Together with American Express, we at the National Trust for Historic Preservation are launching Backing Historic Small Restaurants, a new grant opportunity to aid restaurant recovery. 

Our mission: award $1 million in grants to 25 historic restaurants throughout the United States to help improve, upgrade, and preserve their exterior physical spaces and online businesses. The program has a preference for restaurants owned by underrepresented groups, including People of Color and women, disproportionally impacted by the pandemic. 

We need your help to find cozy cafes, delicious dives, and other beloved restaurants that have stood the test of time and served their communities for decades—but now are facing their biggest challenge yet from the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurant owners and restaurant lovers alike are encouraged to nominate their favorite business(es) for this opportunity by March 9.

Grant Selection Criteria 

• Have experienced significant financial hardship due to the impacts of the pandemic. 
   
• Have contributed to the neighborhood’s history and/or the identity of a particular neighborhood or community for at least 25 years. 
   
• Be a small/independently owned restaurant located in a historic building and/or historic neighborhood. 
   
• The program has a preference for restaurants owned by underrepresented groups, including People of Color and women, disproportionally impacted by the pandemic.
   
• Priority will be given to small restaurants that have not already received significant COVID-19-related aid.