John J. Snyder Fund for Historic Preservation in Pennsylvania

The John J. Snyder, Jr. Fund for Historic Preservation is administered by the Lancaster County Community Foundation and is designed to support the long-term preservation of historically significant structures located within Lancaster and Cumberland counties. Established through the legacy of John J. Snyder, Jr., the fund reflects a commitment to maintaining community heritage by investing in essential but often overlooked building improvements. The program emphasizes the importance of sustaining historically documented structures owned by community benefit organizations so that they may remain accessible and preserved for future generations. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide financial support for restoration, maintenance, and repair activities that are necessary to maintain the structural integrity and historical authenticity of eligible buildings. The fund explicitly prioritizes practical and essential work such as repointing masonry, repairing or replacing roofs, upgrading electrical systems, and conducting general restoration or maintenance. Funding is restricted to project execution activities and does not support feasibility studies, planning efforts, or pre-development analysis. This ensures that awarded funds directly contribute to tangible preservation outcomes. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations that meet a series of organizational and compliance requirements. These include holding a current 501(c)(3) designation, owning the building for which funding is requested, and serving residents of Lancaster or Cumberland counties without discrimination. Applicants must also demonstrate financial accountability through annual IRS Form 990 filings, recent audits or financial reviews, and registration with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations where applicable. Additional requirements include adherence to non-discrimination policies and alignment with the Community Foundation’s anti-hate policy. The application process begins with the submission of an Eligibility Screen, which functions as a preliminary review step. This submission requires basic organizational information and a brief project description and must be completed by the stated deadline. Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants are invited to submit a full application through the Foundation’s online grant portal. The full application includes detailed narrative responses covering historical significance, equity and inclusion practices, project scope, planning processes, implementation strategies, and long-term benefits. Applicants are also required to upload at least one planning document demonstrating a clear strategy for the proposed work. Applications are evaluated based on a structured set of criteria, including the demonstrated historical significance of the structure, the integration of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles, the quality and appropriateness of the proposed work, and the thoroughness of planning and implementation strategies. Reviewers also assess the anticipated ecological or long-term financial benefits of the project. This evaluation framework ensures that funded projects not only preserve historical assets but also contribute to broader community and sustainability goals. The grant opportunity opens on March 3, 2026, with key deadlines throughout the spring. The Eligibility Screen must be submitted by May 6, 2026, followed by the full application deadline on May 13, 2026. Applicants seeking feedback must adhere to earlier internal deadlines in April. Award notifications are expected by July 17, 2026, which also marks the beginning of the funding period. The grant performance period runs through July 17, 2027, with a final impact report due by August 17, 2027. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, providing ongoing opportunities for eligible organizations. Support for applicants is available through virtual office hours sessions hosted by the Programs Team, as well as direct contact with the Program Officer. These resources are intended to guide applicants through the process and improve the quality of submissions. Overall, the John J. Snyder, Jr. Fund for Historic Preservation represents a targeted investment in preserving local heritage through practical, high-impact restoration efforts.

Focus on clearly demonstrating historical significance, strong pre-planning, and a detailed implementation plan with measurable outcomes; align project with equity and long-term sustainability goals