Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant

The Jeffris Family Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the cultural history and heritage of the American Midwest. Through its funding programs, the Foundation aims to support and encourage the preservation of historic structures and sites, ensuring their significance is maintained for future generations.

Type of Support

Overview

The Jeffris Heartland Fund is designed to support the development of important historic preservation projects within the Midwestern states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. This initiative seeks to fund half the cost of Historic Structure Reports with grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match in cash from sources other than the Jeffris Family. The fund underscores a commitment to not only preserve physical structures but also to invest in the broader goal of maintaining the Midwest's rich cultural heritage. Applications for this grant must be discussed with a Director of the Foundation before submission, emphasizing a personalized and consultative approach to grantmaking.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI
Organization Type
Established 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations
Government agencies in partnership with a 501(c)(3) organization
Other
  • Must demonstrate project viability with early planning studies
  • Ready for Historic Structure Report and capital fund drive with community component
  • Capable of matching grant amount dollar-for-dollar with cash match from private/public sources, on hand, or fundraising
  • Board members cannot serve as consultants
  • Funds cannot influence legislation or appropriations
  • Preservation work must adhere to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Treatment
  • Grant funds disbursed post Foundation's approval of project personnel
  • Procurement of services must ensure open and free competition
  • Must acknowledge Foundation support in press/materials
  • Required to sign contract with program conditions
  • Non-discrimination policy against any employee or applicant
  • Historical significance required; eligibility or listing on National Register of Historic Places
  • Must have adopted preservation and use strategy
  • Located in small towns/cities in IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI
  • Demonstrated ability for a community-centered capital campaign within three years

Ineligibility

Projects funded by donated materials and services
Projects covering staff salaries and organizational overhead costs
Projects involving catering, food, beverage, and entertainment expenses
Projects with expenses incurred prior to the award date
Projects in communities with more than 150,000 population
Projects located within a major metropolitan area.
5k – 50k

Submission

Review Criteria

Funding Preferences:

Sites of Historic Value:

  • Preference for funding will be allocated to locations that possess a recognized historic importance on a national or statewide level. Sites only notable for their local significance will not qualify.
  • Emphasis will be on sites linked to figures or events of national, regional, or statewide renown.
  • Sites showcasing exceptional architectural design, particularly those connected to designers recognized on a national, regional, or statewide scale, will be favored.
  • Projects featuring notable decorative arts elements will receive preference.
  • Unique or extremely rare historic resources involved in the project will be prioritized.
  • Projects maintaining a high level of historical authenticity, mainly those focused on restoring original aspects, will be preferred. Modifications for modern use are permitted, given they adhere to The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Project Proposal and Planning:

  • The selection will favor applicants demonstrating the essential nature of a Historic Structure Report or similar detailed study for the accurate and fitting restoration of the site.
  • Applicants proving the long-term financial viability and operational sustainability of their proposed use will be favored.
  • Assurance of compliance with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as verified by local or state historic preservation authorities or consultants experienced with these standards, will give applicants an advantage.

Organizational Excellence:

  • Applicants exhibiting a history of activities and services related to their mission and the site, such as educational programs or events, will be given preference.
  • A widespread basis of membership and community backing will be beneficial.
  • Applicants with a proven track record of successful capital fundraising endeavors will be prioritized.