Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund

The Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund is administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting historic places across the United States. This grant supports legacy businesses along the historic Route 66 corridor, with a focus on enhancing the visibility and sustainability of underrepresented communities through preservation efforts. For the 2025 funding round, the program particularly encourages painting and mural projects in anticipation of the 2026 Route 66 Centennial celebration. This grant program aims to stimulate economic development and cultural preservation along the Route 66 corridor by funding projects in three categories: capital improvements, planning, and marketing and outreach. Eligible applicants are independently owned legacy businesses with physical locations in historic or older buildings that significantly contribute to their community’s history. Projects must be located within Route 66 corridor communities in eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Applications are open through January 23, 2025, with a typical review period of ten weeks. Awards generally range from $5,000 to $10,000, and matching funds are not required. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must own the business they are applying on behalf of. Preferred applicants include businesses owned or historically associated with People of Color, women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, and veterans, particularly those in economically distressed areas or affected by recent crises such as COVID-19. Grant funds may be used for a wide variety of activities including preservation-related construction, planning documents like feasibility or marketing studies, and outreach efforts such as inclusive signage, exhibits, and translated materials. Ineligible expenses include new building construction, academic research, archival projects, and costs exceeding 10% of the budget for organizational overhead. Applicants must submit several key items including high-quality images, a budget, a Certificate of Good Standing, and a letter of consent if the applicant does not own the project site. All awarded projects must comply with specific federal preservation standards and other grant conditions, such as obtaining multiple bids for services over $50,000 and obtaining consultant approval from the National Trust. For additional assistance or questions regarding project eligibility, applicants are encouraged to contact the National Trust grants office via email at grants@savingplaces.org. More information and access to the application system is available at savingplaces.org. Grant recipients are expected to begin their projects within six months of the award date or formally request an extension. A final narrative and financial report is required upon project completion.