Please note: As of 2026, the Preservation League’s NYSCA regrants have been consolidated and reorganized under the umbrella of Preserve NY Arts + Culture, with two discrete grant programs: 1. Support for Pre-Construction Studies and 2. Support for Arts-Based Community Preservation Projects.

The Preserve New York grant program was a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League of New York State, made possible by NYSCA with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation generously provided additional funding to support projects in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Launched in 1993, Preserve New York supported comprehensive planning studies for an entire building or site to inform long-term rehabilitation, preservation, or restoration plans. PNY grants were intended to help arts and cultural organizations plan and fundraise for ambitious capital projects. PNY also supported cultural resource surveys and National Register historic district nominations. These projects help communities identify their historic resources and National Register-eligible properties and establish historic districts to promote historic preservation, improve representation in historical interpretation, and encourage investment in historic structures and communities for arts and culture. These grants were open to nonprofit arts/cultural organizations and municipalities (for cultural resource surveys only) located in New York State.

Click here to see a list of past Preserve New York recipients

Technical Services staff completed a report in 2016 titled Preserve New York: A Catalyst for Community Preservation. This report charts the impact of the Preserve New York grant program from 2005-2012 and assesses preservation activities that occurred after these reports were completed.

Please reach out if you have any questions: grants@preservenys.org | 518.462.5658 ext. 10