The National Trust for Historic Preservation is leading the movement to save places where our history happened.
Old places are where our lives, memories, and stories began. They connect us to the past, anchor us to the present, and lead us into the future. These places inspire us to create a stronger nation, because they belong to all of us.
For 70 years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has led the movement to save America’s historic places. A privately funded nonprofit organization, we work to save America's historic sites; tell the full American story; build stronger communities; and invest in preservation's future.
Thanks to the passion and dedication of our advocates and supporters, we’re able to protect hundreds of places every year. Help us save places that matter—for ourselves, each other, and our future together.
Learn more about how we're saving places on SavingPlaces.org.
The Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, presented by American Express in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will award a total of $2.5 million in grants ($50,000 each) to 50 historic and culturally significant restaurants in the United States. This program seeks to assist a broad array of restaurants that have contributed to their neighborhood’s history and identity and that help tell a story about cuisine and community in America.
Grant Selection Criteria for Eligible U.S. Small Restaurants:
- Is a small/independently owned restaurant located in a historic or older building or neighborhood.
- Contributes to the history and/or identity of its surrounding community or neighborhood.
- Tells a story about cuisine and community in America, highlighting historic food traditions and culinary heritage.
- Has a compelling and inspiring historical narrative or cultural significance.
- Has been disproportionately impacted by economic challenges, disasters, or other hardships.
For more information on the program visit Backing Historic Small Restaurants.
For answers to frequently asked questions visit Backing Historic Small Restaurants FAQ.
The National Trust has partnered with American Express to launch Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program (the “Program”) which is administered by the National Trust. Any personal information submitted as part of your application to the Program will not be shared with American Express without your consent; certain business information necessary to administer the Program will be provided to American Express. By submitting this application you agree to the Terms of the Program. By submitting this application you: (1) agree to the Terms and Conditions of the Program; and (2) acknowledge and agree that if you are selected as a Grant Recipient, the National Trust and American Express may use the Grant Recipient Information as described in the Terms and Conditions under Publicity Grant/Use of Entries. Please review the Terms and Conditions carefully, and also review the National Trust Privacy Policy to understand how the National Trust protects your privacy.
For technical assistance with the application form, please visit https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/
For any other questions, please contact: historicrestaurants@savingplaces.org