InactiveClosedFoundation

Backing Historic Small Restaurants.

This National Trust and American Express program has funded improvements at historically significant independent restaurants; the latest documented application cycle is closed.

Offered byNational Trust for Historic Preservationverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

The 2025 program awarded $50,000 to selected restaurants and required completion by January 31, 2026. No later open cycle was verified, so the record is retained as a watch item rather than current grant availability.

Best for: A longstanding independent Chester restaurant with a strong historic building, food-tradition, and community story.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Small independently owned U.S. restaurants in older or historic buildings or neighborhoods that meet program criteria

Eligible uses

  • Public-facing restaurant improvements
  • Historic preservation-sensitive exterior work
  • Related technical assistance

Application

How to start.

  1. Do not rely on the closed 2025 application.
  2. Monitor the official page for a future cycle.
  3. Prepare documentation of ownership, historic significance, hardship, and proposed public-facing work.

Timing: The latest verified application closed June 2, 2025; no 2026 application was verified.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • No current application cycle is confirmed.
  • Public nominations did not replace the restaurant owner's full application in the latest cycle.

Future terms, if announced, will govern other funding and project-cost coordination.

Evidence

Official sources.