Guide or Instruction

How to Get Expert Help and Funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation

If your historic preservation group is looking for expert help and funding, your first stop might be the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) website. The NTHP provides support in the form of technical assistance and small grants to nonprofit historic preservation organizations. The NTHP provides this support through its national and field offices. However, be aware that most of the NTHP's grant programs require a cash match.

Main Street Program

The National Trust for Historic Preservation administers the national Main Street program, while states maintain their own Main Street programs. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation oversees Wisconsin's Main Street program.

The National Trust describes the Main Street program approach to community development this way:

The Main Street Four-Point Approach® is a unique preservation-based economic development tool that enables communities to revitalize downtown and neighborhood business districts by leveraging local assets — from historic, cultural, and architectural resources to local enterprises and community pride.

It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the variety of issues and problems that challenge traditional commercial districts.

Main Street programs are locally driven, funded, organized, and run. They are independent nonprofits or city agencies located in the community and affiliated with the statewide (or citywide in larger cities) coordinating Main Street organization and a network of other Main Street organizations within the state.

The statewide or citywide coordinating Main Street organization generally has an application process through which a community can be designated as a Main Street program.

The coordinating organizations provide direct technical services, networking, and training opportunities to their affiliated programs.

You'll find a wealth of information on the NTHP website, including details and application deadlines for the grant programs summarized below. You should always check the NTHP website or contact the NTHP directly for the most up-to-date information on funding programs.

Local Preservation Project Funding

The NTHP's National Trust Preservation Funds (NTPF) provide small grants in the amount of $2,500 to $5,000 for local preservation projects. These funds are intended to support projects for the following NTHP priorities:

Build sustainable communities
Reimagine historic sites
Promote diversity and place
Protect historic places on public lands

Emergency/Intervention Funding

The NTHP offers funding for emergency situations when immediate and unanticipated work is needed to save a historic structure, such as when a fire or other natural disaster strikes. Emergency funding is limited and restricted to nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Emergency grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. Unlike most NTHP grant programs, a cash match is not required for intervention projects.

Preservation Planning and Education Funding

The NTHP supports preservation planning and education work through the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation. The purpose of this fund is to save historic environments for these two purposes:

To foster an appreciation of our nation's diverse cultural heritage
To preserve and revitalize the livability of the nation's communities

These grants are nationally competitive and range from $2,500 to $10,000. Funds can be used for activities such as consultant services, the design and development of communication materials, conference sponsorship, and the development of education programs.

Historic Interiors Preservation Funding

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors provides funding for the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. Grants from this fund generally range from $2,500 to $10,000. The selection process is highly competitive.

Nonprofit Leadership and Organizational Development Funding

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund supports mentoring and organizational development opportunities for nonprofit staff and board members. Grants are awarded as travel expense reimbursements and honoraria payments for mentors. The maximum award is $1,500. The program aims to help nonprofit preservation organizations increase their effectiveness and grow their capacity, and to encourage collaboration among organizations.

Equity Investments for Real Estate Projects

A subsidiary of the NTHP, the National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC), makes equity investments in real estate projects that have a high economic impact on the surrounding community. Projects must qualify for certain federal or state tax credits: historic, low-income housing, or new markets tax credits. The NTCIC has provided a tax credit equity investment to Main Street types of projects, such as small boutique hotels and storefront businesses.

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