Texas Preservation Trust Fund Grant Program

The Texas Preservation Trust Fund grant program is administered by the Texas Historical Commission to support the preservation of historic and archeological resources across the state. Established by the Texas Legislature in 1989, the fund is managed by the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company, and its investment earnings are distributed as competitive matching grants. The program is designed to address the ongoing deterioration and loss of historically significant sites, structures, and collections by providing financial assistance for preservation-related work that benefits the public. The program funds a wide range of project types including acquisition, restoration, preservation, planning, survey, and heritage education activities. Eligible projects must involve historic architectural or archeological resources that are either officially designated or determined eligible for designation, such as inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, designation as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, State Antiquities Landmark, or a held-in-trust collection. Funding may support buildings, landscapes, archeological sites, and associated collections, provided the work aligns with established preservation standards. The grant operates as a reimbursement program, meaning that awarded funds are distributed after approved project expenses are incurred and documented. A dollar-for-dollar cash match is required, with applicants providing at least one dollar for every state dollar requested. In some cases, up to half of the match may be fulfilled through in-kind contributions, subject to approval. Grant awards typically range from ten thousand to fifty thousand dollars, though certain geographic earmarks, such as those for the Texas Panhandle and the City of Dallas, may allow for higher award ceilings. The application process follows a two-step structure. Applicants first submit an initial application for review by the Texas Historical Commission. Based on scoring criteria including endangerment, significance, project viability, and special considerations, selected applicants are invited to advance to the project proposal stage. At this second stage, more detailed documentation is required, including project plans, budgets, and professional oversight. Final funding recommendations are made following this stage, and selected projects must execute a funding agreement before beginning work. Applications must be submitted electronically by the stated deadline and include required components such as project narratives, photographs, and maps where applicable. Specific requirements vary by project type but generally include detailed descriptions of the proposed work, documentation of historic significance, evidence of financial readiness, and identification of qualified professionals involved in the project. Applications that are incomplete or fail to meet submission guidelines are considered ineligible. The evaluation process is competitive and based on a structured scoring system. Projects are assessed for the urgency of preservation needs, the historical significance of the resource, the feasibility and readiness of the project, and additional factors such as public benefit and alignment with broader preservation efforts. A minimum score threshold is required to remain eligible for funding consideration, though meeting this threshold does not guarantee an award due to limited program funding. The program follows an annual cycle with key deadlines including application submission in early February, proposal submissions in mid-July for invited applicants, and final award decisions typically occurring in the fall. Funded projects must begin after agreement execution and are expected to proceed promptly. The Texas Historical Commission provides support throughout the process, with designated contacts available by phone and email to assist applicants with eligibility, application preparation, and project development.

Align project clearly with scoring criteria especially endangerment and public benefit; ensure eligibility designation early; submit complete documentation to avoid disqualification; demonstrate financial readiness and matching funds