Funding search · historic preservation · California
Who funds historic preservation work in California
15 funders have a record of paying for historic preservation work by California recipients: 196 grants totaling $5.4M, most recently in 2025 — mostly private foundations, plus grantmaking charities. The largest by matched giving are Arts Council for Monterey County ($634,305), National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States ($2.4M) and The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation ($327,824).
From IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings, 2019–2025. Grants already paid to California recipients — evidence of what these funders back, not open calls.
Arts Council for Monterey CountyMonterey, CACharity · may take applications
84 matching grants · $634,305 · through 2024Largest: $18,000 to ACTION COUNCIL OF MONTEREY COUNTY — to support the arts and cultural heritage
National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United StatesWashington, DCCharity · may take applications
42 matching grants · $2.4M · through 2024Largest: $500,000 to GLIDE FOUNDATION — historic preservation
The Parasol Tahoe Community FoundationIncline Village, NVCharity · may take applications
19 matching grants · $327,824 · through 2024Largest: $50,000 to San Francisco Conservatory of Music — arts, culture & heritage
Largest: $20,000 to HEARST CASTLE PRESERVATION FOUNDATION — programs for historic preservation
Largest: $5,000 to SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO HISTORICAL SOCIETY — general use - historic preservation of sjc mission
The Oregon Community FoundationPortland, ORCharity · may take applications
4 matching grants · $195,000 · through 2023Largest: $150,000 to Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History — cultural heritage
Walk By Faith FoundationNewport Beach, CA
3 matching grants · $50,804 · through 2024Largest: $35,000 to SIGMA CHI FOUNDATION — transformational leadership programs, academic scholarships, historical preservation and operations.
Largest: $3,000 to CULTURAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION INC — general support for heritage square museum
Largest: $67,144 to INGOMAR CLUB — historic preservation
Hutton FoundationSanta Barbara, CA
4 matching grants · $30,000 · through 2024Largest: $10,000 to SANTA BARBARA TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION — core/general operating support
Largest: $35,000 to RUSSIAN CHORAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION — preservation of cultural heritage
Largest: $22,870 to LACMA — to support the showcasing of cultural heritage and art histories.
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Start with one paperBroader: historic preservation funders nationally · all California-based grantmakers