Preserving America Grant

Americana Corner was created to remind Americans of our nation’s wonderful past. We would like to assist other organizations that are focused on telling the incredible story of America from its founding era through its first century as a nation. To that end, we have established the Preserving America Grant program.

This year, we are excited to support projects focused on the American Revolution in preparation for our country’s 250th anniversary. If your organization need funds to restore an historical object or structure that relates to the Revolutionary War, or to educate visitors about your site’s involvement in America’s struggle for independence, we may be able to help!

Request for funding must be a minimum of $5,000 but may not exceed $10,000. Amount awarded may differ from amount requested.

Our Mission

We hope to assist organizations that are focused on telling the incredible story of America from its founding era through its first century as a nation. Because of our efforts, we further hope that the “love of country,” the Amor Patriae, will be rekindled in the hearts of Americans.

Grant Recipient Criteria

  • This year, we are giving priority to projects focused on the American Revolution.

  • The organization must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

  • The primary mission of the organization must be the preservation of a pre-1876 American historic site(s) or the display of objects in a public museum from that same period.

  • The organization must be non-partisan and non-political.

  • Sites, buildings, and houses receiving funding must be open to the public without appointment for a minimum of two days per week, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

  • This program does not fund organizations not exclusively focused on pre-1876 America even if they have historic objects and/or buildings from that era.

Grant Request Criteria

This year, we are giving priority to projects focused on the American Revolution. Grant requests must fit into one of the following categories:

  • Preserve –– Preserve and/or restore a site, structure, or object whose historical significance pre-dates 1876.

    • Restoration must ensure adherence to their pre-1876 condition, with an emphasis on interpretation. Priority will be given to restoring buildings over objects.

    • Grant funding cannot be used for general operating expenses or modern site improvements such as HVAC systems, ADA ramps, office space and equipment; landscaping projects that do not return the site to its pre-1876 appearance; preservation of historic objects not intended for daily display to the public; monuments, memorials, and statues built after 1876.

  • Educate –– Educate visitors about the site or an aspect of pre-1876 American history at the site.

    • Funding is designated for living history programming, interpretive signage, school programs, traveling trunks, exhibits, and short-form educational and/or orientation videos. Permanent displays will be given priority over temporary exhibits; temporary exhibits must be on display for at least one year (at the site or as a traveling exhibit).

    • Events such as symposiums, celebrations of a specific event, short-term exhibits, or films/video (except for short-form educational and/or visitor center orientation videos) are not eligible.

Grant Award Criteria

  • Request for funding must be a minimum of $5,000 but may not exceed $10,000. Amount awarded may differ from amount requested and may exceed $10,000 at the discretion of the grant program administrator. 

  • An organization may submit one grant request per calendar year. 

  • The deadline for applications is December 15.

  • Americana Corner shall have full and complete discretion regarding the timing, requirements, and all other aspects of grant funding.

  • Grant recipients will acknowledge Americana Corner’s support in all appropriate programs, publications, public announcements, social media channels, signage, and website, if applicable and as mutually agreed upon. We have created a Media Kit to assist you. 

  • Grant recipients are required to provide progress reports. Interim project updates are due by August 15, and final project reports are due upon completion of your project, no later than December 15.

  • The organization will provide renderings of the restored and/or improved site, object, or display upon completion. 

  • All projects must be completed by December 15 within the calendar year the grant is issued.

  • Failure to submit project reports, or complete your project by the deadline will disqualify you from upcoming grant opportunities.

The application window is closed. Grant recipients will be announced on February 22, George Washington’s birthday. View our 2024 Preserving America grant recipients.

Profiles

Recipients

Media Kit

Progress Report

 

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