Black Heritage Preservation Program Grants

The Black Heritage Preservation Program, administered by Indiana Landmarks, is dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and promoting the heritage and historic sites significant to the Black community in Indiana. The program's primary objective is to support efforts that tell a fuller and more inclusive narrative of African American history across the state. It accomplishes this by offering grants to support two primary project categories: the restoration and preservation of extant sites, and the interpretation of heritage associated with places that no longer physically exist. Grants ranging from $500 to $30,000 are available for the restoration and preservation of buildings and sites that are historically important to Black heritage. These projects may include capital improvements, structural restoration, repairs, feasibility studies, and planning initiatives. Priority is given to properties recognized in the Indiana Sites and Structures Inventory or listed on local or national historic registers. Projects must serve a public or charitable purpose and be located in Indiana. Separately, interpretive projects may be funded with awards ranging from $250 to $10,000. These can include historical research, the development of memorials and markers, public education events, exhibits, and virtual or augmented reality presentations that bring attention to past places and their cultural relevance. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with submissions accepted year-round. Determination letters for approval or denial are sent following each quarterly review cycle. The application requires submission of documentation such as a history of the proposed site or heritage project, a budget with sources of funding, and images or renderings of the project. Applications must be submitted via email to the program director. Indiana Landmarks administers the grant program with involvement from its finance staff and the Black Heritage Preservation Program Committee. Applicants are expected to provide a 20 percent match toward project costs, which may include cash, other grants, in-kind services, or the value of volunteer labor. Grants are available only to federally tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. Individuals may apply by partnering with a fiduciary agent that meets the same nonprofit requirements. Membership in Indiana Landmarks is required at the time of grant award. All grant recipients must submit progress reports, acknowledge Indiana Landmarks support in project materials, and agree to the placement of program signage at the project site. Grantees must also provide Indiana Landmarks with documentation of project outcomes, including photographs, recordings, and written reports, while retaining the copyright of submitted materials. However, the program is granted perpetual rights to reproduce and utilize this content for editorial, promotional, or educational purposes. Applicants must certify that they own or have the authority to submit the project work and that it does not violate any proprietary or privacy rights. This program works in conjunction with other funding sources such as the Standiford H. Cox Fund and the Dovie Stewart Cox & Chester A. Cox Sr. Memorial Fund, both of which also support Black heritage preservation throughout Indiana. For more information about these additional opportunities, applicants are encouraged to reach out directly to the Indiana Landmarks staff.

Be thorough in documenting site significance and use of funds. Provide visuals and clear goals.