The Summerlee Foundation, a private philanthropic organization, administers the Texas History Program, which has been in operation since 1988. This program supports a broad and diverse range of projects across Texas that enhance understanding and preservation of Texas history. The types of projects funded include archaeology, archives, libraries, media, museums, middle and secondary schools, higher education, preservation, publications, and scholarly research.
The Texas History Program accepts Letters of Intent (LOIs) annually in May for consideration in the September grant cycle. For the 2025 cycle, the LOI submission window is from May 1 to May 30. Interested applicants are required to schedule a preliminary discussion about their project by contacting Gary Smith via email prior to accessing the application portal.
Projects funded by the program are often focused on underserved cultural and geographic areas of Texas. While obtaining a designation from the National Register or the Texas Historical Commission is not mandatory, such recognitions can enhance the competitiveness of a proposal. Additionally, projects with participation from highly qualified individuals and strong community support—evidenced by local funding, in-kind contributions, or volunteer involvement—are more likely to be viewed favorably.
To be eligible, applicants must be either a 501(c)(3) public charity or a governmental unit as defined in section 170(c)(1) of the IRS code. The foundation does not fund individuals, religious activities or institutions, monuments, memorials, courthouse restorations, lobbying efforts, or any organizations that do not align with its mission.
Grant applicants are advised to follow the foundation’s guidelines and are encouraged to review resources such as FAQs and reporting instructions. Application-related questions can be directed to the foundation’s contact listed on their website. There are no specific application questions listed in the public-facing materials, but the foundation provides support for applicants seeking additional clarification.
