Hart Family Fund for Small Towns

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is a funding opportunity designed to foster preservation initiatives in small towns across the United States. This fund focuses on communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer, offering seed money to stimulate public discourse on historic preservation, facilitate the acquisition of necessary technical expertise, introduce preservation practices to broader audiences, and encourage investment from the private sector. Grant amounts typically range from $2,500 to $15,000 and the selection process is noted to be highly competitive. The Hart Fund is an annual grant program, with the next application deadline scheduled for May 1, 2025. Applications become available six to eight weeks before the deadline and the review process takes approximately three months. Applicants are informed of the decision by email. Grants may be awarded to public agencies or nonprofit organizations that meet eligibility criteria, including location in a town with a population of 10,000 or less and compliance with National Trust requirements. Only one grant per organization is awarded in each grant cycle, with a maximum of three grants allowed over any two-year period. Eligibility is further restricted to Organizational Level Preservation Leadership Forum Members, Main Street America Community Members, and General Members. While an organization does not need to be a member at the time of application, awarded grantees must join prior to receiving funds. Proof of IRS tax-exempt status, or documents proving steps toward such status, are also required. Matching funds, provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis from either public or private sources, are mandatory. However, staff salaries, donated services, and overhead costs cannot be used as matching contributions. The fund supports activities in two broad categories: planning and education/outreach. Planning efforts include hiring professionals for creating historic structure reports, landscape master plans, feasibility studies, or community visioning forums. Educational initiatives are also encouraged, particularly those targeting new audiences through innovative formats. Funding cannot be used for construction, academic research, property acquisition, or general support for conferences. Eligible expenses include consultant fees, educational materials, and associated project supplies, although some categories are capped at 10% of the budget. Applications must include several components such as a detailed budget, consultant resumes (if selected), tax-exemption documentation, high-quality images, letters of endorsement, and, if necessary, property owner consent. Applicants must adhere to strict guidelines regarding acknowledgment of the National Trust’s support, non-discrimination policies, and project timelines. Projects must commence within six months of receiving the award, and a final report is due within one year. Questions about eligibility or the application process can be directed to the National Trust’s grants staff. For additional information or to apply, interested parties should access the National Trust grants application system via their website. Support is available via email at info@savingplaces.org or by phone at 202-588-6000. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is headquartered at 600 14th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005.