What is the timeline for the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund?
January 9January 23: Application Period Closes at 11:59 PM ET- Late March: Notification to Selected Businesses
- One year after notification: Project Completion
What is the timeline for the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund?
How does the National Trust define a “Route 66 Legacy Business?”
Route 66 Legacy Businesses are independently owned enterprises located in communities or neighborhoods that Route 66 passes through between Chicago and Los Angeles. Legacy Businesses exemplify and contribute to community heritage and culture and often provide unique services, products, or crafts. Route 66 Legacy Businesses should meet at least 3 of the following 5 criteria. If you aren’t sure if your business qualifies as a legacy business, contact grants@savingplaces.org .
My business isn’t right on Route 66. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, businesses that are located in a community on Route 66 that are not located directly on Route 66 may still be eligible to apply, if they can demonstrate a connection to Route 66. For example, Green Book properties that served African American Route 66 travelers were often located off the route, but would be eligible. There may also be other be other businesses in Route 66 communities that are beloved local places or that are important to the residents of Route 66 communities such as theaters, shops, or other locally owned businesses that contribute to the unique history and identity of their Route 66 community.
What kind of projects can this Route 66 legacy business grant program fund?
Examples of the work this grant can fund are as follows:
I am starting a new Route 66 business. Would I be eligible for this grant program?
Generally, no, however if you are proposing a new business or expansion that would be in a vacant or underutilized historic Route 66 building, and if your proposal helps to ensure that that historic resource is rehabilitated, revitalized and put back into use, you would be eligible to apply. This program is also intended to incentivize the preservation and revitalization of original Route 66 resources.
What are the selection criteria for evaluating Route 66 legacy businesses?
The grant selection criteria for eligible Route 66 businesses are as follows:
Who should be filling out this application?
This application is designed to be completed by the business owner. Only the person who submits the application will receive updates and information pertaining to this program and the application. If this is an issue, please contact grants@savingplaces.org.
Are there specific eligible uses of funds?
The Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund will be available for the following three categories of projects: (1) capital improvements, (2) planning, and (3) marketing and outreach. Eligible project types and expenses are listed below. Grant funds can be used to launch new initiatives or to provide additional support to on-going efforts.
Capital Projects:
Planning Projects:
Marketing and Outreach Projects:
If I am leasing space, is my business still eligible?
Yes, business owners who are building tenants are eligible to apply. If the applicant does not own the building, they will be required to upload an owner letter of consent in the application.
What businesses are eligible?
Eligible entities are those:
My building is not a designated historic landmark. Am I still eligible?
Yes, buildings do not need to be formally designated or listed on a historic register to apply for this grant. If you are unsure if your building is considered historic, please email us at grants@savingplaces.org.
I understand that business owners from diverse groups (People of Color, women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ and veterans) will be given priority. I identify as one of more of the above community groups, but I own the business with my partner who does not. Would our business be considered to have underrepresented ownership?
Yes, your business would still receive preference in this grant program.
My business is not owned or owned in part by owners who identify as part of one or more of the above community groups. Are there any other factors for prioritizing applications?
Yes. The National Trust will also prioritize applications from Route 66 businesses that demonstrate that they are located in an economically distressed area, or businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID pandemic, natural disasters or other significant challenges. Additionally, if your Route 66 business was historically owned by one of the underrepresented groups above, and your grant project helps to make that historic hidden legacy visible, your application would also meet the “preferred” criteria.
My business is in a residence or a coworking space. Is my business eligible?
No. Your business must operate in a “brick-and-mortar” location in the United States or on tribal lands. Home-based businesses and businesses located within a coworking or similar shared commercial space, even those in historic neighborhoods, are not eligible.
Are nonprofits eligible?
No, nonprofits are not eligible.
Are franchises eligible?
No, franchises are not eligible.
Are sole proprietors eligible for the grant?
Yes, sole proprietors or business owners with no employees are eligible to apply, but they must be a registered business entity in good standing with their appropriate agency.
What is the awarded grant amount?
Grantees will generally receive anywhere from $5,000-$10,000. The selected businesses will enter into a grant agreement with the National Trust outlining the terms and conditions of the grant.
How will the funds be disbursed?
Grantees will receive all the funds up front via direct deposit after signing a grant agreement and other required documents.
How will selected businesses demonstrate completion towards the project?
Businesses will be required to submit a final report one year after the funding is dispersed. In this report, businesses will need to upload photographs of completed projects and financial documents showing how the funds were spent.
Is there any technical assistance available to help me complete the project at my business if selected?
Formal technical assistance will not be provided for every grantee, but if you have questions about your project, please feel free to reach out with specific questions.
What is the expected completion date of projects?
Selected businesses must complete their project one year after receiving the funds. Any changes to the project completion date must be approved in advance by the National Trust.
Do grant funds need to be repaid?
No, grant funds do not need to be repaid. However, all taxes associated with the acceptance and/or uses of cash awarded are the sole responsibility of the individual grantee.
Is a match required?
No, there is no match required for this grant.
Which documents do I need to upload in my application?
In the application, you will be asked to upload the following documents: 1. Photos of your business 2. A certificate of good standing OR an active business license (You only need to provide one of these documents – not both. Applicants may choose between submitting an active business license or an up-to-date certificate of good standing. Only one of these documents is required, and you may choose which of these two types of documents you wish to upload in your application)
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?
A certificate of good standing is a document from the state. In many states it's from the 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 are 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 the office to request a certificate of good standing/existence.
Can I save a draft of my application?
Yes, at the bottom right of the application, there is a save button. Please be sure to save frequently.
How will I know if my application has been submitted?
When you log into the grants portal, you can see the status of your application on the applicant dashboard. You will also receive an email from the grants portal (administrator@grantinterface.com) confirming your application submission. These emails often go to the spam folder, so be sure to add the email to your contacts list.
Can I change my application once it has been submitted?
No, you cannot make any changes to your application once it has been submitted.
When will I be notified about the status of our application?
We will notify all applicants about the status of their submission in Spring 2024, via the email provided in your application. Be sure to check your email regularly, including your junk folders. Email updates to all applicants will come from Foundant at administrator@grantinterface.com. Grant recipients will receive next steps from grants@savingplaces.org. Failure to reply promptly to next steps may result in disqualification from the grant program.
Read through the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund Guidelines as well as the FAQs on this page before reaching out to grants@savingplaces.org.
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