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Latinos in Heritage Conservation Launches Nation's First Grant Program Dedicated to Funding Latinx Heritage Projects
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APPLICATIONS FOR CYCLE TWO WILL OPEN SOON.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

$600,000
in Funding Available 


APPLICATION OPENS: 
November 4th, 2025
 

DEADLINE TO APPLY:
February 13, 2026
 

GRANT PERIOD START DATE:
June 2026 

CONTACT
Patricia Zarate Singletary
Preservation Grants Manager
patricia@latinoheritage.us

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC) is committed to supporting a strong, national movement for Latinx heritage preservation. To further this mission, we offer the Nuestra Herencia Grant Program, which is exclusively dedicated to funding Latinx heritage and historic preservation projects. With $600,000 in annual funding, this initiative empowers grassroots, Latinx-focused nonprofit organizations and community groups working to protect and uplift Latinx history and cultural contributions across the United States. 

  

Through this inclusive, equity-centered grant program, LHC is committed to elevating a diverse range of projects by prioritizing organizations and communities historically left out of traditional funding opportunities. To ensure greater accessibility, we provide resources like Spanish-language application materials and personalized support so that our stories and legacies can endure for future generations. 

  

The LHC Grant Program is made possible by the generous support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, in partnership with the Social Impact Fund, which has dedicated $1.8 million to the program over three years. 

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HONORING DIVERSE VOICES

At LHC, we understand and deeply respect the diversity of Latinx experiences across the United States. We recognize that Latinx identity is rich and varied, shaped by unique customs, cultural practices, and regional or personal preferences for identifying labels. Whether you use the term Latino, Latinx, Latine, Hispanic, or another descriptor, such as Chicano/a or Tejano/a, we encourage you to apply. This grant program was created to empower and fund all Latinx communities in preserving their heritage. We honor this diversity and welcome everyone to share their stories and projects, ensuring that no voice is left unheard. In your application, you can indicate your preferred term, as we strive to communicate in a way that reflects your identity and respects your choice. 

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our

grant guidelines

  • We offer $5,000 to $100,000 in grant funds to non-profit, Latinx led organizations in the continental United States and Puerto Rico doing grassroots work related to the conservation and preservation of Latinx heritage and history.  

     

    Latinos in Heritage Conservation defines Historic Preservation or Conservación, as a diverse discipline committed to recognizing and safeguarding culture and history. Over time, Latinx communities have preserved their homelands, family stories, cultural traditions, heritage, and sacred sites, contributing to our collective legacy. Traditional Historic Preservation involves protecting historic buildings, archeology, public lands, the environment, artifacts, and cultural traditions significant in our shared history. For Latinxs and our communities, at its core, historic preservation honors and sustains elements shaping our cultural heritage, and Latinidad. 

      

    Borderlands Focus 

    Nonprofits from across the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico are encouraged to apply. While the program is open to all, it places a special emphasis on organizations located in the Borderlands region, including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. This region stands out for its rich tapestry of Indigenous, Mexican, and American cultural influences. Despite its pivotal role in shaping American history, preservation efforts in the Borderlands have frequently been overlooked. This program aims to change that by bringing much-needed attention and support to these communities. 

     

    Funding Goals 

     

    In accordance with our mission to build a movement that affirms Latinx heritage through education, conservation, and leadership development, the Nuestra Herencia Grant Program prioritizes funding projects that align with the following objectives: 

    • Conservation of place-based history through documenting the history of buildings, landmarks, neighborhoods, communities, or cities, along with its significance to Latinx heritage and history. 

    • The physical preservation and restoration of places and spaces connected to Latinx heritage and history for public use.  

    • Identification of sites throughout the country connected to Latinx heritage history through historic context surveys, oral histories, or other methods.  

    • Nominating Latinx sites to local, state, and national historic registration lists to increase representation. 

    • Representations of minoritized histories within the Latinx community, such as Afro-Latino, LGBTQIA+, and Indigenous narratives.  

    • Increasing the capacity of Latinx preservation nonprofits by supporting organizational capacity building.  

  • Your organization: 

    • 501(c)(3) nonprofit 

    • This includes preservation-focused community groups, museums, cultural centers, historic preservation groups, historic sites, historical societies, etc. 

    • If your organization does not yet have 501(c)(3) status, your project can be fiscally sponsored.  

    • Latinx led and/or serving organization 

    • We do not fund local, state, tribal, or federal agencies. We do not fund schools or school districts. We do not fund individuals. 

    • These funds are intended for grassroots organizations and community-driven initiatives that lack sustained financial support. We prioritize applicants with annual operating budgets that are below $500,000. Staff size and other operating parameters will also be considered. 

    • Applications from organizations with budgets that exceed $500,000 are still eligible and will be considered. 
        

    Fiscal Sponsorship 

    If your organization or community group is not a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you may apply with a Fiscal Sponsor. 

     

    A Fiscal Sponsor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that agrees to receive and manage grant funds on your behalf. They assume legal and financial responsibility for the grant, while your group—the Project Organization—leads the work and must meet the other eligibility criteria. Project Organizations can apply with a Fiscal Sponsor only if the sponsor's fee is less than 10% of the grant award. 

      

    You will be asked to provide the Fiscal Sponsors EIN number when beginning the application and there will be questions about both the Project Organization and the Fiscal Sponsor in the application. Unless otherwise noted, please answer all questions from the perspective of the Project Organization. If you plan to apply with a Fiscal Sponsor, we encourage you to speak with LHC staff before submitting your application. 

     

    For more information and resources regarding Fiscal Sponsors, visit the National Council of Nonprofits.  
     

    Grant Period: 

    A grant period is the time frame when a grant's funds can be used, as specified in the grant award agreement. For the Nuestra Herencia Grant Program, the grant period is June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027/2028. The earliest your proposed project's grant period can begin is June 2026. 

      

    It will be a one-year grant period for projects in the Project Planning, Building Organizational Strength, and Community Interpretation & Engagement categories. Applicants in the Capital Project category will be asked to choose between a one-year or two-year grant period.  
     

    This grant does not fund: 

    • Expenses incurred prior to the grant award date 

    • General operating support, including staff salaries 

    • Operational or indirect/overhead costs 

    • Festivals 

    • Mural creation 

    • K-12 Education Programs 

    • Food, beverage, and entertainment costs 

    • General academic research not tied to a specific preservation outcome (for example: dissertations, independent historical research without a site application) 

    • Conference related expenses 

    • Preservation of private property that does not serve the public (ex. Historic private residence) 

    • Interior decorative or cosmetic work, such as furnishing or decorative elements 

    • Total or complete demolition of a historic building 

    • Commercial property 

    • Acquisition of property 

    • New construction 

    • Mortgages 

    • Debt repayment 

    • Taxes 

     

    LHC staff reserves the right to make additions to this list, as needed. 

  • This grant provides funding for projects and organizations that preserve Latinx heritage and history. There are different levels of financial support available for projects in four categories: Capital Projects, Project Planning, Building Organizational Strength, and Community Interpretation & Engagement. You may only apply in one category and your request amount must fall in the listed range for that category. 
     

    Capital Projects
    ($50,000 - $100,000):
    Grants for the physical preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of significant Latinx historic and cultural sites. Strong applications clearly explain the site's significance and include comprehensive project planning documents, such as preservation or restoration specifications, and construction drawings with timelines. Applications should also provide a detailed budget covering labor, materials, and professional fees, including at least $5,000 for ongoing maintenance. 

    • Eligibility: Privately owned properties that do not serve the public (for example, historic homes used solely as private residences) are not eligible for Capital Project funds. Total or complete demolition of a historic building is not eligible: only limited removal that is essential to preservation or stabilization, such as unsafe non-historic additions. 

    • Examples: Conserving historic masonry such as bricks or stone; restoring original windows, doors, or decorative finishes; mural conservation; roof replacement or other emergency stabilization; renovations that increase accessibility while preserving historic character; adaptive reuse projects; structural stabilization of foundations or framing; and masonry repointing with appropriate materials. 

    • Capital Projects Cycle One Grantees 
       

    Project Planning
    ($10,000 - $40,000): Financial support for the development of essential planning, technical, and preservation documents needed for successful historic preservation and site identification projects. Strong applications will demonstrate the significance of the site or area, outline clear preservation goals, and show how the proposed planning activities will inform future capital projects.  

    • Eligibility: Your project team must include an architect or historic preservation professional, whether that be a staff member, volunteer, or consultant. 

    • Examples: Hiring an architect or historic preservation professional to complete feasibility studies, condition assessments, architectural or engineering plans, historic structure reports, emergency plans, or the preparation of National Register nominations; conducting a cultural resource survey to identify important sites and cultural traditions in an area; and conducting research and gathering documentation to plan heritage markers that celebrate local cultural narratives 

    • Project Planning Cycle One Grantees 
       

    Building Organizational Strength
    ($15,000 - $25,000): Funding to help history and heritage-focused organizations build capacity by strengthening operational and managerial skills in areas like board training, fundraising plans, grant writing, and historic preservation best practices. 

    • Eligibility: Your organization's mission must relate to the preservation of Latinx history and heritage. Arts and culture organizations that are not engaged in preservation or conservation work are not eligible in this category. 

    • Examples: Hiring consultants for strategic planning, business plan creation, fundraising plans, and board training. 

    • Building Organizational Strength Cycle One Grantees 

     

    Community Interpretation & Engagement
    ($5,000 - $20,000): Support for public and community focused projects that illuminate Latinx heritage through educational programs, place-based storytelling, and interpretive experiences designed to foster cultural connection and understanding. 

    • Eligibility: Projects must be public facing in nature. Please note that we do not fund theatrical performances, festivals, new murals, concerts, or general arts programming. Intangible heritage is a critical part of preservation, but our funding goals are currently focused on place-based projects. 

    • Examples: History exhibits; historic markers or interpretative signage; oral histories and research projects that prioritize site identification; and public workshops on preservation 

    • Community Interpretation & Engagement Cycle One Grantees 

  • Submittable

    Applications open November 4, and you will submit your application via Submittable. 

    Download a template of the application in English and Spanish.

     

    To create your account:

    1. Go to https://manager.submittable.com/signin

    2. Click the Sign-Up link.

    3. Enter your email address, first and last names, and a display name.

    4. Enter your password.

    5. Click the button to send a verification email to yourself.

    6. Enter the code from the email.

    Once your account is made, follow this link to apply to the LHC Grant Program: APPLY NOW. Applications will open on November 4.
     

    Before beginning the application, you will be prompted to use the Organization Search feature to input your organization’s EIN or UEI information. This is to verify that you are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You cannot proceed with the application without selecting an organization. If you are applying under a Fiscal Sponsor, input their EIN or UEI.
     

    Submittable’s Help for Applicants hub offers guidance on submissions, tracking, account management, and troubleshooting.

     

    Budget

    As part of your grant application, you will need to provide a budget of estimated costs associated with your proposed project. Here is a template in English and Spanish.

     

    Please provide a general description for each budget category then fill in expenses and indicate where LHC funds would be applied. You may customize the budget categories to fit your specific project needs. The pre-written categories are examples—feel free to rename, remove, or replace them with categories that better reflect your project. Use the blank rows to add any additional expense types. Cash match or cost sharing is NOT required.

     

    The “Project Budget Notes” column serves as your Budget Narrative. You will use this space to explain and justify the ‘how’ and/or ‘why’ a line item helps to meet your projects deliverables, and if the amount budgeted is an estimated or 

     

    Support Materials

    Support materials in a grant application refer to additional documents, data, or evidence beyond the main proposal narrative that are used to substantiate your project's need, feasibility, and impact. The Nuestra Herencia Grant Program application asks for the materials listed below and we recommend you begin collecting this documentation early in the application process.

     

    Required for all categories:

    • Project Budget

    • Form W-9 from the Project Organization or Fiscal Sponsor (if applicable)

    • Request for Proposals (RFPs) for relevant contractors/consultants (if contractors/consultants are part of the project)

    • Photographs that showcase the area in which your project will happen. Can be photographs of historic structures, community events, past exhibits, etc. (No more than ten)

      • For Capital Projects, be sure to include photos of areas needing rehabilitation.

    Optional:

    • Strategic Plan

    • Architectural designs

    • Architectural vision boards

    • PowerPoint Presentations

    • Proposals from relevant contractors/consultants

    • Letters of Support

  • At Latinos in Heritage Conservation, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way to make your application journey smooth and successful! Please begin by reviewing the resources here:

    Webinar Schedule

     

    Office Hours

    LHC’s Preservation Grants Manager will hold several office hour sessions to assist applicants as they begin their applications. Registration is required in advance and questions will be answered in the order in which they are received. Please note that this is open to the public and any question asked in this setting will be shared with all in attendance.  

     

  • Criteria

    We fund our grants through a competitive process. Reviewers with expertise in this field will evaluate your project based on the following criteria, in accordance with our funding goals:


    Emphasis on Equity

    Latinos in Heritage Conservation is committed to fostering equity and inclusivity in heritage preservation. This grant program is specifically designed to provide funding to Latinx organizations that have historically been left out of traditional funding opportunities. Our goal is to dismantle structural and racial inequities, systemic injustices, and the exclusionary practices often found in conventional grant processes.

     

    To achieve this, we incorporate demographic questions that help inform our review process and scoring rubric. This allows us to prioritize applicants based on factors such as geographic location, operating budget, the communities they engage with, and the audiences they serve. By focusing on these key areas, we create space for a diverse range of grassroots, community-driven initiatives and nonprofits to receive the support they need and deserve.

     

    Timeline

    • Applications Open: November 4, 2025

    • Application Deadline: February 13, 2026

    • Application Review Period: February-May 2026

    • Grant Awards Announced: June 2026

    ​

  • Contracts and Payment

    If your project is selected for funding, LHC staff will connect you with our friend and Fiscal Sponsor, the Social Impact Fund (SIF). Together, we will create a grant agreement that establishes the purpose of the grant and how funds will be used, along with instructions for reporting and financial documentation. All award recipients must sign the agreements in a timely fashion to secure award funds.

     

    If your award amount is $50,000 or under, you will get a full payment at the start of the project.

    If your award amount is over $50,000, payment will be made in two disbursements. You will receive the first half at the start of your project. You will be required to meet with LHC staff prior to requesting your second payment to ensure adequate progress is being made.

    ​

    To prepare for a potential grant agreement and receiving funds, please make sure you have an established chain of command. This is especially relevant when working with a Fiscal Sponsor, as the sponsor is the one who will handle the banking and transfer funds to the Project Organization. SIF will need to know:

    • Who the grant contact will be at both the Project Organization and Fiscal Sponsor.  

    • Who will be authorized to sign the official grant agreement.

    • And who will have the authority to share banking information for payment purposes.

     

    Reporting

    Grant reporting is the process of providing regular updates and detailed information to a grant maker about how grant funds are being used, the progress of the funded project, and the overall impact of the grant. At LHC, we have designed our reporting process to be straightforward and user-friendly, so focus can stay on your project throughout the grant period.

     

    All grantees, regardless of the award amount, are required to submit a Final Report within one month of the end of their grant period. You can view the Final Report template in English and in Spanish.

     

    If your award amount is over $50,000, you will also be required to complete a Mid-Point Check in with LHC staff halfway through your grant period. The check-in will be a conversation with LHC staff about the progress made to date, a review of the grant project timeline and milestones that have been reached, and update on how grant funds have been spent.

     

    Expenditure Tracking

    All grantees will be required to submit an Expenditure Log with their Final Report. Expenditure tracking means keeping a clear and simple record of how you use your grant funds. Using the LHC Grant Expenditure Log in English and Spanish, you’ll note each expense, who it was paid to, and when. This helps show that funds are being used as planned and keeps everything transparent and organized throughout your project. You will not be required to submit scans of receipts or invoices for the expenses listed in your log, but please keep financial documentation on file in case your grant is randomly audited.

     

    Historic Preservation

    If a proposed project would affect an historic property that is listed on or eligible for historic designation, then the applicant will be required to show that their project complies with all applicable local laws and regulations as outlined in the city's local historic preservation ordinances, and often The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.  This may include project reviews, approvals, permits, monitoring, mitigation, adherence to standards or other conditions required by public policy.

  • Eligibility 

    • Q: Who can apply for the LHC Grant Program? 
      A: We welcome applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are Latinx led and/or serving and work to preserve Latinx heritage and history. If your group does not yet have nonprofit status, you may apply with a fiscal sponsor.  

    • Q: Can individuals apply? 
      A: Not at this time. Applications must come from 501(c)(3) organizations or groups with a fiscal sponsor. 

    • Q: What is a fiscal sponsor? 
      A: A fiscal sponsor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that agrees to receive and manage grant funds on your behalf. They assume legal and financial responsibility for the grant, while your group—the Project Organization—leads the work and must meet the other eligibility criteria.  

    • Q: Are churches or cemeteries eligible? 
      A: Yes but if you are unsure if your project aligns with our funding goals, please reach out to the Preservation Grants Manager. 

    • Q: What about privately owned properties? 
      A: Unfortunately, we don’t fund projects involving privately owned properties. 

    • Q: My organization's mission focuses on Latinx arts and culture, are we eligible? A: If you meet the basic eligibility requirements,
      then your organization is eligible to apply, but your project must revolve around preserving Latinx history and heritage. Please reference Nuestra Herencia’s funding goals in the guidelines to see if your project idea fits the vision of the program.  

     

    Application Process 

    • Q: What’s the best way to prepare before applying? 
      A: Review the application template and examples of funded projects from cycle one, attend a webinar or watch the recording, and read the program guidelines in full.  

    • Q: What’s the difference between the Project Organization and the Fiscal Sponsor? 
      A: The Project Organization is the group doing the work and proposing the project but lacks 501(c)(3) status. The fiscal sponsor is the nonprofit that receives and manages the money on your behalf.  

    • Q: Can I get help with my application? 
      A: Absolutely! Our team is here to support you. You can contact the Preservation Grants Manager here.  

     

    Budget & Funding 

    • Q: Can we include staff salaries or overheads in our budget? 
      A: Not at this time. We recognize how important staff funding is for grassroots organizations and hope to expand our funding in this area in the future.  

    • Q: Can I use grant funds to hire consultants? 
      A: Yes, applicants in all categories can propose hiring consultants for their project.  

    • Q: Do I need to submit my entire organizational budget? 
      A: Nope! Just show us how you plan to use the LHC grant funds using the provided budget template. 

    • Q: Is a cash match required? 
      A: No! You are not required to match the award amount with your own funds.  

    ​

    Project Categories 

    • Q: What does “place-based” mean? 
      A: It means your project is focusing on the history of a specific physical location—such as a building, landmark, neighborhood, community, or city—that holds significance to Latinx heritage and history.   

    • Q: Do you fund arts and culture projects? 
      A: We do not fund theatrical performances, festivals, murals, concerts, or general arts programming. We understand that intangible heritage is a critical part of preservation, but our funding goals are currently focused on place-based projects. 

    •  

    Technical Support 

    • Q: Is the Submittable platform easy to use? 
      A: Most folks found it very user-friendly! If you run into issues, staff at LHC and Submittable are available to assist you. 

    • Q: What’s the word limit for responses? 
      A: Each question has an individual word limit that is noted on the application template and in Submittable.  

     

    After You Apply 

    • Q: When will I hear back about my application? 
      A: You will receive an update on your application status by the end of May 2026. If selected, you’ll get detailed instructions on next steps. 

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The LHC Grant Program is made possible by the generous support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, in partnership with the Social Impact Fund, which has dedicated $1.8 million to the program over three years.

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