Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors Grant

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: National Trust for Historic Preservation
Amount: US $2,500 - US $15,000
Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Summary

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, established by George P. Mitchell in 1997, supports the preservation of historic interiors through grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, while individuals may apply if their project involves a National Historic Landmark. The competitive selection process typically concludes within three months, with grant recipients required to match funds dollar-for-dollar. This initiative promotes education and planning activities crucial for maintaining historic interior integrity.

Overview

About The Preservation Leadership Forum of the National Trust for Historic Preservation is a network of preservation leaders — professionals, students, volunteers, activists, experts — who share the latest ideas, information, and advice, and have access to in-depth preservation resources and training. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors In July 1997, George P. Mitchell made a generous gift to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to establish the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors in honor of his wife. The purpose of the fund is to assist in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. Grants from the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors generally range from $2,500 to $15,000. The selection process is very competitive. The review process is generally completed within three months of the application deadline, and applicants are notified via email once the review process is complete.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Public agencies and nonprofit organizations are eligible. Individuals and for-profit businesses may apply only if the project for which funding is requested involves a National Historic Landmark.Eligible Activities:Grants from the Mitchell Fund are awarded for planning activities and education efforts focused on the preservation of historic interiors. Grants may be made for activities and projects such as:Obtaining professional expertise in areas such as architecture, planning, paint analysis, archeology, or graphic design Hiring a preservation architect to create an interior restoration plan Hiring a consultant to develop a conservation plan for an interior's textiles Producing a historic furnishings plan Sponsoring a workshop on the preservation of historic interiors Restoration, rehabilitation, stabilization, and preservation of designated historic interiors, including bricks-and-mortar interior constructionEligible Expenses:Fees for consultant services Speaker/faculty costs (honoraria, travel, and lodging), room rental for conferences Mailing costs for distribution of materials Web site development Materials and services such as printing, photographs, telephone, and supplies. With the exception of publications projects, these costs may not exceed 10 percent of the project budget.Programs of the National Trust are also eligible to apply for grants from the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund. Applicants that have received previous National Trust financial assistance are eligible provided that all grant requirements are current. Only one grant will be awarded per organization in any grant round. Only one grant will be awarded for a particular project phase.Applicants must be capable of matching the grant amount dollar-for-dollar. A cash match is required and can come from private or public sources, or from income earned from registration fees or fundraising activities.Other conditions include:Grants or matching funds cannot be used directly or indirectly to influence a member of Congress to favor or oppose any legislation or appropriation. Any documents or plans for preservation work that result from the project must conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. At least three (3) competitive bids/quotes must be obtained for any procurement of services that exceed $50,000. This provision applies only to portions of the project supported by National Trust funds. Grant projects must begin within six months of award date. Failure to begin the project in this time frame may result in the cancellation of the grant and you will need to reapply for funding. Grant recipients must include appropriate acknowledgment of National Trust financial support in all printed materials generated for the project. Consultants must be approved by the National Trust before grant funds are disbursed.Board members of the application organization cannot serve as consultants unless appropriate conflict of interest procedures are followed and documented. Grant recipients are required to sign a contract agreeing to the conditions of the program. Within one year from the grant disbursement date, a final report and financial accounting of the expenditure of the grants must be submitted. If the project is not completed in accordance with the contract, the grant funds must be returned. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Only Organizational Level Forum members or Main Street America members of the National Trust are eligible to apply for funding from the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors.

Ineligibility

Donated materials and services, staff salaries and organizational overhead costs are not eligible sources of a match. Other funding from the National Trust may not be used to match a Mitchell Fund grant.National Trust Preservation Fund grants cannot be used to pay staff salaries.Ineligible Activities:Academic research Fundraising-related activities Projects focused on the building's exteriorIneligible Expenses:Staff or faculty salaries Organizational overhead costs Catering, food and beverage, entertainment Expenses incurred prior to award date