Sam and Mary Cooke Preservation Fund for Hawaiʻi

The Sam and Mary Cooke Preservation Fund for Hawaiʻi, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in partnership with the Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation, is dedicated to supporting the preservation and enhancement of historic sites in Hawaiʻi. Established in 2008, the fund emerged from a strategic collaboration to secure permanent resources for safeguarding the state’s unique architectural, archaeological, and cultural landmarks. By providing financial assistance to preservation projects across Hawaiʻi, the fund aims to ensure that historic places are maintained for the benefit of future generations. The fund disburses annual grants totaling approximately $15,000, with individual awards ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. These grants are drawn from a managed endowment and can be used to support a broad range of preservation activities. Eligible uses include professional consulting services in disciplines such as archaeology, architecture, and planning, as well as educational programming, preservation marketing materials, and physical restoration of designated historic sites. However, the fund does not support academic research or organizational overhead, and grant expenditures must adhere strictly to federal preservation standards and guidelines. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations classified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must also be members of the Preservation Leadership Forum or Main Street America at the Organizational Level, though active membership is only required upon award acceptance. Previous recipients may apply again provided prior grant requirements have been fulfilled, but organizations are limited to one grant per project phase and no more than three grants over a two-year period. Additionally, all grants require a one-to-one funding match, which may be fulfilled through cash, in-kind contributions, or a combination thereof. The application process follows the timeline of the broader National Trust Preservation Fund, with deadlines typically set for February 1, June 1, and October 1 each year. Prospective applicants must verify the availability of Hawaiʻi-specific funds during each round via the NTPF page, as fund availability varies. The online application portal becomes accessible approximately 6 to 8 weeks before each deadline, and reviews are completed within ten weeks following the closing date. Selected applicants are notified via email after the review process. Required components of the application include up to three high-resolution images, proof of nonprofit tax-exempt status, a letter of property owner consent if applicable, and a detailed project budget. Applicants are also expected to comply with several administrative requirements, such as competitive bidding for services exceeding $50,000, consultant approval, and project commencement within six months of grant award. Final reports must be submitted within a year of fund disbursement. For inquiries regarding eligibility, application requirements, or membership status, applicants can contact the National Trust at [email protected] or by phone at 202-588-6000. Additional information, including access to the grant application system, is available on the National Trust’s official website. The fund’s recurring nature and predictable deadlines make it a reliable source of support for preservation projects across the Hawaiian Islands.

Ensure membership is verified and project scope aligns with eligible activities; confirm ability to match 1:1 funding and meet documentation timelines