Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund (National Trust for Historic Preservation)
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Generally $5,000 to $10,000
$5,000 to $10,000 for small legacy businesses along Route 66 in 8 states, for preservation, planning or marketing. Due November 12, 2026.
The Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund gives small, independently owned legacy businesses along the Route 66 corridor grants of generally $5,000 to $10,000 for capital improvements, planning, or marketing and outreach, with no match required. Projects must be in a community along Route 66 in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona or California. Applications opened September 1, 2026 and are due November 12, 2026 at 11:59pm local time; the review takes eight to ten weeks. National franchises and digital-only businesses are not eligible.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Foundation
- Amount range
- $5,000 – $10,000
- Realistic amount
- $5,000 to $10,000 (the funder's usual range).
- Deadline
- November 12, 2026 at 11:59pm local time
- Status
- active
- States
- IL, MO, KS, OK, TX, NM, AZ, CA
Who qualifies
- Owner of the eligible legacy business and 18 years of age or older
- Small or independently owned business, or a business in a historic or old building
- Located in a Route 66 community in IL, MO, KS, OK, TX, NM, AZ or CA
- Has a physical brick-and-mortar location (digital-only businesses are not eligible)
- Registered business entity in good standing in the state or tribal land where formed and where it does business
- Not part of a national franchise
- Contributes to the history or identity of its Route 66 community and has a compelling historical narrative
- Existing business, or a new business opening in a vacant or underutilized Route 66 building
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Restoration, rehabilitation, stabilization and preservation of historic assets and buildings
- Bricks-and-mortar preservation such as painting, repointing, carpentry, window restoration, sign restoration, awnings and facade cleaning
- Outdoor seating areas
- Energy-efficiency mechanical projects such as electrical and HVAC systems
- Planning such as feasibility studies and preservation plans
- Marketing and outreach, web site development, printing and photography
Ineligible expenses
- Academic research
- Planning for or constructing new buildings or structures, including monuments and statues
- Creation or maintenance of archival collections
- Organizational overhead above 10% of the project budget
- Catering, food and beverage, entertainment
- Expenses incurred before the award date
How to apply
-
1
Check eligibility
Read the guidelines and FAQs; email grants@savingplaces.org with eligibility questions.
~1 hrs
-
2
Gather documents
Three to six high-quality photos with captions, a project budget, a Certificate of Good Standing and a property-owner consent letter if you do not own the building.
~3 hrs
-
3
Apply in the National Trust grants system
Create an organization profile and submit by 11:59pm local time on November 12, 2026.
~3 hrs
Selection leans on how the project ties to a Route 66 community and on need and urgency, so say why other funding cannot cover it. Get the Certificate of Good Standing early; it comes from the state.
Deadline & timing
Funder guidelines: application opened September 1, 2026 and is due November 12, 2026 at 11:59pm local time. Review is generally completed within eight to ten weeks of the deadline and applicants are notified by email. The application is in the National Trust grants system, which needs an organization profile.
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Required documents
- Three to six high-quality (300 dpi) images with caption and credit
- Letter of consent from the property owner, if the applicant does not own the property
- Budget outlining proposed expenses and revenue for the project
- Certificate of Good Standing from the state
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