Comprehensive Studies for Capital Projects

Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are eligible to apply. Applicant must own the resource or hold at least a 6-year lease, MOU, or stewardship agreement. In the case of a lease or other agreement, the owner must be a municipality or another 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The historic resource that is the subject of the study must be used for public-facing arts and cultural purposes.

• Building condition reports

• Cultural landscape reports

• Historic structure reports

Preservation Planning for Communities

501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural organizations receive priority consideration; other 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities are eligible to apply. The project area that is the subject of the survey or nomination must include a clear arts/cultural connection, such as a district anchored by a nonprofit performing arts venue, museum, art gallery, etc. Districts that are mainly commercial or residential without a clear arts/cultural component are not eligible.

• Cultural resource surveys

• National Register of Historic Places historic district nominations

Requests of up to $20,000 are allowed. Applicants must contribute at least 20% of the project cost as a cash match. PNY will fund up to 80% of the project cost.

In-kind services and staff time do not count toward match requirements. The Preservation League and NYSCA expect to see a project budget that reflects the applicant’s meaningful commitment to the project. The consultant fee should reflect the applicant’s understanding of the value of these professional services. Please note that this program may not be able to fully fund the grant amounts requested.

The application process is entirely online. Prospective applicants must first complete a pre-application to determine eligibility and receive the full application link. The pre-application is available until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025 and the deadline to submit final applications is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025. Applicants will be notified by email approximately 12 weeks after the application deadline.

Applications that meet one or more of these funding priorities will receive priority consideration.

• Projects that identify and preserve histories, places, and culture associated with underrepresented communities and/or that address issues of social justice, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (see below for an explanation of underrepresented communities, as defined by NYSCA).

• Projects that respond to challenges created by climate change.

The Preservation League and its regrant partner, the New York State Council on the Arts, embrace the widest spectrum of cultural expression and artistic pluralism and encourage funded organizations to demonstrate a holistic and comprehensive commitment to DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and access). NYSCA interprets underrepresented communities as including, but not limited to: African American/Caribbean, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Native American/Indigenous communities; People in areas with scarce cultural resources (including rural communities); disabled communities; LGBTQIA+ communities; neurodiverse communities; underserved older adults; veterans; low income and unhoused populations; as well as justice involved juveniles and adults.