Preserve New York Grant

Preserve New York (PNY) is a longstanding grant initiative established in 1993 through a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League of New York State. This program is dedicated to supporting the preservation planning efforts of arts and cultural organizations across New York State. It is made possible by state funding with the support of the Governor and New York State Legislature, and supplemented by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation for select regional projects. The primary focus of the program is to ensure the sustainable preservation, rehabilitation, and long-term planning of historic structures and cultural landscapes with a strong arts and culture component. The PNY program funds a variety of project types including historic structure reports, building condition reports, cultural landscape reports, cultural resource surveys, and National Register historic district nominations. All projects must demonstrate a clear connection to public-facing arts and cultural activities. By funding comprehensive studies, PNY helps organizations plan major capital improvements, enhance their fundraising readiness, and preserve buildings and districts that serve as cultural anchors in their communities. Projects that prioritize histories of underrepresented communities, or address environmental sustainability and climate resilience, are given priority. Eligibility for PNY is generally limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural organizations based in New York State. These applicants must either own the building or site in question or possess a long-term lease, MOU, or stewardship agreement (minimum of six years) with a public or nonprofit owner. For surveys and historic district nominations, municipalities and other nonprofits may also apply if the area exhibits a strong arts or cultural identity. State agencies and religious institutions are not eligible. The grant provides up to 80% of total project costs, with awards ranging typically between $5,000 and $14,000, though past grants have ranged from $2,000 to $20,000. A required 20% cash match must be provided by applicants; in-kind services and staff time are not eligible for matching. The amount requested should reflect a realistic understanding of professional service fees and demonstrate the applicant's commitment to the project's success. The 2025 grant cycle opens with a pre-application requirement due by 5:00 p.m. ET on April 11, 2025. Final applications are due by 5:00 p.m. ET on April 18, 2025. All applications must be submitted online. Applicants will be notified of decisions approximately 12 weeks after the final deadline. Prior to applying, potential applicants are encouraged to attend in-person workshops or view recorded webinars to gain deeper insight into the program's goals and requirements. The Preserve New York grant cycle is annual. Since the 2025 cycle is closed, the next opportunity will open in 2026. Based on historical patterns, interested applicants should prepare for the next pre-application window around March 2026. Questions about the program may be directed to grants@preservenys.org or by phone at 518.462.5658 ext. 10.

Ensure a strong arts/cultural link is demonstrated; match funds must be cash only; projects addressing DEIA or climate change are prioritized.