Preservation Initiatives Grant Program

The Preservation Initiatives (PI) Grant Program provides matching grants to individuals and non-profit organizations for preservation planning, research, outreach/education, and bricks and mortar projects related to historic and cultural sites. These grants are intended to help stimulate public discussion, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, make technical expertise accessible, and encourage partnerships.

Funding Sources

The Preservation Initiatives Grant Program is administered by the DC Preservation League. The program is supported by two separate funding sources:

Brightwood Car Barn

Virginia Avenue Tunnel

The application is currently closed. The 2023 application will open in late 2022.

Eligible Project Types

Funding is available for the following four project types related to historic sites:

Preservation Planning
Award Range: $5,000-$10,000 | Match Percentage Required: 25%
Develop strategies for the preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of a historic property/site. (Building/site must be a locally designated historic landmark or a contributing resource to a historic district)

Research
Award Range: $5,000-$10,000 | Match Percentage Required: 25%
Support for research efforts related to a historic property/site. (Applicant must make a strong case for the historic significance of the building/site. Research that will support development of a nomination must demonstrate owner support)

Outreach & Education
Award Range: $5,000-$10,000 | Match Percentage Required: 25%
Development of programs or educational material related to a historic site(s) that actively engage & educate the public. (Building/site must be a locally designated historic landmark or a contributing resource to a historic district)

Bricks & Mortar*
Award Range: $10,000-$50,000 | Match Percentage Required:100%
Exterior work that physically preserves a historic property (Building/site must be a locally designated historic landmark or a contributing resource to a historic district). *A preservation plan and/or a supporting report is strongly encouraged.

Eligible Applicants

Individuals and 501(c)3 organizations may apply. All applicants must provide a letter of support/sponsor letter with the application. The letter must be from a community organization (e.g. Ward Councilmember, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC), neighborhood association, etc.). Projects must be completed within one year of initial grant funding (Bricks & Mortar projects may be completed within two years).

Workshops & Information Sessions

2022 Grant Workshop Presentation

Call or email DCPL’s Grants Manager to discuss any questions about the application. To schedule an application working session, please email zach@dcpreservation.org