Heritage Preservation Grant: Without Historic Designation

Heritage Preservation Grant: Without Historic Designation

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: City Of Austin
Amount: Up to US $50,000
Last Updated: October 14, 2025

Summary

The Heritage Preservation Grant promotes historic preservation projects aimed at enhancing tourism through local history. The grant supports capital projects or heritage events that foster access to historical sites and heritage resources, engaging both residents and tourists. Notably, all capital projects must possess a historic designation. The initiative's goals include increasing heritage tourism in Austin, preserving historic spaces, and creating jobs in the creative economy, with funding of up to $50,000 available for eligible projects.

Overview

NOTE: You must first complete the Intake Form to access the Eligibility Forms. The Eligibility Forms are used to determine whether a potential applicant qualifies to proceed to the full grant application.  Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM: Eligibility Forms OpenTuesday, October 21 at 10:00 AM: AACME Funding Applications Open Thursday, December 4 at 6:59 PM: AACME Funding Eligibility Forms DeadlineThursday, December 11 at 6:59 PM: AACME Funding Application Deadline Heritage Preservation Grant The Heritage Preservation Grant promotes tourism through historic preservation projects and activities rooted in local history and heritage. Grant funds support capital projects or heritage events that expand access to historic places and heritage resources and market the site's history to engage new audiences and tourists. All capital projects require a historic designation. Program goals include to increase Austin's heritage tourism; preserve and open access to historic spaces; bring local history to life through interpretation, activations, and storytelling; and support jobs in the creative economy. Without Historic Designation Eligible Properties Without Historic Designation but Pursuing Designation or Historic Location (Maximum Award: $50,000) Support proposals that expand access to historic places and heritage experiences by highlighting local history and storytelling, connecting communities, and drawing both residents and tourists. While bids are not required for Heritage Events, a proposed budget breakdown is required as part of the application process. Heritage Event Project Types Events, festivals, or programs at a historic designated location or within a historic district and marketed regionally, nationally, or internationallyHeritage, historic, or interpretive history-focused exhibitsHistoric marker (applications must indicate eligibility from the Texas Historical Commission in advance)Projects or activities in heritage districts with historic assets previously approved by the City Council (includes the Red River Cultural District, African American Cultural Heritage District, and the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor)Tour development: historic, heritage, legacy business, and natural resources

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible Heritage Event ExpensesEquipment rentalsHonoraria for oral history interviews services renderedMarketing and advertising promotionsNon-expendables for tour development tourist-benefitting expenses, not to exceed $2,000 without AACME staff approval to ensure compliance with the contract and City policyProduction, historic research, operations, and administration of heritage tourism activities that support the event and promote tourisProject insuranceReview and acquire necessary permits through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C)Travel-related costs for visiting speaker/contractor coming to Austin for funded activity that directly benefits and is promoted to touristsEligible ApplicantsFor-Profit Business501(c)(3)Two years minimum operating in the City of Austin / MSALeaseholder or Owner for historic designated properties (individual or contributing)Applicants may qualify for one Heritage Preservation Grant per funding cycle

Ineligibility

Applicants whose non-profit status has been revoked by the Internal Revenue ServiceApplicants unable to demonstrate at least two years of operations within the Austin metro areaApplicants who are receiving or requesting funding from other AACME Funds for the same proposal, same activities, and/or expenses within the contract periodCity of Austin Employees Individuals younger than 18 years old Owner-occupied (residential) stewards or properties