Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions for the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program. If you find your question is not addressed below, contact historicrestaurants@savingplaces.org.

Program Overview

What is the deadline to submit an application?

The program was launched on May 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM ET. The deadline for nominations is May 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET.

What is the application process?

• Restaurant owners may complete full applications on behalf of their restaurants HERE. Only restaurants that complete a full application will be eligible to receive a grant.
• Members of the public can suggest restaurants HERE. Please see below for selection criteria and eligibility to suggest a restaurant that would be a great fit; however, a member of the public cannot enter on behalf of a restaurant.

Will it help if I ask my customers to also nominate my restaurant so they can show their support?

Members of the general public may suggest a restaurant to raise awareness of the restaurant to the grant program, but a restaurant owner’s application will allow for more information toward final consideration. Only restaurants that complete a full application will be eligible to receive a grant.

Restaurants are not selected based on public nominations, but strong community support is considered along with exemplary alignment with the selection criteria. Strong community backing can help show the impact and value your restaurant brings to the local area.

What is considered a historic restaurant?

The grant selection criteria for eligible U.S. small historic 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.

What is the program timeline?

• May 12, 2025: Program Announcement Application Period opens at 9:00 AM ET
• May 30, 2025: Application Period Closes at 11:59 PM ET
• July 2025: Notification to Selected Restaurants
• July/August 2025: Restaurants Publicly Announced
• August 2025–January 2026: Improvement Projects Underway
• January 31, 2026: Project Completion

What is the role for preservation partners?

This year, state and local preservation partners are encouraged to work with historic restaurants in their communities and as a result, preservation partners can receive up to $10,000 in funding out of the grant proceeds awarded to the grantee for their efforts. The final grant award will be made to the selected restaurants, and the agreed upon scope of support should be budgeted in the application.

Examples of partner support may include: supporting grant reporting, helping to identify preservation-sensitive contractors, helping to scope and manage exterior project, arranging community engagement opportunities such as improvement tours upon completion etc.

Who is considered a preservation partner?

For the purposes of this program, state and local preservation partners include (but are not limited to): State and local preservation organizations, local main streets, state historic preservation offices (SHPO), preservation consultants, architectural organizations with preservation expertise (such as a local AIA with a Historic Resource Committee).

Eligibility

Who can apply?

During the application period, restaurant owners may apply on behalf of their own restaurant, or preservation partners may apply in collaboration with a restaurant in their community. Please note the restaurant will be the grantee and fund recipient. Members of the general public may also suggest a restaurant for consideration; however, unless the restaurant submits an application, it will not be considered for a grant.

Who can receive funds?

Funding will be awarded directly to the 50 awarded historic small restaurants.

Are there specific eligible uses of funds?

The eligible funding breakdown is as follows:

• At least $40,000 must be used towards exterior improvement(s); up to $10,000 of the $40,000 can be used for the support of a preservation partner to help scope, manage, develop, or collaborate on the improvement project.
• Up to $10,000 can be allotted for unrestricted uses such as general operating expenses or any other business-related expenses for the restaurant.

Exterior, public-facing improvements to historic buildings include (but not limited to) murals, awnings, lighting, signage upgrades, painting or cleaning of exterior facades, and/or the creation of outdoor seating areas. Updates to websites for better operations will be considered. Projects that prioritize scope towards exterior improvements will be most competitive. Grant funds may not be used for work completed prior to receipt of the grant.

All proposed rehabilitation and/or preservation work and improvements must be submitted to and approved in advance by the National Trust and must be conducted in accordance with local design guidelines.

If I am leasing space for my restaurant, is my restaurant still eligible?

Yes, restaurant groups who are building tenants are eligible to apply. If selected, building owner consent forms will be required prior to disbursement of grant funds.

What are the qualifications of a “small” restaurant?

For the purposes of this program, a small restaurant is one with fewer than 100 employees, recognized as a business (not a contractor or self-employed), and not part of a national franchise.

How do I know if I am located in a low-income census tract?

A low-income census tract is defined as having 50 percent of households with incomes below 60 percent of the Area Median Gross Income or have a poverty rate of 25 percent or more. To determine if the restaurant is located in a low-income census tract:

1. Visit https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sadda/sadda_qct.html
2. Enter the address
3. Select the layer "Color QCT Qualified Tracts"
4. If your location shows up purple you are in a low-income census tract.

What are the tax implications of receiving this grant?

This depends on your specific business and your state or territory. We recommend you contact a professional tax accountant.

What is a Certificate of Good Standing?

A certificate of good standing is a document issued by a state’s Secretary of State’s office or a similar agency. Some states refer to them as “certificates of existence,” “status certificates,” or “certificates of status.” This document demonstrates that your business is licensed and is in good standing with the state in which your business was formed and is doing business. Check with your state’s Secretary of State website or similar office to request a certificate of good standing/existence.

Grant Program Details

What is the awarded grant amount?

Each of the 50 selected restaurants will receive a $50,000 grant. The selected restaurants will enter into a grant agreement with the National Trust outlining the terms and conditions of the grant.

How will the funds be disbursed?

Selected restaurants will receive funding in two payments: (1) one $40,000 initial payment within 45 days of execution of the grant agreement, and (2) one $10,000 payment upon 100% completion of public-facing improvements. Grantees will be required to submit documentation on the work completed to date to receive grant distributions as specified below.

How will selected restaurants demonstrate completion towards the project?

Restaurants must demonstrate 50 percent project completion by submitting photos and a written description that provide evidence of their predetermined mid-point milestone. Restaurants must demonstrate 100 percent completion through photographs showing completed projects that provide evidence for their original completion schedule by January 31, 2026.

Is there any technical assistance available to help me complete the upgrades at my restaurant if selected?

Yes, selected restaurants will receive technical assistance, guidance, and feedback on proposed exterior improvements and restorations from National Trust staff. Restaurant owners who apply in collaboration with a local preservation or architectural partner will have additional local support through that partnership.

What is the expected completion date of projects?

Selected restaurants must complete exterior improvements by January 31, 2026. Any changes to the project completion date must be approved in advance by the National Trust. Final grant disbursements will only be made once the restaurant has completed their approved project(s).

Will there be any media coverage about the 50 restaurants that are selected?

Yes, the National Trust and American Express will spotlight selected restaurants and incorporate coverage of the program and business owners on their platforms.