APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED
But, don't worry! We will re-open applications again in fall of 2025.
Latinos in Heritage Conservation
Launches Nation's First Grant Program
dedicated to funding Latinx Heritage Projects
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
$600,000
in Initial Funding Available
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
February 15, 2025 - APPLICATIONS CLOSED
GRANT PERIOD START DATE:
May 2025
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.
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.
our
PROJECT CATEGORIES
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.
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
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.
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
-
Submittable
You will submit you application via Submittable
Download a template of the application in English and Spanish.
To create your account:
-
Click the Sign Up link.
-
Enter your email address, first and last names, and a display name.
-
Enter your password.
-
Click the button to send a verification email to yourself.
-
Enter the code from the email.
Once your account is made, follow this link to apply to the LHC Grant Program: APPLY NOW.
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 LHC 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
Submittable
You will submit you application via Submittable
Download a template of the application in English and Spanish.
To create your account:
-
Click the Sign Up link.
-
Enter your email address, first and last names, and a display name.
-
Enter your password.
-
Click the button to send a verification email to yourself.
-
Enter the code from the email.
Once your account is made, follow this link to apply to the LHC Grant Program: APPLY NOW.
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 LHC 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
