Peter Grant Preservation Fund for Colorado

The Peter Grant Preservation Fund for Colorado was established in 2004 through a donation from the Gates Family Foundation to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in honor of William W. “Peter” Grant’s long-standing commitment to historic preservation in Colorado. Additional contributions from individuals and businesses have supplemented the fund, which is intended to support efforts that preserve and enhance Colorado’s historic places for future generations. The National Trust for Historic Preservation oversees the fund’s endowment and administration. The fund provides grants typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a total annual allocation of $30,000. These grants are intended to launch new preservation initiatives or bolster existing efforts. Eligible activities encompass a wide range of historic preservation projects, including hiring consultants, hosting preservation workshops, producing educational materials, acquiring historic land or buildings, and physical preservation work such as stabilization and restoration. Ineligible uses include academic research, historic resource surveys for registries, and organizational overhead. Applicants must be a public agency, 501(c)(3), or other nonprofit organization. Applicants who have previously received National Trust financial support are eligible if all prior grant requirements have been fulfilled. However, restrictions apply: no more than three grants in two years to the same organization, and only one grant per organization and project phase per round. Membership in the Preservation Leadership Forum or Main Street America is a requirement for fund disbursement, though not for application. Matching funds, equal to the grant amount, are required and can include cash or in-kind contributions. Applications are processed on a rolling basis according to the National Trust Preservation Fund deadlines, which typically fall on February 1, June 1, and October 1 each year. The application becomes available 6–8 weeks prior to each deadline via an online portal. Final award decisions are typically communicated within ten weeks of the application deadline. Applicants are expected to begin funded projects within six months of award or request an extension. The review process evaluates the historical significance of the property, the anticipated impact of the funding, the commitment of local stakeholders, the project’s catalytic potential, the plan for ongoing maintenance, and the applicant’s ability to execute the project. Necessary documentation includes high-resolution images, IRS determination letter, a consent letter from the property owner (if applicable), and a detailed project budget. Assistance with application questions is available through the grants office.