The Madison Trust Preservation Grant provides a funding opportunity for historic preservation initiatives for City of Madison Landmark buildings, including buildings within Madison Local Historic Districts, and/or preparation of Madison Landmark nominations. Individuals, businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to apply.

Annual Grant Amount

The Madison Trust will annually gift a total of $10,000 in grant awards, with the minimum grant of $5,000 and the maximum grant of $10,000. The Madison Trust will distribute the entire award at one time to help cover project costs. 

 

Questions?

Contact our office at info@madisonpreservation.org or (608) 441-8864.

Grant Timeline

Applications Opens

August 1, 2025

Applications Close

October 1, 2025

Selections made by

November 1, 2025

Funds Distribution

30 days after project commencement

Post-Project Report

Submit 60 days after project completion

Grant Application

Historic window restoration in process. Photo courtesy of Sash-A Restoration.

 
 

Projects eligible for funding

Bricks and Mortar

  • All projects must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. For example:

    • Construction project funding related to historic restoration or rehabilitation

    • Historic window rehabilitation or restoration

    • Wood siding repair and painting

    • Masonry repairs and repointing

    • Porch rehabilitation or restoration

  • Other building specific preservation, rehabilitation or restoration work

Madison Landmark Nominations

  • Madison landmark nominations for buildings in the city of Madison

Applicants can be individuals, businesses or nonprofit organizations.

Required Submittal Materials

  • Project application form through the online portal.

  • Project budget including all project expenses and in-hand or pledged funding.

  • Relevant guiding documents, plans, estimates, and proposals from contractors or consultants.

  • Project timeline including start and completion dates.

  • Minimum of two (2) representative photographs of the project.

  • If the applicant and property owner are different, a letter of support from the property owner.

Required Post-project report

  • A brief summary of the project

    • Document how the project met the Secretary of Interior Standards requirements.

  • At least two (2) representative photographs of the completed project.

  • Final expenditure report summary showing use of funds.

  • Provide a copy of the Landmark nominations for our records, if applicable.

Selection Committee Criteria for Grant Awards

The following criteria will be used by the selection committee to evaluate and select projects for funding, on a competitive basis, that meet the purposes and priorities of the Preservation Grant:

  • Relative historical and cultural significance of the project.

  • Urgency of the need for financial assistance.

  • Project will improve structural integrity or stability and extend the historic building’s lifespan.

  • Administrative capability of the applicant.

  • Extent to which the project stimulates or promotes other preservation activities.

  • Educational value of the project.

  • Extent to which the project leverages other sources of financial assistance.

  • Readiness of the applicant to initiate and complete the project.

  • Project that serves an under-represented community.

Terms of the Preservation Grant

  • Funds will be dispersed in full 30 days after project commencement. See Required Submittal Materials section above to qualify the disbursement. 

  • Project commencement must be initiated within one (1) year of grant selection.

  • All properties must follow all City of Madison requirements for review by the Landmarks Commission, Preservation Planner, and City permitting process.

  • When relevant, all work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

  • Any materials publicity produced in relation to the project must include the following citation: “Funding for this project was provided in part by the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.”

    • Copies of the materials should be submitted to the Madison Trust.

  • Preferred applicants will own 1-3 buildings within Madison Landmark districts. 

  • Grant award recipients may apply for the same project or structure one year after the award date.

  • Projects must be completed up to two (2) years from grant selection.

  • Award recipients must submit a Post-Project Report (see above).

  • Unused funds or funds not used for the approved project must be returned to the Madison Trust.

  • Madison Trust Board Members and staff are not eligible to apply for this grant.

Thank you!

This grant is made possible by a generous donation from long-time member and former board member Erica Fox Gehrig.