Funding News & General Resources

Below you will find articles and press releases about historic and cultural funding news, restoration efforts across the United States, financial resources, and information of interest to the historic preservation and cultural resources community.

We have also collected the best general resources that will assist you in learning more about national funding programs (with some great programs in Canada, too!). There is information on working with the National Park Service, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, to name a few.

Funding In The News

Below are links to recent news articles related to financial resources and funding sources for historic preservation, building restoration, cultural resource preservation, and the arts. Topics include: tax credit information; grants, loans and other financial services; historic preservation successes and threats; and work-training and educational program announcements and information.

New links to articles added multiple times weekly!

• Nearly 100 Reps. Sign-on in Support of Historic Preservation Funding
  Last week, a bipartisan group of 91 Representatives from 31 states and territories signed on to the FY27 Dear Colleague letter in support of funding for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The final letter was submitted to the House Appropriations Committee. This demonstrates strong support for the HPF and far exceeds our total number of signers from the last three years. Thank you to everyone that reached out to your members of Congress. It's clear your advocacy has an impact. We'd especially like to thank the co-chairs of the Historic Preservation Caucus, Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) for leading this effort.
  Posted:

  4/8/2026

  Source:

  PreservationDirectory.com
• Nearly 100 Reps. Sign-on in Support of Historic Preservation Funding
  Last week, a bipartisan group of 91 Representatives from 31 states and territories signed on to the FY27 Dear Colleague letter in support of funding for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The final letter was submitted to the House Appropriations Committee. This demonstrates strong support for the HPF and far exceeds our total number of signers from the last three years. Thank you to everyone that reached out to your members of Congress. It's clear your advocacy has an impact. We'd especially like to thank the co-chairs of the Historic Preservation Caucus, Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) for leading this effort.
  Posted:

  4/7/2026

  Source:

  Preservation Action
• The Community Foundation - Vitality Grants: Preserving Historical Assets
  The Vitality Grants: Preserving Historical Assets funding opportunity supports the Foundation’s goal of strengthening regional vitality by preserving historical assets and promoting educational efforts to expand community awareness of the contributions of the region's diverse populations.
  Posted:

  4/6/2026

  Source:

  The Community Foundation
• Action Alert! Urge Your Senators to Sign-on in Support of Historic Preservation Funding
  As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 50th anniversary of the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), we’re urging Congress to invest in the places that tell our nation’s story by providing $250 million for the HPF.
  Posted:

  4/5/2026

  Source:

  Preservation Action
• Commission Votes to Approve White House Ballroom While Federal Judge Orders Construction Halted
  This week U.S District Judge Richard Leon ordered the Trump Administration to pause construction on their new White House ballroom absent authorization from Congress. The federal judge granted the National Trust for Historic Preservation's request for a preliminary injunction saying the National Trust was likely to succeed because "no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have".
  Posted:

  4/4/2026

  Source:

  Preservation Action
• The Knight Foundation’s Knight Cities Challenge
  Knight Foundation is currently accepting applications for the Knight Cities Challenge, a $5 million open call inviting individuals and organizations across its 26 communities to submit new, creative ideas for projects that can spark change and leave a lasting local impact.
  Posted:

  4/3/2026

  Source:

  The Knight Foundation
• White House Ballroom Construction Halted
  On Tuesday, March 31, Richard Leon, a senior judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, temporarily blocked any further construction of a $400 million ballroom until the Administration of President Trump complies with its own various regulations and guidelines, including authorization from Congress, to build a new structure on the grounds of the historic White House.
  Posted:

  4/2/2026

  Source:

  Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation
• More history exhibits pulled from national parks, including Grand Canyon
  Trump officials have ordered national parks to remove dozens of signs and displays related to climate change, environmental protection and settlers’ mistreatment of Native Americans in a renewed push to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order on “restoring truth and sanity to American history.”
  Posted:

  1/27/2026

  Source:

  The Washington Post
• African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Receives $40 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott
  "The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (Action Fund), a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announced it has received a $40 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This gift builds on her prior $20 million investment in the Action Fund in 2021..."
  Posted:

  1/6/2026

  Source:

  National Trust for Historic Preservation
• More Than $107,000 in Grants to Enhance Historic Preservation in Iowa
  "The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today awarded $93,846 in Certified Local Government (CLG) grants to historic preservation projects in Des Moines, Mount Pleasant and Red Oak, as well as Benton, Louisa, Madison and Muscatine counties. Also, the city of Keokuk will receive a $13,460 grant to plan for future historic preservation..."
  Posted:

  1/6/2026

  Source:

  Iowa Economic Development Authority
• National Trust for Historic Preservation Files Suit to Immediately Stop White House Ballroom Construction
  "The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a suit today in the US District Court for the District of Columbia against various individuals and agencies of the government asserting that ongoing construction of the White House ballroom is unlawful and asking the court to halt further construction activities until the government complies with the law by going through the legally mandated review processes, including a public comment period..."
  Posted:

  1/5/2026

  Source:

  National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Letter to the Editor: We’re architects and preservationists: Don’t mess with the White House
  "The White House is the most recognized historic place in America. Historic preservation reviews by the National Capital Planning Commission and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, with input from the public, would have made the project better, ensuring that the historic significance of the White House itself is respected..."
  Posted:

  1/4/2026

  Source:

  National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Coalition Urges Interior to Uphold Historic Integrity Amid White House Alterations and Interpretation Directives
  "I am writing on behalf of more than 4,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent more than 50,000 years of national park management experience. The Coalition studies, educates, speaks, and acts for the preservation of America’s National Park System. Among our members are former NPS directors, regional directors, superintendents, resource specialists, park rangers, maintenance and administrative staff, and a full array of other former employees, volunteers, and supporters..."
  Posted:

  1/3/2026

  Source:

  Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
• Case Study: How the Rethos Historic Rehab Loan Empowered the Transformation of Hotel President
  "The restoration of the Hotel President in downtown Waterloo is a powerful example of how a Rethos Historic Rehab Loan can provide developers with the financial flexibility, tax credit advantages, and long-term control needed to bring historic buildings back to life. This case study explores how Huntley Whitmer Development used Rethos financing to turn a neglected landmark into a thriving residential community while positioning the project for long-term financial success..."
  Posted:

  1/2/2026

  Source:

  Rethos
• Funding Available to Help Preserve, Restore Historic Buildings in Ohio
  "A new round of funding is now available to help preserve Ohio’s historic buildings and revitalize communities across the state. Through the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, property owners can apply for tax credits to rehabilitate underutilized historic buildings, creating vibrant spaces that honor Ohio’s rich history, while fueling the economy of the future..."
  Posted:

  1/1/2026

  Source:

  Ohio Department of Development
• Grant Funding Supports Stewardship, Context Studies, and Interpretation Planning
  "The National Trust Preservation Fund, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s small-dollar grant program, has been providing catalytic funding to organizations across the country for over 50 years. In the October round, the National Trust received 47 eligible applications and awarded $165,365 in grants to 30 organizations in 15 states and the District of Columbia..."
  Posted:

  12/31/2025

  Source:

  National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Three Grants Fund Preservation Projects and Historic Interiors Nationwide
  "The National Trust for Historic Preservation is thrilled to announce the 2025 recipients of the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, and the Hart Family Fund for Small Towns..."
  Posted:

  12/4/2025

  Source:

  National Trust for Historic Preservation
• 2025 Best of Maryland Award Winners
  "Each year, Preservation Maryland honors individuals, organizations, and projects that exemplify excellence in historic preservation, smart growth, and stewardship across the state. The Best of Maryland Awards highlight the remarkable work being done to protect and celebrate the places that define our history and communities..."
  Posted:

  12/3/2025

  Source:

  Preservation Maryland
• Protecting Historic Resources in NEPA Rulemaking
  "The letter underscored the essential role NEPA plays in safeguarding historic places by requiring federal agencies to evaluate the impacts of their actions and engage the public in decision-making..."
  Posted:

  12/2/2025

  Source:

  National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Preservation League of NYS Announces the 2025 Award Winners
  "We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year's Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards! This annual Awards program shines a light on the people who are using historic preservation to create positive change —through exemplary restoration projects, indispensable publications, individual action, and organizational distinction..."
  Posted:

  12/1/2025

  Source:

  Preservation League of NYS

General Funding Resources

Below is a short list of agencies, organizations and resources that can provide general information about financial resources for historic preservation, cultural resource management, and the arts.

National Park Service:

• Technical Preservation Services
• Tax Incentives for Preserving Historic Properties
• Historic Preservation Tax Incentives
• 20% Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit
• State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants
• National Register of Historic Places
• Technical Preservation Services Publications

*Please note: The National Park Service frequently changes the URLs for their resources. Please alert us if you find a broken link. You can also do a web search by looking up the name of the resource listed above, as the resource most likely is still online (just in a new location).

National Trust for Historic Preservation:

• African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
• Find Preservation Funding
• The National Main Street Center
• National Fund for Sacred Places
• Historic Tax Credits

Partners for Sacred Places:

• Partners for Sacred Places: Fundraising Guide

PreservationDirectory.com:

• Grants & Funding Sources
• Directory of State Historic Preservation Offices

Tax Credits & Incentives:

• See resources under "National Park Service" listed above
• Rehabilitation Tax Credit (Historic Preservation) FAQs (Internal Revenue Service)
• Rehabilitation Tax Credit - Real Estate Tax Tips (Internal Revenue Service)
• Rehabilitation Tax Credit PDF (Internal Revenue Service)
• Historic Preservation Tax Credits 101 (Heritage Ohio)
• Historic Preservation Tax Credits 201 (Heritage Ohio)
• Historic Tax Credit: Mini Edition (YouTube Presentation by Preservation Buffalo Niagara)

Preservation Easement Programs:

• Easements to Protect Historic Properties: A Useful Historic Preservation Tool with Potential Tax Benefits, prepared by the National Park Service, Technical Preservation Services
• Establishing and Operating an Easement Program to Protect Historic Resources by Elizabeth Watson and Stefan Nagel, updated by Julia H. Miller and Ross M. Bradford, with contributions by Thompson Mayes

Building Arts & Traditional Building Resources:

• Advisory Council on Historic Preservation: Traditional Trades Training Programs & Resources
• National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (National Park Service)

Arts Funding:

• Americans for the Arts: Funding Resources
• Grantmakers in the Arts
• National Endowment for the Arts: How the US Funds the Arts

Canada: General Funding Resources:

• National Trust for Canada: Regeneration Works - Find Funding
• National Trust for Canada
• The Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals

*Please note: The HistoricFunding.com database doesn't currently include resources for Canada, but we did want to provide some general resources to assist our friends to the North!