Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation

The Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation, established in July 1994 in honor of Johanna Favrot’s 80th birthday, is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The fund is dedicated to preserving historic environments that foster appreciation for the nation’s diverse cultural heritage and enhance the livability of its communities. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, based in Washington, DC, is a private nonprofit organization committed to protecting significant historic places across the United States. The organization works through direct action, funding, and advocacy to ensure that America’s historical legacy endures. This fund supports a wide range of preservation-related activities and prioritizes those that demonstrate a strong likelihood of preserving or restoring an authentic sense of place. Eligible projects include planning activities, public education campaigns, hiring consultants with specialized expertise, production and marketing of communication materials, hosting workshops or conferences on preservation topics, and bricks-and-mortar preservation or rehabilitation of historic or archaeological sites. However, academic research, resource surveys for National Register nominations, staff salaries, organizational overhead, and catering or entertainment expenses are not eligible. The fund offers competitive grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, with applicants encouraged to match the awarded funds on a one-to-one basis. Matches can include private or public sources and revenue from fundraising or registration fees. Only one grant may be awarded per organization per grant cycle, and no more than three grants may be given to a single grantee within a two-year period. Projects must begin within six months of the award date, and a final report is due within one year of disbursement. Eligible applicants include public agencies, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and in specific circumstances, individuals or for-profit entities if the project involves a National Historic Landmark. Previous recipients of National Trust funding are eligible if current on all requirements. Additionally, only members of the Preservation Leadership Forum or Main Street America networks are eligible to receive funding, although active membership is only required after selection. The next grant deadline is March 2, 2026. If the first of the month falls on a weekend, the deadline moves to the following Monday. The application will become available approximately eight weeks prior to the deadline. Applicants will be notified of decisions via email by July 1. The application must be completed online and includes components such as high-resolution images, IRS determination letters, consultant resumes, property owner consent letters, optional endorsements, and a detailed project budget. Projects must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Consultants require National Trust approval prior to disbursement of funds, and any consultant who is also a board member of the applicant organization must follow conflict of interest guidelines. For additional questions or support, applicants are encouraged to contact the grants team at [email protected]. This annual opportunity is part of the National Trust’s broader commitment to empower local preservationists and strengthen community heritage across the nation.

Focus on authentic sense of place, community support, urgency, and demonstrated capacity to complete preservation work.