Texas Historical Foundation Quarterly Micro Grants

Texas Historical Foundation Quarterly Micro Grants is sponsored by Texas Historical Foundation. Provides funding to augment or seed historic preservation, education, cultural heritage, and research initiatives serving Texans.

THF - Grant Applicant FAQs Have a question not covered here? Click here to get in touch , a member of THF staff will respond to you directly as soon as possible. Using the THF Grants Portal The Grants Portal and the Member Portal are two distinct entities.

At this time, your credentials to the Member Portal are not linked to the Grants Portal, meaning you will need to create a new account to access-- even as an existing, dues-paying member. If this is the first time your organization is accessing the Grants Portal, click here and follow the directions to "Create An Account".

If you are unsure if another member of your organization has already established an account in the Grants Portal, please contact grants@texashistoricalfoundation. org . My organization applied for or received a THF grant in the past.

Do I still need to create an account? My organization applied for or received a THF grant in the past. Do I still need to create an account?

If your organization's most recent grant application was submitted prior to March 2025 and utilized a downloadable PDF application form, you will need to create a new account in the Grants Portal in order to prepare a new application. Click here and follow the instructions for "New Members" on the right hand side of the page to create an account. I think another member of my organization already created an account.

What should I do? I think another member of my organization already created an account. What should I do?

If you are not sure if a profile has been created for your organization, please contact grants@texashistoricalfoundation. org and provide the name of your organization. A member of THF staff will either confirm if there is an existing profile for your organization and add you as an additional user if so, or give you the greenlight to create a new organization profile.

Please note that even returning applicants will need to create an account if the organization's most recent application was submitted before March 2025. The most common cause for this is that you have unintentionally created an account in the THF Member Portal, which is separate from the THF Grants Portal , or have mistakenly navigated to the Member Portal login page.

If THF staff determine you have an existing Grants Portal account, follow this link to the THF Grants Portal login page and select "Forgot your password?" to reset your credentials. If THF staff determine an account has not yet been created, follow the "New Account" instructions on the right hand side of the page to create one.

How do I save my progress in an LOI or application? How do I save my progress in an LOI or application? Your progress in an LOI or application in the THF Grants Portal is saved automatically.

No action is needed to save revisions or updates. If you would like to maintain backups of historic versions locally on your personal computer, you can download a copy of the document in its current state by selecting the "Application Packet" button on the upper right hand side of the application form. How do I collaborate on an application with a colleague?

How do I collaborate on an application with a colleague? There are multiple options to collaborate with your coworkers on an application in the THF Grants Portal; click here for a quick tutorial on all. When viewing your application, select the "Collaborate" button on the upper right hand corner of the page.

This will enable you to invite colleagues from your organization to work on the submission with you in the Portal. This option works best if the collaborator will not need continued access for future applications. Another option is to add your colleague as a user for your organization.

This option is ideal if the individual is a member of your organization who will be working on future submissions. When logged into your dashboard, click "Organization History", then "Contacts" from the menu on left of page. Once on page displaying your organization's contacts, select "Invite User" button.

Finally, you can download a copy of the application to share by clicking the "Question List" button on the upper right hand side of the application. This will allow you to download the application as a PDF document that you can circulate to your team to prepare responses, which can then be copied and pasted into the Grants Portal application. I'm involved in preparing applications or managing grants for multiple organizations.

How does that work? I'm involved in preparing applications or managing grants for multiple organizations. How does that work?

A user may be affiliated with multiple organizations in the THF Grant Portal, making it possible to contribute to applications or manage awards for several organizations using a single account. This feature is typically used by contract grant writers or volunteers who are active with more than one organization.

To request that you or a colleague be added as a user to an additional organization profile, please contact grants@texashistoricalfoundation. org with the new user's email address, name, and the name of the organization you wish to add them to. If you have already been added as a user for multiple organizations, a tutorial on using the feature can be found here.

My project uses a fiscal sponsor. Should I create my Grants Portal profile under the fiscal sponsor name or our own? My project uses a fiscal sponsor.

Should I create my Grants Portal profile under the fiscal sponsor name or our own? For applications with a fiscal sponsor, create your profile in the THF Grants Portal under your own organization's name. When you begin filling out an application form, you will be prompted for information about your fiscal sponsor.

How do I know if I need to create a Grants Portal account as a new user? How do I know if I need to create a Grants Portal account as a new user?

Follow the steps for New Users on the right-hand side of the THF Grants Portal login page if: It is the first time a member of your organization has ever used the THF Grants Portal Your organization's most recent grant application was submitted prior to March 2025 and utilized a fillable PDF application form You are unsure if another member of your organization has already established an account for your organization.

A member of THF staff will confirm and add you as a user to the existing account to collaborate on applications if relevant. You do not remember the email address associated with your account. Having trouble creating a Grants Portal account?

Click here to download a step-by-step guide with images . How do I apply for THF funding? How do I apply for THF funding?

Applications for all THF grant and award programs are now accessed via the THF Grants Portal : Once you have created an account and/or logged in, select the button titled "Apply" with a paper icon located in the tool ribbon at the top of the page. This will display applications for all grants and awards your organization is currently eligible for.

To begin an application, navigate to the grant program you wish to apply for, and select the navy "Apply" button in the upper right hand corner. If you have any issues accessing the portal or are unsure whether your organization already has an account, please contact THF staff at grants@texashisthoricalfoundation. org .

Who is eligible for a Quarterly Micro Grant? Who is eligible for a Quarterly Micro Grant?

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations with a project supporting the preservation of and public engagement with Texas history (preserving historic structures and sites, history education, archeological research, preservation advocacy, museum programming, archives and collections preservation, legal history, publishing, contributions to the body of historical knowledge, and promotion of Texas arts and culture).

The most compatible applications are from smaller, community-based nonprofits where granted funds augment or seed a project with pronounced public benefit. Other eligibility factors: For past recipients of a Quarterly Micro Grant, one year must have elapsed since your successful application (for example, if your grant was approved in the Spring 2024 cycle, you can reapply in the Spring 2025 cycle).

If a past grant has been awarded, the organization must be current with follow up reports and in compliance with the grant agreement contract. Where grant funds would be applied to a project that improves the value of a property, the property must be owned by the applicant. Routine maintenance and operation costs are generally not eligible.

Underwriting/general costs for academic and professional conferences is generally not eligible. For religious institutions, clubs, and schools, the benefit of the project must extend beyond the immediate group or congregation in a clear and tangible way. Who is eligible for an Annual Grant?

Who is eligible for an Annual Grant?

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations* with a project supporting the preservation of and public engagement with Texas history (preserving historic structures and sites, history education, archeological research, preservation advocacy, museum programming, archives and collections preservation, legal history, publishing, contributions to the body of historical knowledge, and promotion of Texas arts and culture).

The most compatible applications are from smaller, community-based nonprofits where granted funds have the potential to make a significant impact on a project with pronounced public benefit. Other eligibility factors include: If a past THF grant has been awarded, the organization must be current with follow up reports and in compliance with the grant agreement contract.

Where a grant project improves the value of a property, the property must be owned by the applicant or fiscal sponsor. Routine maintenance and operation costs are generally not eligible. Similarly, underwriting general costs for academic or professional conferences are not usually an eligible area.

For religious institutions, clubs, and schools, the benefit of the project must extend beyond the immediate group or congregation. An applicant organization does not need to be based in Texas, however the project must relate to the history of the state or former Republic of Texas, take place in the state or former Republic of Texas, or primarily benefit Texans.

*An applicant without 501(c)(3) status may be eligible with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Who is eligible for the Duda Preservation Awards? Who is eligible for the Duda Preservation Awards?

The Duda Preservation Awards are held biennially and seek to honor excellence in the field of preserving historic architecture, offering monetary awards up to $100,000 for use in an architectural preservation effort.

Organizations eligible for the Duda Preservation Award are 501(c)(3) nonprofits or governmental entities with an active architectural preservation project and a track record of excellence in the preservation of historic architecture. Applicants or their sponsor must own the structure where award funding would be used.

The structure must have at least one formal historic designation (National Register listing, State Antiquities Landmark, etc.) Professionalism, organizational capacity, and best practice standards must be demonstrated through past work. Project budget must be $100,000 or greater and the project must be viable in terms of finances and organizational capacity; including future upkeep.

The outcome of the project must have a pronounced public benefit, either through the preservation of a historically or architecturally significant site, public access, or contribution to the body of historic knowledge. For more detailed information, please see our Duda Preservation Awards Eligibility & FAQs. Are there types of projects that are not of interest?

Are there types of projects that are not of interest? Historically, THF has no record of funding requests for standard operating expenses (including routine maintenance of historic structures or sites), or underwriting fundraising events.

Projects that offer or expand upon efforts that engage the public with Texas history, preserve or celebrate Texas' material or cultural history, or contribute to a body of knowledge are favored over day-to-day operations costs or general maintenance requests.

Projects where outcomes are not publicly accessible, where members of an "in group" (such as members of a private club) are the primary beneficiaries, or private events/venue rentals constitute the primary mechanism for interaction with a space are generally not considered. Do I need to be a member of the Texas Historical Foundation to apply for a grant? Do I need to be a member of the Texas Historical Foundation to apply for a grant?

THF membership is not required, but a show of support for our mission is always appreciated! Please keep in mind that an organization submitting a proposal can join at any time. To learn more about joining the Texas Historical Foundation as a member, click here.

Is 501(c)(3) status necessary to apply? What about a government entity like a school or library? Is 501(c)(3) status necessary to apply?

What about a government entity like a school or library? Quarterly Micro Grants & Annual Grants Because only 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible for Quarterly and Annual Grants programs, governmental organizations do not usually qualify. However, applications with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor are accepted.

For government entities such as a library, school, or state or municipal agency, applying via a "Friends of" group or partnering with a likeminded 501(c)(3) nonprofit as a fiscal sponsor are options. Qualifying government entities are eligible for funding through the Duda Preservation Award program. Please see Eligibility & Requirements for details.

For projects involving restorations of structures or other capital improvements, must the applicant own the property? For projects involving restorations of structures or other capital improvements, must the applicant own the property? For any projects that involve capital improvements to a property, the property generally must be owned by the prospective grantee.

While the Foundation may consider long-term lease agreements in special cases, the property should generally be owned by the applicant for bricks-and-mortar restoration projects in order to be eligible for the Duda Preservation Awards and THF Grants.

If you are interested in applying for an architectural preservation project or effort that otherwise makes long-term capital improvements to a structure not owned by the applicant organization, please contact THF staff to confirm eligibility prior to submitting an application. Are grants limited to organizations based in Texas? Are grants limited to organizations based in Texas?

An organization not based in Texas may apply for THF grant funding provided that all other eligibility requirements are met and at least one of the following elements is present: The project centers the preservation of the state or former Republic of Texas history The proposed project will take place largely in the state of Texas The primary objective of the project directly benefits Texas citizens in a manner consistent with THF's mission The project otherwise celebrates or encourages engagement with the history of the state or former Republic of Texas If you are applying on behalf of an out-of-state organization and have any questions regarding the eligibility of your project, please contact grants@texashistoricalfoundation.

org . Do THF grants or awards require matching funds? Do THF grants or awards require matching funds?

While a funds match is certainly desirable and encouraged, there is not a standard requirement that grant funds be matched. In some cases, THF may stipulate proof of a fund match or the remaining balance to complete a project as a requirement of the grant agreement. However, this is not standard.

What is the deadline to submit a grant proposal? What is the deadline to submit a grant proposal? Quarterly Micro Grants Program Responses to LOIs are typically provided during the first week of the month following that cycle's submission deadline (for example, an LOI submitted in a cycle with a deadline of July 15 would receive a response the first week of August).

Select applicants are then invited to complete a Step 2 application. If you have submitted an LOI, your confirmation email will include a timetable. For Annual Grant consideration, a letter of inquiry should be submitted by March 1 of the corresponding annual cycle (for example, LOIs submitted on or before March 1, 2026 will be considered in the 2026 Annual Grant cycle and so on).

If your proposal is selected, you will be provided with application materials as well as a timeline to submit them the following month. Is there a limit to the amount of grant funds an organization can request or how many times they can apply? Is there a limit to the amount of grant funds an organization can request or how many times they can apply?

Current recommended request ranges are: Quarterly Micro Grants Program, requests up to $8,000 Annual Grants Program , requests up to $25,000 Duda Preservation Awards , awards up to $100,000 Grant recipients are asked to wait one year before reapplying to a funding program after receiving a grant. This waiting period is program-specific.

For example, a grantee awarded funds in the Fall 2022 cycle of the Quarterly Micro Grant program would be eligible for reapplication in the Fall 2023 cycle of the same program, but remain eligible for Annual Grants or Duda Preservation Awards programs. More information about reapplication: Applicants are strongly discouraged from re-submitting a denied application without first speaking to THF staff.

Resubmitting a Quarterly application before a response has been issued to the previous submission is strongly discouraged. Multiple requests in the same funding cycle will not be considered. If you are uncertain which project is the best fit for funding, contact THF staff.

Requests outside of posted funding cycles are not considered at this time. The most current information on forthcoming review cycles for Quarterly and Annual Grants can be found here . Are we able to apply for multiple funding programs simultaneously?

Are we able to apply for multiple funding programs simultaneously? Recent Quarterly Micro Grant recipients are eligible to apply for Annual Grant and Duda Preservation Awards programs provided that: Your organization is in good standing and current with all reporting and requirements set forth in the agreement contract for past grants All other eligibility requirements are met.

What is the process and timeline for the review of a grant proposal? What is the process and timeline for the review of a grant proposal? Letters of inquiry (LOIs) are accepted on a rolling basis through the THF Grants Portal for requests up to $8,000.

LOI submissions are considered in batches every three months. Please review the table found here for current cycle timelines. LOIs are then reviewed by Texas Historical Foundation staff, with select applicants invited to prepare a full application (or "Step 2 Application") and provided approximately a month complete it.

Generally, Step 2 Applications are due on the 1st of March, June, September, and December. Dates and other specifics will be provided if your LOI is approved. Submitted Step 2 Applications are reviewed by a committee, who prepare a recommendation to the THF board.

The full board votes on proposals quarterly, usually during the last week of April, July, October, and January. Finalist applicants will be notified of the decision within 14 days of the vote and provided a grant agreement to receive awarded funds. Grants in the range of $8,000 - $25,000 are considered.

The process begins with submitting a letter of inquiry (LOI) using the THF Grants Portal . LOIs are reviewed annually each spring. LOI proposals are reviewed by Foundation staff and board leadership, who then make selection recommendations on finalists.

Select organizations are invited to follow up with an application expanding on their project for the full review committee and board approval. Of those invited to apply, a single project will be selected for funding. If a grant is denied, will we be told why?

If a grant is denied, will we be told why? Budgetary limitations are the most frequent reason for denials, followed closely by a high volume of similar requests within a specific area of work. While we are unable to proactively provide the reason for denial, staff will make every effort to do so upon request, including offering additional resources and constructive guidance for future applications where possible.

If you would like more information on why a request was declined, please send an email to grants@texashistoricalfoundation. org that includes the name of the applicant organization and submission date. Our application was denied.

Can my organization submit another request for the same project? Our application was denied. Can my organization submit another request for the same project?

Reapplying After Receiving a Denial If you would like to re-submit an application for a project that has previously been denied, we strongly advise speaking to THF staff before re-submitting. If a denied application has a strong chance of success on resubmission, staff will often proactively encourage resubmission, but feel free to reach out to check.

Applying in Consecutive Quarterly Grant Cycles (Multiple Open Requests in the Same Funding Program) While reapplying for the same project in consecutive Quarterly cycles (ie, opening a new grant request in the same funding program before the results of the first request have been issued) is not prohibited, it is discouraged.

However, applying simultaneously for different programs (for example, applying for an Annual Grant and a Quarterly Micro Grant at the same time) is welcome. How to Request Feedback if a Request is Denied Because THF is a small organization handling a high volume of grant requests, an explicit reason the request was declined is often not proactively provided. However, THF staff will generally provide feedback upon request.

To request application feedback, click here . How long does the application process take for a Quarterly Micro Grant? Click here to download the Grants Eligibility Factsheet for all funding programs.

Preparing an LOI, Application, or Follow Up Report What does THF look for in a letter of inquiry? What does THF look for in a letter of inquiry? An LOI, or Letter of Inquiry (sometimes referred to as a Letter of Interest) is your pitch to a grantmaking organization, requesting consideration for funds and briefly introducing your project and organization in a compelling way.

If you are considering applying for a THF grant, you may be wondering what THF looks for in an LOI. A strong LOI will do the following: Introduce the the organization and request Outline the project scope and methodology Provide the basics of the project budget and additional funding sources Provide intended project outcomes Be succinct and to the point; ideally no more than 2 pages in length.

Remember, you will have time to expand later if your LOI is selected. What kinds of projects does the Foundation favor? What kinds of projects does the Foundation favor?

Quarterly & Annual Grants THF supports a broad range of preservation initiatives, including the safeguarding of historic structures, artifacts, and archives, archeological research, history education efforts, celebration of Texas culture, and the promotion of the arts. For more information on what types of projects the Foundation funds, take a look at current THF preservation endowments and projects that have received funding support.

Projects involving the preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of historic architecture following high standards for historic preservation and demonstrating a strong public benefit element are favored. What criteria does the Foundation consider when making grants? What criteria does the Foundation consider when making grants?

The following are the top criteria used by reviewers when evaluating a proposal.

While most applications won't "tick every box", keeping these items in mind while preparing a submission can be helpful: Public Benefit: The ideal project demonstrates a strong benefit to the public, be it through access, community involvement, preservation of an endangered heritage resource, contribution to the body of knowledge, etc. Community Support: The strongest applications show a record of community support.

An application should demonstrate that residents, local businesses and/or community leaders are invested in the project. Adherence to Best Practices: Adherence to best practices is an important factor in consideration.

This can mean having a preservation plan in place for a structure, using appropriate materials for handling archives, or adhering to government or professional guidelines for treatment of historic structures, artifacts, and archeological sites. Ability to See the Project Through: Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate the ability to obtain to the financial resources necessary to ensure the project’s completion.

Factors such as additional grant requests, planned fundraising campaigns, events, volunteer involvement, partnerships with other organizations, etc. help show your organization is in it for the long haul. Perpetuity: Another factor that the board takes into account is longevity of outcomes. For bricks‐and‐mortar projects, consideration is given to the feasibility of upkeep.

Is the work part of a broader preservation goal? Is there sufficient funding to maintain it? Our application has a fiscal sponsor.

How do we approach this in the application and agreement? Our application has a fiscal sponsor. How do we approach this in the application and agreement?

Applying With a Fiscal Sponsor In the application, you will be asked if the grant has a fiscal sponsor and prompted for additional information. Aside from these prompts, applicants create an account and style the application as they would if applying directly with no sponsor. Grant Agreements With a Fiscal Sponsor For the purposes of the grant agreement, the fiscal sponsor is the grantee.

This means that an agent of the fiscal sponsor will sign the grant agreement and the sponsor will receive grant funds to distribute to your organization (the "subgrantee"). How transactions between the sponsor and subgrantee are structured is at the discretion of your organization and the sponsor.

To invite a fiscal sponsor to sign the grant agreement, open the grant agreement document in the THF Grants Portal and click the "Collaborate" button in the upper right hand corner of the page. Be sure to select the "Can Submit" option from the menu that appears. This will enable you to invite a member of the sponsor organization to execute the document and give them permission to submit the agreement once complete.

What is a Follow Up Report and how do I file one? What is a Follow Up Report and how do I file one? All recipients of THF grants and awards are required to submit Follow Up Reports annually for the duration of the project or within 90 days of project completion.

There are two types of Follow Up Reports: Interim Reports , submitted once a year to provide status updates for ongoing grant projects. When an Interim Report is submitted for a project, the Grantee is considered current on reporting requirements for one year or until the project is completed, whichever occurs first. Closing Reports , submitted upon completion of the grant project to summarize work completed.

Both the Interim and Closing Reports use the same form, which can be found at this link and submitted via email to grants@texashistoricalfoundation. org . The project completion date or Follow Up Report is delayed, what should I do?

The project completion date or Follow Up Report is delayed, what should I do? If there are changes to the project completion date which will effect your ability to submit a Follow Up Report, please notify Texas Historical Foundation staff . They will update your Grant File to reflect changes and, if possible, provide an extension on reporting requirements.

No-cost extensions are typically granted without issue, however it is important to notify staff so the organization is not flagged as out of compliance with reporting requirements. Where can I preview the Step 2 Quarterly Micro Grant application? My project uses a fiscal sponsor.

Which organization should apply? My project uses a fiscal sponsor. Which organization should apply?

Applications using a fiscal sponsor should apply under their own organization's profile and information. The application form will prompt you for information about the application's fiscal sponsor. This is your personal invitation to learn about the impact of THF's grants, what's new in Texas history, and more by joining our newsletter.