Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors was established in July 1997 through a generous endowment by George P. Mitchell to honor his wife. Managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this fund supports the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. The grant amounts typically range from $2,500 to $15,000 and the selection process is competitive, aiming to identify projects that make a significant contribution to historic preservation. The fund is open to public agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and other nonprofit organizations. While individuals and for-profit businesses are generally not eligible, exceptions are made if the project involves a National Historic Landmark. Organizations affiliated with the National Trust, including its programs, are also eligible. Additionally, only Preservation Leadership Forum Members and Main Street America Members (Community or General) can receive funding. Although membership is not required at the application stage, selected applicants must become members to receive funds. Prior grantees of National Trust funding may reapply if all previous grant obligations are met. The grant cycle is annual. The next application deadline is March 3, 2025. Applications must be submitted online, with the form becoming available roughly eight weeks prior to the deadline. Notifications of awards will be issued on July 1, 2025. Funded projects must begin within six months of the award notification and should be completed within a year. Matching funds are required and must be dollar-for-dollar in cash. Ineligible sources for matching include staff salaries, overhead costs, and other National Trust funding. All work must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and consultants used must be approved in advance. The grant can fund various activities such as hiring consultants for architecture, planning, conservation, or educational workshops, as well as some interior construction. However, it cannot support academic research, fundraising activities, building exteriors, or general organizational costs. Final reporting and acknowledgment of National Trust support in project materials are mandatory components of compliance. Evaluation criteria include the significance of the historic property, the potential for the grant to leverage other funds, project urgency and impact, qualifications of personnel, and plans for long-term sustainability. Applications must include a detailed budget, up to six high-resolution images, proof of nonprofit status, consultant resumes (if applicable), property ownership consent (if applicable), and optionally, letters of endorsement. For further questions, applicants are encouraged to reach out to [email protected].

Ensure project plans comply with Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and obtain competitive bids for services >$50K; review funding use restrictions carefully.