Preservation Austin Grant Program

Preservation Austin administers a grant program that supports a wide range of heritage-based projects throughout the city of Austin, Texas. The program is designed to empower individuals, nonprofit organizations, and neighborhood groups in preserving and interpreting the historic places that matter most to their communities. The organization offers financial support through two distinct mechanisms: biannually reviewed Matched Grants and Rolling Grants, both of which align with Preservation Austin’s mission to promote a more inclusive and resilient cultural identity through historic preservation. The Matched Grant track offers awards of up to $10,000 and is reviewed twice annually, with application deadlines on January 15 and June 15. This stream requires applicants to provide matched funding for their projects. The Rolling Grant track provides up to $1,500, is reviewed year-round, and does not require matching funds. Both types of grants support the same three funding categories: Bricks and Mortar, Education, and Planning/Historic Resource Survey/Local Historic Designation. These funding mechanisms are designed to reach a wide applicant base while supporting both large-scale preservation efforts and smaller, immediate needs. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and individual owners of designated or proposed landmarks within Austin. The program explicitly encourages projects that are new or represent distinct phases of ongoing initiatives. For the January 2026 application period, Preservation Austin has announced a temporary waiver of its typical restriction on reimbursing costs incurred before the award date. In terms of scope, Bricks and Mortar Grants can be used for rehabilitation or restoration of facades, windows, siding, exterior painting, foundations, roofs, HVAC systems, and other structural improvements. Education Grants support projects that foster understanding of Austin’s built environment, including its architecture, cultural history, and significant figures. Eligible projects include oral histories, photography, art installations, film, digital media, signage, and neighborhood histories. The Planning/Historic Designation category supports work such as feasibility studies, architectural and engineering plans, historic surveys and their updates, and the preparation of National Register or local historic nominations. The submission process differs slightly depending on the grant type. Matched Grant applicants must submit their applications by one of the two fixed deadlines, while Rolling Grant applicants can apply at any time. Both require the selection of a relevant funding category and submission through the official channels provided by Preservation Austin. Applicants should prepare to demonstrate the historic relevance of their project, its community impact, and alignment with one of the three funding categories. Applications are reviewed based on criteria such as historical significance, feasibility, and potential community impact. While specific details on evaluation processes are not provided, the program emphasizes preservation outcomes that contribute to the cultural fabric of Austin. Interested applicants are encouraged to join Preservation Austin’s mailing list to stay informed on deadlines, changes in guidelines, and announcements of future funding cycles.