On the heels of Austin’s Equity-Based Preservation Plan’s winning a national award, the city is poised to offer $3 million in grant money to historic properties and projects.

The just-launched Heritage Preservation Grant offers funding "to promote tourism through historic preservation and inclusive projects representative of Austin’s history,” a city press release announced Friday. 

Capital, planning, educational, and marketing projects that celebrate and preserve the diverse history of Austin are eligible for the grants.

"Preserving our city’s historic sites isn't just about honoring the past; it’s about shaping the future," Economic Development Department director Sylnovia Holt-Rabb said. "Through the Heritage Preservation Grant, we’re investing in the cultural landmarks that make Austin unique, ensuring they continue to inspire both residents and visitors for generations to come.” In addition, the release reads:

Eligible projects must engage new audiences, inform history, promote diverse narratives, and attract tourism to historically designated sites. Applicants—including for-profit organizations, government entities, and non-profits—can submit one proposal per funding cycle, focusing on either capital, planning, educational, or marketing projects. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, evaluated by a panel on criteria such as preservation impact, tourism potential, accessibility, and project feasibility. 

The city will offer opportunities to learn more about the Heritage Preservation Grant as specified below. Interested applicants are encouraged to RSVP for a workshop to learn more.

Awareness Workshops & Office Hours 
To assist applicants, the City of Austin is offering several opportunities to learn more about the Heritage Preservation Grant. Interested applicants are encouraged to RSVP for a workshop to learn more.

In-Person Awareness Workshops:

  • August 27: Historic Preservation Office
    • Location: Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E. 41st Street
    • Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
  • August 30: George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
    • Location: 1165 Angelina Street, Conference Room
    • Time: 4 - 5 p.m.
  • September 25:
    • Location: 5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Economic Development Training Room
    • Time: 9 - 10 a.m.

In-Person Office Hours:

  • September 11:
    • Location: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room #1202
    • Time: 3 - 4 p.m.

Virtual Awareness Workshops:

  • September 14:
    • Time: 10 - 11 a.m.
  • September 17:
    • Time: 6 - 7 p.m.

To learn more about the grant, including guidelines, requirements, and helpful resources, visit the Heritage Preservation Grant website.