Louis J. Appell, Jr., Preservation Fund for Central Pennsylvania

The Louis J. Appell, Jr., Preservation Fund for Central Pennsylvania is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a private nonprofit organization committed to safeguarding the historical and cultural fabric of the United States. This fund was established to promote historic preservation efforts specifically within Central Pennsylvania, enabling local communities and organizations to address preservation challenges proactively. By providing financial support for both construction-related preservation and technical assistance, the fund seeks to enhance public awareness and appreciation of the region’s historical significance. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 and are designed to support activities such as the restoration or rehabilitation of historic buildings, land conservation initiatives that relate to cultural heritage, and services that contribute directly to the preservation of specific sites. These services may include planning, development of educational or promotional materials, and interpretive programming. Eligible expenses cover a range of costs, from professional consulting fees to restoration materials, while ineligible costs include overhead, catering, entertainment, or any expenses incurred before the grant award date. The fund places strict limitations on political advocacy, requiring compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for any preservation work undertaken. Applicants must be public agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or other qualified nonprofit organizations, with eligibility further contingent upon geographic location—specifically, properties and projects must be located in one of 21 designated counties in Central Pennsylvania. Additionally, applicants must be affiliated with the Preservation Leadership Forum or the Main Street America network, although active membership is not required at the time of application; selected grantees must join prior to the release of funds. Organizations that have previously received National Trust funding are eligible, provided prior grant requirements have been fulfilled. However, no more than three grants may be awarded to a single grantee within any two-year period. The application process utilizes the National Trust Preservation Fund (NTPF) portal, with submission deadlines typically falling on February 1, June 1, and October 1. Applications open approximately six to eight weeks before each deadline. Interested applicants should verify fund availability for Central Pennsylvania on the NTPF page before proceeding. All applications must include up to three high-resolution digital images, a budget section, IRS determination letter for nonprofit status, and, if applicable, a letter of consent from the property owner. Consultants included in the project must receive post-award approval from the National Trust, and services exceeding $50,000 require at least three competitive bids. Each application is evaluated based on the significance of the historic property, the potential impact of the project, the applicant’s capacity to complete the work, and the extent of community support. Projects that leverage additional funding, serve as models for other preservation efforts, or promote long-term sustainability are prioritized. Once submitted, applications undergo a review process lasting up to ten weeks, after which award decisions are communicated via email. Projects must begin within six months of the award date unless an extension is requested. A final report and financial accounting are due within one year of the grant award, and recipients must provide proper attribution to the National Trust in all project materials. For further information or to inquire about membership eligibility or application requirements, applicants are encouraged to contact the National Trust for Historic Preservation at [email protected] or 202-588-6000. The fund's administration headquarters is located at 600 14th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005.

Ensure compliance with Secretary of the Interior’s Standards; secure and document matching funds.