CFWT: E. Jay Matsler Trust for Historic Preservation Grant

CFWT: E. Jay Matsler Trust for Historic Preservation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of West Texas
Last Updated: July 17, 2025

Summary

The E. Jay Matsler Trust for Historic Preservation Grant, established by a $348,000 bequest, supports historic preservation projects in Lubbock and Hale counties. Applicants must demonstrate the historical significance of their projects, their readiness to complete them, and the potential impact on community heritage. This grant fosters civic, cultural, and economic development by preserving historic sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring that the region's rich history is maintained for future generations.

Overview

NOTE: Please be aware that all grant applications must be submitted through the online portal. About Established in 1981, the Lubbock Area Foundation changed its name to the Community Foundation of West Texas in September 2015. The Foundation is one of more than 700 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the following counties that make up the Texas South Plains area, Bailey, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Motley, Terry, and Yoakum by offering people a variety of ways to touch their community through philanthropic giving. Our staff has an in-depth understanding of the issues, opportunities and resources that shape our community. They monitor all areas of community need - including human services, education, the environment, healthcare, the arts and economic development. We can help you learn more about local agencies and programs that make a difference in areas you care about most. E. Jay Matsler Trust for Historic Preservation The E. Jay Matsler Trust for Historic Preservation was established with a bequest of $348,000 for the purpose of supporting historic preservation projects in Lubbock and Hale counties. Mr. Matsler’s gift reflects his roots as the child of a Hale County pioneer family and avid supporter of historic preservation. Criteria The E. Jay Matsler Trust for Historic Preservation grant program focuses on but is not limited to the preservation and reuse of historic buildings and sites that serve as civic, cultural, or economic hubs for communities. Grants may be focused on capital projects. The committee will consider the following criteria: The property’s historical significance at the local, state, or national level Extent to which the property is threatenedExtent to which the project preserves the historical integrity of the building, object, or propertyThe organizational readiness of the applicant to accomplish the proposed work and the likelihood of the project’s completion within a year For this purpose, Historic Preservation is defined as an endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historical significance.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. All grantees must be from Lubbock and Hale Counties and be eligible to accept tax deductible donations as outlined in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. All proposed projects related to the preservation and reuse of historic buildings and sites must be for historic buildings or sites listed or in the process of being listed in the National Register of Historic Places.The Community Foundation of West Texas will make grants to religious groups but will not make grants for religious purposes.

Ineligibility

No part of any grant may be used for a political campaign or to support attempts to influence legislation of any governmental body other than through making available the results of non partisan analysis, study, and research.No portion of the award may be granted to a secondary grantee without the express permission of the Foundation.