History Grants for Nonprofits

Our history is what defines us. But in many cases, our collective history is fated to be forgotten, ignored or even destroyed. There are many nonprofits that are dedicated to historical preservation, education and research. These nonprofits are only able to do this work through the generous donations provided by history grants.

These grants can be used for a wide range of purposes. These can include restoring historical sights, digitizing archival materials, hosting museum exhibitions and creating educational programs - as just a few examples. 

There are a variety of organizations that may provide grants related to history. This traditionally included federal agencies such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Park Service. There are also many state and local historic preservation offices, as well as many private and community foundations, such as the Getty Foundation. 

When drafting a history grant proposal, you need to be an evocative storyteller. You need to make it clear why this particular piece of history is important to the overall story of your community, and why it is worth preserving. You can also lean on data to back up your claims, such as the condition of a site, tourism revenue, or educational participation. You can start looking for this data from sources such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation or state heritage agencies.

If you need more tips and guidance on writing excellent grant proposals, then make sure to look over our full overview on the topic. You can also start browsing an excellent selection of history grants right here, all open and ready for applications.