The Preservation League of New York State is thrilled to be starting its 50th Anniversary year with a brand-new grant opportunity for New York nonprofits. Organizations with an ownership interest in, or a long-term lease of, a historic property requiring preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation, are invited to apply for the inaugural year of funding for the League’s new capital grant program. The Preservation Opportunity Fund (POF) aims to help those organizations that already have a clear idea of what their historic building needs — but may not yet have the funds to make it happen.

“We have seen a clear need from nonprofits across the state for more grant funding specifically for capital improvement projects,” said Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo. “Through our new Preservation Opportunity Fund, we hope to meet some of that need.”

The POF grant will support discrete capital projects on historic buildings, sites, structures, and objects. Eligible work may include but is not limited to restoration or repair of windows, masonry, roofing/structural systems, historic exteriors/interiors, historic finishes, or electrical and HVAC systems. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate one or more of the following:

- Have a history of Preservation League involvement.
- Benefit traditionally underserved communities.
- Prepare historic sites for the Semiquincentennial of the United States.
- Incorporate training and apprenticeship opportunities in the preservation trades.
- Advance sustainability goals in the face of climate change.

It is anticipated that grants will range in value from $10,000 to $40,000. Full grant guidelines can be found on the League’s website preservenys.org/preservation-opportunity-fund

Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent (LOI) by March 12, 2024, at 4:59 p.m. The LOI should be no more than 2 pages and should briefly address the POF criteria listed above as well as provide a summary of the proposed project. After review of the LOIs, a limited number of applicants will be invited to submit a full application. Invitations to apply will be emailed in early April.

About the Preservation League of New York State

Since its founding in 1974, the Preservation League of NYS has built a reputation for action and effectiveness. Our goal has been to preserve our historic buildings, districts, and landscapes and to build a better New York, one community at a time. The League empowers all New Yorkers to use historic preservation to enrich their communities, protect their heritage, and build a sustainable future. We lead advocacy, economic development, and education programs across the state.

Connect with us at preservenys.org, facebook.com/preservenys, youtube.com/c/PreservationLeague and instagram.com/preservenys