Historic Preservation Education Grant

The Historic Preservation Education Grant is a collaborative funding initiative managed by Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks. This program is designed to support public educational projects across Indiana that engage communities in understanding, valuing, and protecting the state’s historic places and structures. By fostering public awareness and appreciation of preservation, the grant encourages Hoosiers to take an active role in safeguarding local heritage. Funding for the program comes from Indiana Humanities, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, a federal agency, along with Indiana Landmarks. The program invites proposals from Indiana-based tax-exempt organizations that aim to educate the public about historic preservation. Projects may take many forms, such as workshops, lectures, booklets, exhibitions, documentaries, podcasts, online exhibits, and other digital or in-person programs. Innovative methods that reach broader audiences—particularly through technology—are encouraged. The grant is not intended for physical restoration or construction work but focuses solely on educational initiatives related to preservation. Applicants must be nonprofit or tax-exempt entities registered with the IRS. Schools, libraries, churches, government entities, and colleges are eligible to apply, though individuals, for-profit organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects are ineligible. Each organization may receive only one grant per calendar year. Projects must be educational, public-facing, and based in Indiana. Additionally, all events must be ADA accessible or provide reasonable accommodations, and projects must include participation from a qualified preservation expert. Grants of up to $3,000 are awarded on a competitive basis. The program requires at least a 1:1 match in cash or in-kind support from nonfederal sources. Proposed programs must begin after the set project start dates for each round—April 15 for Round 1 and November 15 for Round 2—and must be completed within one year of the award notification. Approximately 10 to 12 grants will be awarded in 2025, and projects must demonstrate strong execution plans, detailed budgets, and measurable outcomes. The application process occurs in two annual cycles. For 2025, deadlines are February 28 and September 30. All proposals must be submitted through the Indiana Humanities online grants portal. The application requires detailed project descriptions, timelines, personnel involvement, ADA compliance plans, and itemized budgets. A review committee evaluates applications based on public impact, expert involvement, feasibility, and alignment with funders' goals. Notification is issued approximately one month after the application deadline. Awardees are expected to electronically sign the grant agreement, obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov, and adhere to both state and federal compliance requirements. Contact for further assistance includes Suzanne Stanis at Indiana Landmarks and George Hanlin at Indiana Humanities, who are available for consultation throughout the application process.

Strong proposals include clear execution plans, qualified preservation experts, and evidence of public accessibility. Projects with strong public impact and budget clarity are prioritized.