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Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois.

The Donnelley Fund offers small matching grants for planning and education work that protects significant Illinois historic resources.

Offered byLandmarks Illinoisverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

Landmarks Illinois awards this fund twice each year. It is best used for professional planning, designation, legal, or education steps rather than a full construction budget.

Best for: A nonprofit or public preservation project needing a small matching grant for professional planning work.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Nonprofit organizations and governmental bodies preserving significant Illinois resources

Eligible uses

  • Engineering, architectural, and feasibility studies
  • Legal services
  • Surveys and National Register nominations
  • Preservation ordinance support
  • Preservation education

Uses excluded by the source

  • Services completed before the grant request

Application

How to start.

  1. Read the current guidelines.
  2. Prepare documentation of significance, threat, scope, budget, and nonprofit status.
  3. Submit by the next deadline.

Timing: Application deadlines are April 1 and October 1.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • The program is small and competitive.
  • Completed services are not eligible.

Designed as seed funding and may be combined with other preservation funds if matches are not double-counted.

Evidence

Official sources.