COMMUNITY PRESERVATION GRANTS

our 2026 grant cycle is currently open with $50,000 in funding available! All details are below.

Knox Heritage will provide grants up to $5,000 to qualifying applicants in the following funding categories:

BRICKS & MORTAR

PLANNING, SURVEY, AND DESIGNATION

SAVE OUR SIGNS (S.O.S)

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• The structure, sign, or landmark must be at least 50 years old.
• The project must conserve sound historic materials and must be sensitive to the authentic historic character of the building, site, or sign. If applicable, overlay and/or neighborhood design guidelines must be followed.

FACTORS IN GRANT DECISIONS:

• Overall preservation impact of project
• Diversity of projects funded
• Financial Need
• Time Sensitivity

BRICKS & MORTAR

1. Location/address of historic structure.
2. Age of historic structure.
3. Owner of historic structure. If this property is not privately owned, please describe ownership.
4. Contact information for the owner, including email, mailing address, and phone number.
5. Describe the project to be funded including contractors to be hired and intended materials.
6. Describe the timeline of the project including anticipated start and completion dates.
7. Please share a detailed project budget, including total cost of the project.
8. How much of the project would you like funded by Knox Heritage?
9. If the project cost exceeds your grant request, from where do you intend to receive any remaining funds and how much will they total?
10. Does this structure have any local or national historic designations?
11. Is this structure important to your community? If so, please share why.
12. Is the structure in imminent risk of failure?
13. Please describe financial need. (Demonstrated financial need is especially important for privately-owned property)
14. Please describe any relationships (personal, family, business) you have with Knox Heritage staff or board members.
15. If you have previously received a grant through Knox Heritage, provide an update on the previous project.

In addition to the above questions, applicant must also provide the following:

• Contractor bid(s) for proposed work.
• 3-5 photographs of the area(s) that will be impacted by proposed project.
• Proof of Certificate of Appropriateness approval from the Historic Zoning Commission, if applicable.

Answers to be submitted in a numbered Word document to christine@knoxheritage.org by March 31, 2026.

PLANNING, SURVEY & DESIGNATION

1. Name of applicant(s).
2. Contact information of applicant(s) including email, mailing address, and phone number.
3. If this funding is not for an individual, please describe the organization.
4. Describe the project to be funded, including project staffing and material needs.
5. Describe the timeline of the project including anticipated start and completion dates.
6. How will this project benefit the community?
7. Please share a detailed project budget, including total cost of the project.
8. How much of the project would you like funded by Knox Heritage?
9. If the project cost exceeds your grant request, from where do you intend to receive any remaining funds and how much will they total?
10. Please describe any relationships (personal, family, business) you have with Knox Heritage staff or board members.
11. If you have previously received a grant through Knox Heritage, provide an update on the previous project.

In addition to the above questions, applicant must also provide the following:

• Contractor bid(s) for proposed work.
• 3-5 photographs of the area(s) that will be impacted by proposed project.

Answers to be submitted in a numbered Word document to christine@knoxheritage.org by March 31, 2026.

SAVE OUR SIGNS (S.O.S.)

1. Location/address of historic sign or landmark.
2. Age of historic sign or landmark.
3. Owner of historic sign or landmark.
4. Contact information for owner, including email, mailing address, phone number, and website (if applicable).
5. Describe the project to be funded including contractors to be hired and intended materials.
6. Describe the timeline of the project including anticipated start and completion dates.
7. Please share a detailed project budget, including total cost of the project.
8. How much of the project would you like funded by Knox Heritage?
9. If the project cost exceeds your grant request, from where do you intend to receive any remaining funds and how much will they total?
10. Does this sign/landmark have any local or national historic designations?
11. Is this sign/landmark important to your community? If so, please share why.
12. Is the sign/landmark in imminent risk of failure?
13. Please describe financial need.
14. Please describe any relationships (personal, family, business) you have with Knox Heritage staff or board members.
15. If you have previously received a grant through Knox Heritage, provide an update on the previous project.

In addition to the above questions, applicant must also provide the following:

• Contractor bid(s) for proposed work.
• 3-5 photographs of the sign/landmark that will be impacted by proposed project.
• All work on grant-awarded signs must adhere to the National Park Service’s Preservation Brief No. 25

Answers to be submitted in a numbered Word document to christine@knoxheritage.org by March 31, 2026.

Live in a City of Knoxville Historic (H) or Neighborhood Conservation (NC) Overlay district?

We have an additional opportunity to apply for the Small Renovation Grant Program, which awards up to $2,500 to eligible homeowners. Details on this program, which is funded by the City of Knoxville’s Historic Preservation Fund, can be found here.

Knox Heritage reserves the right to deny grant funding for any reason. Grants will not be based on an applicant’s relationship, if any, with Knox Heritage or its members, Board of Directors, or donors. Membership in Knox Heritage is not a prerequisite for being considered, or awarded, a grant. Any state, local, or federal taxes resulting from a grant are the sole responsibility of the grantee.  Knox Heritage, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Federal ID# 51-0148798.

Completed Projects

2024 | George, Belle Morris

“I have owned and lived in this house for 18 years, and it is my primary financial asset. I plan on living here for the rest of my life, and I need to ensure the home is safe and well-maintained, especially as I enter into my older years.”

2025 | Marian, Morningside

Marian was able to complete crucial gutter, downspout, trim and fascia repairs that enabled her, her family, and her beloved cats to remain in her more than 50-year-old home.

2025 | Ella, Forest Heights

“Receiving the Knox Heritage Community Preservation Grant placed me one step closer to realizing my dream of restoring my childhood home, a 1936 Cape Cod style cottage… The Community Preservation Grant allowed me to further support the integrity of this historic home, ensuring that I could make choices that honor the age and character of this unique property.”

2025 | Jean, Mechanicsville

With the Community Preservation Grant funds she received, Jean was able to have her 126-year-old home and its front stone retaining wall repainted—and even give her front porch a fresh pressure wash!

2025 | Nic, Edgewood-Park City

Thanks to a Community Preservation Grant, Nic had the resources to repair the rotted porch floor of his George Barber-designed 130-year-old home.

2025 | Rachael, Oakwood-Lincoln Park

“My home is a WWII-era cottage with a front porch that was in desperate need of maintenance… The grant award allowed me to make necessary repairs, while expanding the porch and maintaining the original aesthetic of this historic home… I appreciate that funding has expanded beyond neighborhoods designated by historic overlays.”

2025 | Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum, East Knoxville

Receiving a Community Preservation Grant allowed the KBGA, a fellow nonprofit, to complete an important step in their restoration of the Howell House. This building, a historic former residence, now serves as their Visitors Center. The grant funds contributed to restoring the home’s historic windows.

2025 | Rachel, Fountain City

Rachel used her grant funds to complete essential repairs to her circa-1915 Craftsman-style home. Water damage and air trapping caused by the age of the house and deferred maintenance had left the house’s roof and porch in critical condition. This grant enabled her family to remain in the home and neighborhood they love.

This program is generously supported by