Funding Guidelines
Application Assistance
How to Apply
Application Preview
Heritage Preservation Grant History

Black Austin Tours


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.

To learn more about requirements for all AACME Funding Programs, go to FY26 AACME Funding Guidelines..

Heritage Preservation Grant Guidelines

Grant awarded in the following categories:

501 (c) (3) or For-Profit Applicant
Award Amounts & Terms
Heritage Events  
(Local, State, or National Designated Historic Location) 
Up to $150,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement term 
Heritage Events  
(Eligible Properties Pursuing a Designation; or 
Historic Location with No Designation) 
Up to $50,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement term
Capital Improvement Projects  Up to $250,000 with a 24-month Grant Agreement term 


Technical Assistance

Eligibility


Eligible Applicants

  • For-Profit Business
  • 501(c)(3)
  • Two years minimum operating in the City of Austin / MSA
  • Leaseholder or Owner for historic designated properties (individual or contributing)
  • Applicants may qualify for one Heritage Preservation Grant per funding cycle


Ineligible Applicants

  • Applicants whose non-profit status has been revoked by the Internal Revenue Service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


Eligible Expenses

  • Capital project proposals must occur at a historic designated site or a site eligible for historic designation. Properties may be leased or owned with owner authorization
  • For HOT funded programs, eligible expenses include—but may not be limited—to compensation, marketing & outreach, insurance, supplies, permits, rentals, production, and performance and service fees related to the grant-funded activities promoted to tourists
  • For grants over $10,000, potential for up to $2,000 for project-related equipment purchases/repairs, dependent upon the program and with AACME staff approval


Ineligible Expenses

  • Activities that occur outside Austin
  • Acquisition of property
  • Archeology excavation projects (archeology educational projects are eligible)
  • Audits unless required by funding agreement
  • Awardees are prohibited from “double dipping” (see definition in Appendix A: Definitions) with their grant funds to cover the same expenses or activities. Each Grant Agreement will dictate what expenses are allowed during the grant agreement term
  • Capital projects with no historic designation or are not eligible for historic designation
  • Capital projects that do not meet The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties or local Historic Design Standards
  • Consultants who are members of an applicant’s board or who are employees
  • Curriculum development or programming, scholarly or academic research, and any related activities
  • Existing deficits, fines, contingencies, penalties, interest, or litigation costs
  • Food and beverages
  • Fundraisers, capital campaigns, and benefits, including entertainment and receptions
  • Furnishings
  • Historic properties with fencing in front of, or near, the property that would obscure or prevent visual observation of the building from the public right-of-way
  • Landscaping or Cultural Landscape projects (cultural landscape planning projects are eligible)
  • Mass-produced commercial products
  • Murals
  • New building construction or expansion
  • Owner-occupied properties or historic residential properties
  • Payments to students or interns whose employment is tied to class credit
  • Preservation, heritage events, and historic projects not associated with a historic site
  • Proposals at City-owned historic sites that have not been approved by the managing department
  • Property Taxes or any other tax
  • Purchase of gifts, awards, cash prizes, scholarships, contributions, donations, or re-granting of funds
  • Purchase of gasoline
  • Start-up costs of a new organization, for example, expenses associated with filing for an LLC, or nonprofit status
  • Supplementing staff salaries, board, volunteer, and docent activities
  • Travel-related costs (most)
  • Wayfinding and right-of-way signage

Project Categories

Capital Improvement Projects


Capital Improvement Projects (Maximum award: $250,000)

Contractual preservation agreements to restore, preserve, and promote tourism-serving historic designated sites and structures. The project site must have a historic designation or be eligible for historic designation (designation must be completed within the contract term). The program supports exterior restoration projects. At least one complete bid package from a contractor, (preservation) architect, and subcontractor is required for the preservation project. Detailed and thorough project bids must indicate how the proposed work meets the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and/or Local Historic Building Standards.

All capital project proposals are required to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Office, Architectural Review Committee (ARC), and/or the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC). ARC project feedback must be incorporated into the proposal. To be placed on an upcoming agenda, please contact the Historic Preservation Office.


Capital Project Types

  • American Disabilities Act (ADA) exterior access
  • Awning rehabilitation / repair
  • Cast iron restoration / repair
  • Door / window / screen / trim restoration/repair
  • Façade elements
  • Foundation stabilization
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation / repair (does not require an exterior project proposal) (see pg. 202)
  • Historic accessory structures
  • Interior: Electrical Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
  • Interior: Mechanical Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
  • Interior: Flooring (must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) see pg. 204)
  • Interior: Safety Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) (see pg. 202)
  • Interior: Masonry (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
  • Masonry rehabilitation / repair
  • Millwork rehabilitation / repair
  • Paint (in kind; must match existing unless pre-approved)
  • Professional services or consultants required to support the project, such as Preservation Architects, Interpretive Planners, Architectural Historians, and other professional services contracts to support the project, its long-term preservation, or historic designation
  • Roof Repair
  • Sign installation (on private property and must comply with Historic Sign Standards)


Capital Project Requirements

  • Grounds must be accessible, open, and marketed to tourists with reasonable visitation hours
  • Interior project proposals must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal
  • In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
  • Interior projects must include a sensitive treatment plan which emphasizes preserving significant historic features and materials while minimizing physical and visual impact as recommended by The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
  • Maintain historic designation
  • Projects must occur at a designated historic site or a contributing property within a designated historic district. Verify the historic designation of a site using the City of Austin Historic Property View Finder
  • Projects must occur at a site eligible for local, state, or national historic designation, or determined eligible for designation by the Texas Historical Commission. Designation must be completed within the agreement term
  • Project management fee and project administrative expenses are allowed up to 10% of the grant award for capital projects
  • Projects must be reviewed and approved either by the Historic Preservation Office and/or the Historic Landmark Commission after a preliminary review by the Architectural Review Committee
  • Projects that are preservation-related or history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists
  • Proposals on private property must include Owner Authorization with the application
  • Proposals must include one complete bid package (see definition) with bids from a contractor, (Preservation) Architect, subcontractor and vendors. Two complete bid packages are not required
  • Proposals must include recommendations from an Architect based on The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and/or the City of Austin Historic Design Standards
  • Proposals must adhere to City of Austin Historic Design Standards and/or The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
  • Proposed historic site may require an on-site assessment or review
  • Proposals with City-owned sites must be approved by the managing department before applying for a grant
  • Properties determined to be eligible for historic designation. If a property is not designated at the time of the application, the applicant must provide a determination of eligibility with the application and sites must be historically designated by the end of the grant contract term
Heritage Events - With Historic Designation


Heritage Events with Local, State, or National Designated Historic Location (Maximum Award: $150,000)

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. 

Sites must be historically designated or previously approved by the City Council as a heritage district or corridor.

Heritage Event Project Types

  • Events, festivals, or programs at a historic designated location or within a historic district and marketed regionally, nationally, or internationally
  • Heritage, historic, or interpretive history-focused exhibits
  • Historic 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


Eligible Heritage Event Expenses

  • Equipment rentals 
  • Honoraria for oral history interviews services rendered 
  • Marketing and advertising promotions 
  • Non-expendables for tour development tourist-benefitting expenses, not to exceed $2,000 without AACME staff approval to ensure compliance with the contract and City policy 
  • Production, historic research, operations, and administration of heritage tourism activities that support the event and promote tourism 
  • Project insurance 
  • Travel-related costs for visiting speaker/contractor coming to Austin for funded activity that directly benefits and is promoted to tourists 


Heritage Event Requirements

  • Activities must occur in a Council District or Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
  • In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
  • Obtain and maintain project insurance throughout the agreement term
  • Preservation projects and programs that highlight storytelling and invite tourists and convention visitors to explore historic sites and museums
  • Projects must be open to the public, serve the public interest, and be actively promoted to Austin residents, visitors, and tourists, including hours of operation or visitation on the website
  • Proposals at City-owned site must gain approval through the managing department
  • Proposals must complete the budget table in the application
  • Review and acquire necessary permits through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C)
  • Projects that are preservation-related or history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists
Heritage Events - Without Historic Designation


Heritage Events - 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 internationally
  • Heritage, historic, or interpretive history-focused exhibits
  • Historic 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


Eligible Heritage Event Expenses

  • Equipment rentals
  • Honoraria for oral history interviews services rendered
  • Marketing and advertising promotions
  • Non-expendables for tour development tourist-benefitting expenses, not to exceed $2,000 without AACME staff approval to ensure compliance with the contract and City policy
  • Production, historic research, operations, and administration of heritage tourism activities that support the event and promote tourism
  • Project insurance
  • Travel-related costs for visiting speaker/contractor coming to Austin for funded activity that directly benefits and is promoted to tourists


Heritage Event Requirements

  • Activities must occur in a Council District or Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
  • Applicants must identify a specific location, with or without a historic designation, and explain why it’s historically important and how it connects to the project or activities
  • Applicants must explain how the proposal will uncover untold stories associated with the location
  • Events must include historic research and highlight the history of the site and invite tourists and convention visitors to explore historic sites and museums
  • Historic designation (if pursuing) must be completed within the grant agreement term
  • In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
  • Obtain and maintain project insurance throughout the agreement term
  • Projects pursuing a designation must occur at a site found eligible and pursuing a local, state, or national historic designation
  • Projects must be open to the public, serve the public interest, and be actively promoted to Austin residents, visitors, and tourists, including hours of operation or visitation on the website
  • Proposals with no historic designation must describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight and how the project promotes the tourism and hotel industries. (See Historical Associations Category in CoA Historic Zoning Application)
  • Proposals with no historic designation must include the development of a printed and digital itinerary, a site map, and a listing of nearby historic museums or heritage sites
  • Proposals on City-owned land must gain approval through the managing department
  • Proposals must complete the budget table in the application
  • Review and acquire necessary permits through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C)
  • Projects must be history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists
Evaluation Review & Scoring

Capital Improvement Project Evaluation Review & Scoring
Category
Criteria
Max Points
Preservation Impact

Site Background: 

  • Provide a brief history and description of the site, including its architectural style, key features, and its past and current uses 
  • How will visitors learn about the location’s history?  
  • Historic documentation and photos required 

Project Details, Team, Budget Table, and Bid Package: 

  • Provide a detailed description of the work and how funds will be spent 
  • List the project team.  Describe similar preservation projects each key team member has completed 
  • Complete budget table and bid package required 

Historic Standards & Urgency: 

  • Explain how the project aligns with local and/or national historic building standards 
  • Describe how support will help this project. If urgent, describe why. 
  • Photos of the current condition of the project area required 

Long-Term Preservation: 

  • Is there a plan that supports the steps needed to preserve the building? 
  • Why is the proposed project your highest priority right now? 
  • Upload (if applicable): Preservation Plan, Historic Structure Report, Engineering Report, etc.
Up to 36 
Tourism Impact 

Storytelling: 

  • How have you used storytelling in past projects to bring a place’s history to life and draw visitor interest? 

Marketing and Advertising:

  • Which marketing strategies have proven effective when promoting past projects to attract audiences or boost tourism? 

Broader Tourism Audiences: 

  • How have you attracted new audiences, tourists, and hotel and convention guests to historic places with past projects? 

Success Measurement and Evaluation: 

  • How have you measured the past success of tourism marketing strategies for heritage projects? 
Up to 36 
New Voices, Historic Places 

Community Collaborators: 

  • Does the project include community collaborators?  
    If yes, explain how the partnership reflects community voice, values, and participation in the heritage tourism proposal to expand audience and tourism participation? 

New Applicant: 

  • Has your business or organization ever received a Heritage Preservation Grant? 

Access to Historic Spaces:

  • Explain how your historic space serves local creatives and heritage groups as a venue and/or resource to help support heritage tourism initiatives.
Up to 18 
New Local Designation 
  • City of Austin Local Historic Landmark designation (eligible property pursuing historic designation)  
  • Documentation required 
10 

Heritage Event Evaluation Review & Scoring
Category
Criteria
Max Points
Preservation Impact 

Site Background: 

  • Provide a brief history and description of the location and its past and current uses 
  • Explain how visitors learn about the location's history 
  • Historic documentation required 

Project: Details, and Team: 

  • Provide a detailed description of the work and how funds will be spent 
  • Describe the project management team. List similar projects each key team member has completed 

Project Budget: 

  • Completed Budget Table and detailed description for each item 

Preservation and Untold Stories: 

  • How does your project or event connect to the historical significance of your chosen location and bring forward untold stories associated with it? Responses should identify a specific location and explain its historical significance. Describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight. Explain how your project will uncover and present untold stories associated with the location. Demonstrate how your project will promote and benefit the tourism and hospitality industry. Proposals must include the development of a printed and digital itinerary for visitors, a site map, and a listing of nearby historic museums, sites, or attractions. 
  • Oral history, historic records, photos, or other documents required 
Up to 36 
Tourism Impact 

Storytelling: 

  • How have you used storytelling in past projects to bring a place’s history to life and draw visitor interest? 

Marketing and Advertising: 

  • Which marketing strategies have proven effective when promoting past projects to attract audiences or boost tourism? 

Broader Tourism Audiences: 

  • How have you attracted new audiences, tourists, and hotel and convention guests to historic places with past projects? 

Success Measurement and Evaluation: 

  • How have you measured the past success of tourism marketing strategies for heritage projects? 
Up to 36 
New Voices, Historic Places 

Community Collaborators 

  • Does the project include community collaborators?  
    If yes, how will the partnership reflect community voice, values, and participation in the heritage tourism proposal to expand audience and tourism participation? 

First-Time Applicant 

  • Has your business or organization ever received a Heritage Preservation Grant? 

Access to Heritage Resources 

  • Explain how your proposed project will increase heritage tourism by making heritage resources and historical information more accessible and engaging to visitors and tourists of all ages. 
Up to 18 
New Local Designation 
  • City of Austin Local Historic Landmark designation (eligible property pursuing historic designation)  
  • Documentation required 
10 
Awardee Commitments


Applicants must acknowledge and affirm their understanding of the following awardee commitments:

Public Events  

  • Must be open to everyone
  • Event insurance and permits may be required
  • As confirmed, add events to the Visit Austin’s Event Calendar with the submission link for City of Austin awardees

Training

  • Tourism Marketing & Promotion  
    *Online training options provided at no cost
     

City of Austin Marketing Statements

  • “Funded by the Heritage Preservation Grant”
  • “This preservation project was funded in part by the Heritage Preservation Grant from Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment, supporting Austin's commitment to safeguard historic spaces and resources”
  • "#HeritagePreservationGrant"
     

Outcome and Cultural Tourism Marketing Reporting

  • Interim Report for the second payment  
  • Final Report for the final payment
    *Support provided for Cultural Tourism marketing analytics reporting

Heritage Preservation Grant Application Preview

Application Questions - Capital Improvement Projects


Site Background

  • Provide a brief history and description of the site, including its architectural style, key features, and its past and current uses 
  • How will visitors learn about the location’s history?  
  • Historic documentation and photos required 


Project Details, Team, Budget Table, and Bid Package

  • Provide a detailed description of the work and how funds will be spent 
  • List the project team.  Describe similar preservation projects each key team member has completed 
  • Complete budget table and bid package required 


Historic Standards & Urgency

  • Explain how the project aligns with local and/or national historic building standards 
  • Describe how support will help this project. If urgent, describe why. 
  • Photos of the current condition of the project area required 


Long-Term Preservation

  • Is there a plan that supports the steps needed to preserve the building? 
  • Why is the proposed project your highest priority right now? 
  • Upload (if applicable): Preservation Plan, Historic Structure Report, Engineering Report, etc.


Storytelling

  • How have you used storytelling in past projects to bring a place’s history to life and draw visitor interest? 


Marketing and Advertising

  • Which marketing strategies have proven effective when promoting past projects to attract audiences or boost tourism? 


Broader Tourism Audiences

  • How have you attracted new audiences, tourists, and hotel and convention guests to historic places with past projects? 


Success Measurement and Evaluation

  • How have you measured the past success of tourism marketing strategies for heritage projects? 


Community Collaborators

  • Does the project include community collaborators?  
    If yes, explain how the partnership reflects community voice, values, and participation in the heritage tourism proposal to expand audience and tourism participation? 


New Applicant

  • Has your business or organization ever received a Heritage Preservation Grant? 


Access to Historic Spaces 

  • Explain how your historic space serves local creatives and heritage groups as a venue and/or resource to help support heritage tourism initiatives.


New Local Designation

  • City of Austin Local Historic Landmark designation (eligible property pursuing historic designation)  
  • Documentation required 
Application Questions - Heritage Events


Site Background

  • Provide a brief history and description of the location and its past and current uses 
  • Explain how visitors learn about the location's history 
  • Historic documentation required 


Project: Details and Team 

  • Provide a detailed description of the work and how funds will be spent 
  • Describe the project management team. List similar projects each key team member has completed 


Project Budget

  • Completed Budget Table and detailed description for each item 


Preservation and Untold Stories

  • How does your project or event connect to the historical significance of your chosen location and bring forward untold stories associated with it? Responses should identify a specific location and explain its historical significance. Describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight. Explain how your project will uncover and present untold stories associated with the location. Demonstrate how your project will promote and benefit the tourism and hospitality industry. Proposals must include the development of a printed and digital itinerary for visitors, a site map, and a listing of nearby historic museums, sites, or attractions. 
  • Oral history, historic records, photos, or other documents required 


Storytelling

  • How have you used storytelling in past projects to bring a place’s history to life and draw visitor interest? 


Marketing and Advertising

  • Which marketing strategies have proven effective when promoting past projects to attract audiences or boost tourism? 


Broader Tourism Audiences

  • How have you attracted new audiences, tourists, and hotel and convention guests to historic places with past projects? 


Success Measurement and Evaluation

  • How have you measured the past success of tourism marketing strategies for heritage projects? 


Community Collaborators 

  • Does the project include community collaborators?  
    If yes, how will the partnership reflect community voice, values, and participation in the heritage tourism proposal to expand audience and tourism participation? 


First-Time Applicant 

  • Has your business or organization ever received a Heritage Preservation Grant? 


Access to Heritage Resources 

  • Explain how your proposed project will increase heritage tourism by making heritage resources and historical information more accessible and engaging to visitors and tourists of all ages. 


New Local Designation

  • City of Austin Local Historic Landmark designation (eligible property pursuing historic designation)  
  • Documentation required 
Application Documentation - Required Evidence
  • 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter (for nonprofit)
  • Most recent IRS Form 990 filings (for nonprofit)
  • City department pre-approval for projects on City property (for capital projects)
  • Detailed project budget table with cost estimates
  • Historic documentation (historic designation, photographs, narrative, maps, etc.)
  • Past marketing and tourism-related documentation
  • Two years of operating experience in Austin / MSA
  • One complete bid package – including architect, contractor, and vendors (for capital projects)
  • Ownership authorization (for capital projects)
  • Preservation plan, historic structure report, engineering report, if available (for capital projects)
Frequently Asked Questions

Application  |  Eligibility  | Funding

 

Application 

Can you provide more detail on the complete bid requirement? 

Capital project applicants must submit one complete bid package with the proposal. The bid package must include bids from a contractor, (Preservation) Architect, subcontractor and vendors to support the project proposal. 



Eligibility

How do I know if my property is eligible? 

A property can be designated at the local, state or national level. To verify the historic designation of a site, please visit the City of Austin Property Viewfinder, the Texas Historical Commission Sites ATLAS, or the National Register of Historic Places Database. Additional historical research resources can be found on the Historic Research Resources page. 
 

My non-residential property is eligible for a historic designation. How do I apply for a City of Austin historic landmark?

To be eligible for landmark designation, a building must be 50+ years old, retain historic integrity, and meet two of five criteria for significance: architecture; associations with important people, groups, or events; archeology; community value; or landscape feature. For information on the historic zoning application, visit the Planning Department Historic Preservation Office site.  
 

Does my capital project need to obtain a letter of authorization from the property owner?

Yes, all projects must include a completed Owner Authorization Form.
 

Is the restoration of historic interiors an eligible expense within the grant?

Yes, the grant supports select historic interior projects. 



Funding

What is the source of funding for this program? 

The Heritage Preservation Grant is funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) authorized by Texas Tax Code Section 351.101(a)(5). Austin City Council Resolution No. 20181004-033 allocated 15% of the Historic Preservation Fund for the Heritage Preservation Grant and eligible historic preservation and preservation projects or activities. 


What is the maximum award under the Heritage Preservation Grant? 

The maximum grant awards range from $50,000 to $250,000 depending on the project type. 


How many recipients will be awarded grants? 

The number of grants will depend on the number of eligible applicants, final scoring, and available funds. 


Are matching funds required for this grant program? 

No, the grant may cover 100% of project-related costs. 


Can I submit more than one application per grant cycle?

Applicants may submit either a Capital Investment Project or a Heritage Event project proposal per funding cycle. Only one application per lead applicant will be considered.


Can marketing expenses be included in the project budget proposal to support our tourism marketing efforts? 

Yes. Expenses to market the historic project site to tourists are eligible expenses for both project types. 

 

Heritage Preservation Grant History

History
FY 2025 Awardees
Heritage Preservation Grant Awardee
Proposal
District
Amount
905 Ltd Mutual Building Restoration and reconstruction project 9 $208.628.77
Austin History Center Assn Inc John Henry Faulk Building Planning Proposal 9 $30,000
Austin Theatre Alliance (The) Paramount Theatre Front Façade and Window Restoration 9 $212,756.51
Austin Theatre Alliance (The) Stateside Theatre Replica Blade Sign Installation 9 $204,221.55
Deep Eddy Cabaret Llc Deep Eddy Grocery & Cabaret Restoration Project 10 $222,455.34
Dennis Jacob Berry Oakwood Cemetery Jacob Fontaine History Tour and Podcast 1 $120,008.08
Downtown Austin Development Corporation Republic Square Heritage Programming and Events 9 $178,166.44
Emergence Texas Realty Berner-Clark-Mercado House Restoration and Rehabilitation Project 3 $216,443.05
Flower Hill Center Dr. R.K. Smoot Family Home West Wing Foundation Stabilization 9 $219,475.86
German Texan Heritage Society German Free School Front Wall Restoration 9 $147,385.10
Huston-Tillotson University Administration Building Foundation Stabilization 1 $190,460.26
Hutson Gallagher Inc Zimmerman Cabin Restoration Project 4 $219,273.53
John L Cazares Green & White Grocery Restoration Project 3 $169,535.45
Karen Joan Kocher Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse Barton Springs Animated History Development 8 $118,996.79
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Texas Neill-Cochran House Museum VR and Digital Tour Development 9 $83,765.61
Soul of Latin American International Education Services Llc Black East Austin Heritage Programming and Events 1 $221,444
St. John Regular Baptist Assn 7501 Blessing Avenue Planning Proposal 4 $30,000
Texas Book Festival History of Texas Book Festival at State Capitol 9 $102,977.34
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum  Charles Umlauf House and Studio Exterior Lighting and Gate Repair 5 $22,044.94
W H Passon Historical Society, Inc Restoration Project 1 $156,515.63
FY 2024 Awardees
Heritage Preservation Grant Awardee
Proposal
District
Amount
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Baker, Llc Baker School Window and Trim Repairs 9 $250,000
Haunted Texas Corporation Hofheintz-Reissig Store Event and Tour Development 9 $138,140
Austin Parks Foundation Henry G. Madison Log Cabin Restoration 1 $237,000
Austin Theatre Alliance (The) Stateside Theatre Blade Sign Replica and Installation 9 $250,000
Austin Theatre Alliance (The) Paramount Theatre Balcony Doors, Transom, Pediments 9 $250,000
Austin Woman's Club North-Evans Chateau Planning Proposal 9 $30,000
Bethany Cemetery of Travis County Interpretive Signage and Promotions 1 $95,000
Broken Spoke Porch Repair 5 $50,000
Center for Women & Their Work, Inc Johnson & Johnson Grocery and House Restoration 3 $104,428
Downtown Austin Development Corporation Republic Square Heritage Events 9 $250,000
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms Foundation Dodson Farm House Restoration 1 $161,800
Housing Authority of Austin Rosewood Courts VR Storytelling Project and Tour Development 1 $250,000
Huston-Tillotson University Evans Hall Restoration 1 $145,323
Laguna Gloria (The Contemporary Austin Museum) History & Nature On-Site Multimedia Tour Development 10 $250,000
The Foundation for the Preservation of the Historic Millett Opera House, Inc. West Wall Repointing 9 $87,750
Pease Park Conservancy Black History Interpretive Plan Implementation Project 10 $250,000
Preservation Austin Red River International House Homes Tour Event Marketing 9 $30,000
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum Charles Umlauf House and Studio Planning Proposal 5 $30,000
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Sir Swante Palm Park 9 $30,000
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc Thompson House Archival Center Restoration 1 $250,000
421 Sixth LP  Kreisle Building Roof Repair and Accessibility 9 $246,803
421 Sixth LP Paggi Carriage Shop Roof Repair 9 $248,568
FY 2023 Awardees
Heritage Preservation Grant Awardee
Proposal
District
Amount
Austin Parks Foundation Henry G. Madison Log Cabin Structural Improvement 1 $30,000
Austin Theatre Alliance (The) Paramount Theatre East Wall Rehabilitation 9 $250,000
Broken Spoke Roof Repair 5 $175,000
Downtown Austin Development Corporation Heritage of Republic Square Programming & Events 9 $30,000
E4 Youth, Inc Rogers Washington Holy Cross Historic District Mixed Reality Tour Development 1 $150,000
Flower Hill Foundation Restoration and Rehabilitation Project 9 $215,132
Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, Inc. Real Places Conference 1 $40,000
German Texan Heritage Society Historic Staircase Reconstruction 9 $240,684
Hillside Farmacy ADA-Compliant Pathways and Parking 1 $29,880
Housing Authority of the City of Austin Pathways at Rosewood Courts Kiosks: Amplification of African American History 1 $82,000
Huston-Tillotson University Old Administration Building Restoration 1 $217,828
Indie Meme.org Asian American Historical Archival Project at Austin History Center 9 $45,600
Lamberts Downtown Barbecue LTD HVAC and exterior improvements 9 $137,293
Leadership Austin Walk of the Town Interactive Tour Phase II 9 $138,875
National Society of the Colonial Dames in America in Texas Neill-Cochran House Museum Slave Quarters Restoration 9 $109,000
Pollen Architecture, Inc Friends of the Ney Museum: Comprehensive Restoration Plan Update 9 $30,000
Preservation Austin McFarland House Renovation 9 $250,000

 

FY 2021 Awardees
Heritage Preservation Grant
Proposal
District
Amount
Capitol View Arts HTU Evans Industrial Hall Interpretive Project 1 $31,083
Austin Revitalization Authority Richard Overton Museum Development Plan 1 $71,987
Huston-Tillotson University Old Administration Building Roof Replacement 1 $120,480
Metropolitan AME Church Bell Tower Structure Stabilization 1 $120,199
Save Austin's Cemeteries Evergreen Cemetery Virtual Tour and Video 1 $13,267
Black Austin Historic Tours  Dedrick-Hamilton House: Black Austin Historic Tour Development 1 $5,250
Ciscos Restaurant Bakery & Bar Façade Exterior Restoration 3 $210,977
First Church of Nazarene Foundation Repair 3 $67,654
Austin Parks Foundation (Austin Tejano Trails) Collateral, Trail Guide Translation, Tour Guide Microphone 3 $21,740
Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy, Inc. Collateral 8 $3,071
Austin Theatre Alliance (The) - Paramount Exterior North Wall Rehabilitation 9 $202,208
Humanities Texas Inc Byrne Reed House Repair and Stabilize SE Porch 9 $71,063
Pease Park Conservancy Tudor Cottage Revitalization 9 $203,792
German Texan Heritage Society Sign and Historic Staircase Preservation Plan 9 $37,148
Leadership Austin Historic Site Walk of the Town Interactive Tour Development 9 $99,350
Shoal Creek Conservancy Historic Audio Walking Tour 9 $13,978
Friends of the Austin Parks of Austin: Mayfield Park Restoration of historic masonry 10 $37,492
Laguna Gloria (The Contemporary Austin Museum) Signage and bilingual visitor guide 10 $54,574
FY 2020 Awardees
Heritage Preservation Grant Projects
District
Amount
Austin Scottish Rite Theater (Restoration) 1 $223,700
French Legation (Rehabilitation) 1 $237,099
German Texan Heritage Society (Restoration) 9 $53,613
Haskell House (Restoration) 9 $46,452
La Peña (Roof repair) 9 $138,030
Laguna Gloria Museum (Restoration and ADA-accessible path) 10 $215,767
Neill-Cochran House Museum (Historic fencing) 9 $151,793
Paramount Theatre South Wall (Rehabilitation) 9 $233,700
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum (Designation and tourism video) 5 $20,000
Uptown Sports Club (Structural stabilization and reconstruction) 3 $198,462
Waterloo Greenway (Wedig Hardeman improvements) 1 $73,107