Southwest Intervention Fund

The Southwest Intervention Fund is administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a private nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The Trust is dedicated to protecting and restoring significant historic and cultural sites across the United States, with a specific focus on preserving traditional cultures in the American Southwest through this grant program. This fund provides financial support to address preservation planning and urgent intervention needs in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and defined parts of West Texas. The program prioritizes strategic preservation efforts that require timely action to save endangered historic sites or advance cultural heritage initiatives. The fund supports activities ranging from planning and legal intervention to educational workshops and site stabilization. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and are considered catalytic in nature, aimed at initiating or bolstering preservation projects. Eligible uses of funding include archaeological site surveys, community education workshops, structural assessments, and legal or communication strategies to support preservation outcomes. However, the program prohibits expenditures on general fundraising, construction, and equipment leasing or purchasing. Eligibility is restricted to public agencies, nonprofits, and organizations classified under 501(c)(3), including those that are Preservation Leadership Forum Members or Main Street America members. Organizations do not need to hold an active membership to apply, but must join if awarded a grant. There are limits on repeat funding: only one grant per organization per round, and a maximum of three grants within two years. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for the grant, which may include in-kind contributions and public or private sources. Applicants must adhere to several conditions including acknowledgement of the National Trust’s support in promotional materials, consultant pre-approval, and project start and completion timelines. Within one year of receiving the grant, a final report is required. All projects must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Applications are accepted three times annually with deadlines on February 1, June 1, and October 1. Application materials must include photographs, proof of nonprofit status, and a detailed budget. The grant application is submitted through the National Trust’s online portal and the same application is used for both the National Trust Preservation Fund and the Southwest Intervention Fund. The review period lasts up to ten weeks, and applicants are informed via email once decisions are finalized. For assistance, potential applicants are encouraged to consult the National Trust grants office before applying. General inquiries can be directed to info@savingplaces.org or by phone at 202-588-6000 or 800-944-6847.