Across Ohio’s small towns and cities, historic buildings and neighborhoods continue to tell the story of place—of industry, culture, and community identity. Yet too often, the resources needed to protect and reimagine those places remain just out of reach. A national funding opportunity now offers a pathway forward.
The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is once again accepting applications—providing targeted support for preservation efforts in communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer.
For organizations across Ohio, this is more than a grant. It is an invitation to begin.
Seed Funding with Strategic Impact
Grants typically range from $2,500 to $15,000, with a clear purpose: to serve as catalytic funding for preservation planning and education. These are not construction grants. Instead, they are designed to help communities take the critical first steps—building the foundation for long-term success.
Projects supported through the fund often include:
- Hiring preservation architects or planners for reports and design guidelines
- Conducting feasibility studies for adaptive reuse of historic structures
- Hosting public forums to shape a shared vision for historic areas
- Developing educational programs that introduce preservation to new audiences
In practical terms, this is funding that helps communities move from idea to action—bringing expertise to the table and building local momentum.
Who Can Apply—and What It Takes
Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations located in small towns. For Ohio communities that meet the population threshold, the opportunity is particularly well-aligned with local preservation priorities.
However, applicants should approach this with preparation and discipline:
- A dollar-for-dollar cash match is required
- Projects must align with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
- Grants focus on planning and education, not physical construction
- Applications are competitive, with careful review of impact, readiness, and long-term value
Applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate organizational capacity, a clear project timeline, and the ability to complete the work within one year of award.
Timeline and What to Expect
The next application deadline is May 1, with decisions typically announced within three months. For organizations considering applying, the window for preparation is now.
Successful applications will be those that clearly articulate both urgency and vision—projects that not only address immediate needs but also offer replicable models for other communities.
Why This Matters in Ohio
Ohio’s small towns are rich in historic assets, but many face familiar challenges: underutilized buildings, limited technical expertise, and constrained local funding. Programs like the Hart Family Fund help bridge that gap—bringing national resources into local hands.
For Preservation Ohio and its partners, this opportunity aligns directly with ongoing efforts to support community-driven preservation across the state. It reinforces a core principle: that meaningful preservation begins at the local level, with informed leadership and strategic investment.
How to Apply
Organizations can access the application portal here:
👉https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=nthp&
Applicants will need to create or log into an organizational profile and submit required materials, including project details, budget information, and supporting documentation.
For communities ready to take the next step in preserving their historic places, this funding offers both resources and recognition. The work begins with a clear idea—and the decision to move it forward.
Photo: Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
