The City of Austin Economic Development Department launches the Heritage Preservation Grant which promotes tourism through historic preservation and inclusive projects about Austin’s history. Heritage Preservation Grants are reimbursable two-year historic preservation funding grants for capital, planning, educational, or marketing projects. The deadline for online applications is October 17.
“Preserving Austin’s history and heritage allow us to tell countless untold stories that encompass our city’s unique identity and allure for tourists,” said Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. “The Heritage Preservation Grant provides critical funding to ensure Austin’s irreplaceable historic sites can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Projects must engage new audiences, be history-informing, promote diverse stories, and attract tourism to historic designated sites. Eligible applicants include for-profit, government, and non-profit entities. Applicants may submit a capital, planning, educational, or marketing proposal per funding cycle. All grants will be made on a competitive basis scored by a panel reviewing impact for preservation, tourism, access, and project viability.
The Economic Development Department invites community members, local historians, tourism, and historic preservation professionals to apply as panelists to review and score applications to help to determine applicant funding. Panelists should expect a time commitment of approximately 15 hours in October. Compensation will be provided up to $900. Individuals selected to participate on the Heritage Grant Panel will be notified by October 7. Submitting this form does not guarantee participation.
