Preserving America Grant
Americana Corner was created to preserve and share the story of America’s founding, fostering a deeper understanding and lasting appreciation of our nation’s history. To further this mission, the Preserving America Grant program was established as a philanthropic initiative supporting preservation, education, fundraising, and marketing efforts at historical sites focused on early American history. Since its inception, the program has awarded millions of dollars in funding to hundreds of organizations nationwide, supporting a diverse range of projects that bring our nation’s past to life.
Grant Details
Request for funding must be a minimum of $10,000 and may not exceed $15,000. Amount awarded may differ from amount requested.
Applications are accepted from November 15 through December 15, and recipients are announced each year on George Washington’s birthday (February 22).
Our Mission
The Preserving America program was created to empower historical organizations to preserve our nation’s story, engage communities, and build lasting sustainability through funding, mentorship, and collaboration. Because of our efforts, we further hope that the “love of country,” the Amor Patriae, will be rekindled in the hearts of Americans.
Grant Recipient Criteria
The organization must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Eligible organizations must have a primary mission centered on the preservation, education, or public interpretation of pre-1876 American history. This program does not fund organizations that are not exclusively focused on pre-1876 America, even if they have historic objects and/or buildings from that era.
The organization must be non-partisan and non-political.
Sites, buildings, and houses receiving funding must be open to the public without appointment for a minimum of two days per week, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Grant Request Criteria
Grant requests must fit into one of the following categories:
Preserve –– Support the preservation and restoration of a site, structure, or object whose historical significance pre-dates 1876.
Restoration must ensure adherence to their pre-1876 condition, with an emphasis on interpretation. Priority will be given to restoring buildings over objects.
Grant funding may not be used for general operating expenses or modern site improvements such as HVAC systems, ADA ramps, office space and equipment; landscaping projects that do not return the site to its pre-1876 appearance; preservation of historic objects not intended for regular public display; monuments, memorials, and statues built after 1876.
Educate –– Support educational programs and interpretive initiatives that deepen public understanding of pre-1876 American history.
Funding is designated for curriculum resources, living history demonstration (reenactments, first-person storytelling, interpretive presentations), school programs, field trip support, traveling trunks, and lecture series.
Support may also include interpretive signage, short-form educational or orientation videos, exhibits, or installations that enhance understanding and visitor experience.
Permanent displays will be given priority of temporary displays. and short-form educational and/or orientation videos. Temporary exhibits must be on display for at least one year (on-site or as a traveling exhibit).
Create –– Support strategies that increase visibility, reach, visitor engagement, community support, and fundraising capacity for historic sites and projects.
Funding may be used for marketing, branding, outreach initiatives including website improvements, content creation, digital marketing campaigns (social media and email campaigns, etc.).
Support may also include audio tours, digital storytelling, short-form videos, or printed promotional materials.
Fundraising initiatives may include signature fundraising events and online giving platforms.
Grant Package
Each Preserving America Grant recipient receives:
Project Funding: Direct financial support for the approved project (amount TBD).
Digital Marketing: A $1,000 allocation included in the total project funding for paid digital advertising to promote the site and its funded project.
Books: One case of America Victorious, signed by author Tom Hand, to sell in the site’s gift shop, offer as donor, member, or teacher gifts, or donate to local schools or libraries.
Cross-Promotion: Co-promotion of grant recipients and their projects across Americana Corner platforms, including website and social media channels.
Grant Award Criteria
The application deadline is December 15.
Each organization may submit one grant request per calendar year.
Request for funding must be a minimum of $10,000 but may not exceed $15,000. Awarded amounts may differ from the request, and may exceed $15,000 at the discretion of the grant administrator.
All projects must begin before August 15.
Recipients are required to submit progress reports.
Interim update: due by August 15.
Final report: due upon completion of the project, no later than December 15. The final report must include renderings or photos of the completed project.
All projects must be completed by December 15 of the calendar year in which the grant is awarded.
Failure to complete a project or submit reports by the deadline will disqualify you from upcoming grant opportunities until the project is completed and final report submitted.
Grant recipients will acknowledge Americana Corner’s support in all appropriate programs, publications, public announcements, social media channels, signage, and website, if applicable and as mutually agreed upon. We have created a Media Kit to assist you.
Americana Corner reserves full discretion regarding the timing, requirements, and all other aspects of grant funding.
Funding Release Requirements
Funds will be released upon completion of the following:
Social media announcement –– Announce your Preserving American Grant award within five days on your organization’s social media platforms in accordance with Americana Corner’s media guidelines.
Design and script approvals –– Submit final design proofs for signage and displays or scripts for film projects for review and approval prior to production.
Funding confirmation –– Provide confirmation of secured funding commitments for projects not solely funded by Americana Corner.
Quotes –– Submission of firm quotes (not estimates) for all project components.
Digital Marketing Plan –– Provide a brief plan outlining how your site and project will be promoted, including the $1,000 digital ad allocation from American Corner, to maximize reach and engagement.
Book Distribution Plan –– Provide a plan outlining how copies of America Victorious will be distributed or sold.
The application window is open November 15-December 15. Grant recipients will be announced on February 22, George Washington’s birthday. View our previous Preserving America Grant recipients.
