Preservation Austin has announced the return of its Grants Program, which supports the preservation and interpretation of Austin’s historic places. Established in 2016, the program has awarded $239,530 to 60 preservation projects to date. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects within the Austin city limits. Submissions for the Winter 2026 Grants Cycle are now open and due January 15.
“Preservation Austin’s Grants Program provides critical funding to projects large and small, from beloved legacy businesses to groundbreaking arts and education projects to privately-owned homes that contribute to Austin’s historic streetscapes and neighborhood fabric,” Lindsey Derrington, Preservation Austin’s Executive Director, said. “These investments are a true expression of our mission, and we’re excited to continue this important work.”
As an example of past grants that helped a legendary local business, Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar received an $8,500 bricks-and-mortar award in January 2022 for electrical and plumbing repairs. “We are incredibly grateful for Preservation Austin and their grant program and hope that more historic buildings and legacy businesses are able to access it as a resource. As Austin continues to grow rapidly, we have an increased responsibility as a city to preserve and nurture architecture and infrastructure that are culturally significant to our history,” Will Bridges, co-owner of Cisco’s, and Norma Chavez, one of the restaurant’s longest-standing employees, said.
The Grants Program awards funding in three categories: Education, Bricks and Mortar, and Planning/Historic Resource Survey/Local Historic Designation. The organization offers two grant opportunities: biannually reviewed Matched Grants provide up to $10,000, and Rolling Grants, which are reviewed year-round. These offer up to $1,500 and do not require matched funding. The Matched Grant application deadlines are January 15 and June 15.
Nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and owners of individual or proposed landmarks may apply. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit preservationaustin.org.
Preservation Austin paused the Grants Program in 2025 while completing its rehabilitation of the McFarland McBee House and finalizing its 2025-2026 Capital Campaign, which has raised nearly $3 million for the nonprofit to date.
