Does your collection need conservation support?
GRANTSEEKERS
Art Preservation Fund aims to provide grants for conservation and preservation projects at cultural institutions across the United States. We prioritize organizations with demonstrated need and limited access to existing resources, and we're here to help even if a grant isn't the right fit.
Grants will be open to 501(c)(3) organizations whose collections include items of artistic, cultural, or historical significance. We particularly encourage applications from:
Organizations located outside major metropolitan centers or otherwise underserved by existing conservation infrastructure
Collections documenting local or regional histories
Institutions with demonstrated conservation need but limited financial capacity to address it independently
Projects where grant funding will enable work that would not otherwise proceed
Eligibility
WHO WE FUND
Not eligible:
Individuals (grants are made to organizations only)
For-profit entities
Projects focused on architectural or built heritage (we fund objects and collections only)
Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
Grant funds are restricted to conservation and preservation uses, including:
Active conservation treatment of individual objects or collections
Preventive conservation — including environmental assessment, storage improvements, and condition surveys
Conservation assessments and condition reporting by qualified professionals
Documentation to support long-term collection care
NOTE: To support fund visibility and advocacy efforts, APF will prioritize requests to support active conservation treatment in initial grant cycles
Eligible uses of grant funds
WHAT WE FUND
Not eligible:
General operating support or staff salaries unrelated to the grant project
Capital improvements or construction
Digitization projects (unless directly tied to preservation outcomes)
Work already completed prior to award
FAQs
COMMON QUESTIONS
How large are grants?
In the inaugural year, grant amounts will vary based on demonstrated need and available funds. APF is not prescribing a fixed grant size at this stage and encourages organizations to request what the project genuinely requires. We will communicate more specific parameters as our grantmaking cycle opens.
When is the application period?
The fund operates on an annual grantmaking cycle. The inaugural application period will be announced shortly. Sign up below to be notified when it opens.
Do we need to have a conservator identified before applying?
Not necessarily. We understand that identifying the right professional can be part of what makes conservation difficult to access. If you need help finding a qualified conservator for your collection type or region, APF can assist with that as part of our referral services.
We're a very small organization. Should we still apply?
Yes, we especially encourage you to. Small and underresourced organizations are central to our mission. If you have questions about whether your organization qualifies, please reach out!