Heritage Preservation Grant
Supports historic places and safeguards the stories, values, and identities that make Austin unique.
Heritage Preservation Grant Application Window: October 21 – December 11, 2025
Through the Heritage Preservation Grant, we honor the past, empower the present, and ensure that future generations inherit an Austin that remembers and respects its roots. The program aims to preserve and promote preservation projects, expand access to historic spaces and heritage resources, showcase local stories rooted in history, support the creative economy – all with a strong focus on attracting and expanding audiences and engaging tourists seeking authentic experiences while promoting tourism and the convention and hotel industries.
Heritage Preservation Grants are offered in two categories: Heritage Events and Capital Improvement Projects. Project proposals must serve to preserve the historic site and/or clearly promote Austin’s history and heritage (heritage tourism) of the site to tourists as its primary purpose. Funding is made possible through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) proceeds from Austin’s convention and hotel industries.
FY2026 Application Cycle
The 2026 Heritage Preservation Grant application will be open from October 21st, 2025, through December 4th, 2025. Please note that while applications are due by December 11, the eligibility form is due December 4, 2025 – failure to submit the eligibility form by December 4, 2025, will keep you from being able to access the full application
Please see the AACME Heritage Preservation Grant website for the most up-to-date information about this program, its application review process, and frequently asked questions.
Applications Due in
For Submittable assistance:
- Reach out to Create Austin’s application assistance team at applicationhelp@thelongcenter.org or call 512-457-5161.
- View our Submittable Applicant and Technical Assistance Guide
For assistance with grant guidelines, eligibility, and application requirements:
- Register to attend one of the AACME Funding Programs Workshops (Virtual, In-Person, and Spanish Interpretation Available)
- Attend AACME Funding Programs’ Virtual Open Office Hours
- Email applicationhelp@thelongcenter.org. Our application assistance team will redirect your question to the right AACME staff member.
Resources for
Heritage Preservation Grant Applicants and Awardees
Events for AACME Funding Applicants
Asistencia en español disponible en todos los eventos
In-Person AACME Funding Programs Workshop
Saturday, November 15 • 12:00 – 2:00 P.M.
Asian American Resource Center 8401 Cameron Road Austin, TX 78754
Virtual AACME Funding Programs Workshop
Monday, November 17 • 11:00 A.M. -12:30 P.M.
In-Person AACME Funding Programs Workshop
Tuesday, November 18 • 5:00 – 7:00 P.M
Ruiz Branch, Austin Public Library 1600 Grove Boulevard Austin, TX 78741 • presented in Spanish
In-Person AACME Funding Programs Workshop
Thursday, November 20 • 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Carver Branch, Austin Public Library 1161 Angelina Street Austin, TX 78702 • with ASL interpretation
Virtual Open Office Hours
Tuesday, December 2 • 10:00 A.M. – Noon • No appointment necessary
Virtual and In-Person All-Day Open Office Hours
Thursday, December 4 • 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78741 • No appointment necessary
Virtual and In-Person All-Day Open Office Hours
Thursday, December 11 • 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78741 • No appointment necessary
Virtual and In-Person All-Day Open Office Hours
Tuesday, December 9 • 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78741 • No appointment necessary
By the Numbers
Heritage Preservation Grant Applicants and Awardees
Established by the City of Austin, the Heritage Preservation Grant promotes tourism through historic preservation projects and activities inclusive of all stories rooted in history and heritage. See statistics and details from the Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Department for the FY2024 Heritage Preservation Grant.
Locations That Received
2023 Heritage Preservation Grants
Administrative Updates
FY24 Awardees
We are processing first payments to awardees upon receiving confirmation that their Contract with the City of Austin has been fully executed. All administrative processes are handled through the Submittable platform.
FY24 Awardees
We are processing first payments to awardees upon receiving confirmation that their Contract with the City of Austin has been fully executed. All administrative processes are handled through the Submittable platform.
FY23 Awardees
We are processing Interim and Final payments to Heritage Preservation Grant awardees upon receiving confirmation from the Heritage Tourism Department that all required documentation has been submitted. A list of this documentation has been sent to awardees by the Heritage Tourism Department. Please email melissa.alvarado@austintexas.gov for more information.
Learn More About the Other AACME Funding Programs That Create Austin Administers
Austin Live Music Fund
Encourages, promotes, improves, and showcases Austin’s diverse music industry.
Creative Space Assistance Program
Supports commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates.
Elevate Grant
Offers funding for arts organizations, individual artists, and creative businesses that produce culturally vibrant and diverse art.
Nexus Grant
Supports emerging cultural and creative individuals and organizations to produce public projects and activities for Austin’s diverse communities.
Thrive Grant
Offers focused investment to sustain and grow local arts nonprofit organizations deeply rooted in and reflective of Austin’s many cultures.
Creativity should be prioritized in our city – creating vibrant neighborhoods, social impact, sustainable economics, and job opportunities. By working together, we can enrich the lives of all who live in and visit our vibrant city.
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply to one of the five grants administered by Create Austin, visit our Submittable Grant Management Platform. For more information on each program, you can explore our Resource Hub or visit the City of Austin website:
- Heritage Preservation Grant can be found through the Heritage Tourism Division.
- The Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Program can be found through the Music and Entertainment Division.
- Thrive, Nexus, and Elevate can be found through the Cultural Arts Department.
It is important to review the city’s grant guidelines and eligibility criteria for each program to find the grant best suited to you or your organization.
The Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) is a statewide tax collected from hotels and other tourist-oriented accommodation providers. It is used to support the cultural industries within cities that drive tourism. The five City of Austin grants administered by Create Austin are funded exclusively through this source.
As a contractor of the city, Create Austin is not responsible for the selection of grant awardees. Our role is administration and logistics – ensuring the grant funds are distributed and providing financial reporting back to the city.
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