or encourages engagement with the history of the state or former Republic of Texas 

    If you are applying on behalf of an out-of-state organization and have any questions regarding the eligibility of your project, please contact grants@texashistoricalfoundation.org

     

     

  • We received a THF grant in the past. Can we submit an application for a new project in development? What about 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 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 be considered for additional funding. 

  • What kinds of projects does the Foundation favor?

    THF supports a broad range of preservation initiatives, including the safeguarding of historic structures, artifacts, and archives, archeological research, history education efforts, celebration of Texas culture, 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. 

  • 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. Projects that offer or expand upon efforts that engage the public with Texas history, preserve or celebrate Texas' material or cultural history, or contribute to a body of knowledge are favored over general maintenance requests. 

  • Does the Foundation favor rural or urban projects?

    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.  

  • What is the process for grant review?

    QUARTERLY MICRO GRANTS:

    THF staff 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 (usually January, April, July, and October.)

    There may occasionally be deviation from these dates; please view the deadline table found here for the most current timeline for your application. 

    Applicants will receive notification of the decision within 14 days following the board vote. Please do not call or email the office to inquire about the decision unless your organization did not receive notification within the indicated time period. 

    ANNUAL GRANTS:

    Grants in the range of $8,000 - $25,000 are considered annually. The selection process involves submitting a letter of intent to grants@texashistoricalfoundation.org using the timeline indicated in the table found on this page. Submitted letters of intent are reviewed by Foundation staff and Grants Committee leadership, who then make their selection recommendations to the Committee. 

    Selected organizations will then be invited to submit follow-up materials expanding on their project for the review of the Grants Committee. Of these proposals, a single project will be selected for funding.  

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

    Public Benefit: The ideal candidate project demonstrates a strong benefit to the public, be it through access, community building, contribution to the body of knowledge, etc. 

    Community Support: 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.

    Adherence to Best Practices: Adherence to best practices is an important factor in consideration. This can mean having a preservation plan in place for a structure, using appropriate materials and methods when handling archives, or adhering to government or professional guidelines for treatment of historic structures, artifacts, and archeological sites. 

    Ability to See the Project Through: 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, events, etc.) are planned or have already taken place. The grant application provides an organization the opportunity to list this information.

    Longevity: 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.

    Compatibility with THF's Mission: The strongest applications demonstrate a strong fidelity to the mission of the Texas Historical Foundation Grant Program; preserving state and local histories in a manner that is accessible, of demonstrable public benefit, and encourages engagement. 

  • 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. Budgetary limitations are the most frequent reason for denials, followed closely by a high volume of request within a specific area of work. However, if the Foundation is able to offer additional constructive guidance, staff will do so upon request.   

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

    QUARTERLY & ANNUAL GRANTS:

    The Foundation does not consider applications from individuals, businesses, or organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status for our grants program. However, submissions from Friends organizations on behalf of an applicant are permitted, as are applications for collaborative projects in which a participating 501(c)(3) entity makes the request and umbrella arrangements. 

    DUDA PRESERVATION AWARDS: 

    As of 2024, the Texas Historical Foundation considers both 501(c)(3) non-profit entities as well as governmental organizations for nomination in the Duda Preservation Awards. For more details on eligibility, visit this link. 

     

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

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

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

    QUARTERLY MICRO GRANTS & ANNUAL GRANTS PROGRAM:

    Because only 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible for Quarterly and Annual Grants programs, governmental organizations do not tend to qualify. However, applications from Friends groups and other partnerships or umbrella arrangements with a 501(c)(3) are accepted.

    DUDA PRESERVATION AWARDS:

    Qualifying governmental entities may be eligible for funding through the Duda Preservation Award program. Please see Eligibility & Requirements for details. 

  • 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. 

    To learn more about joining the Texas Historical Foundation as a member, click here. 

  • 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 distributed.

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

    While the Foundation may consider long-term lease agreements in special cases, generally speaking the property should be owned by the applicant for bricks-and-mortar restoration projects. 

  • 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, 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

  • Will THF consider loans or contributions to capital campaigns?

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

  • Who do I contact for further information?

    Click here to get in touch with Foundation staff. 

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