Applications for the Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund are due by 11:59 p.m. in the applicant’s local time zone, according to the National Trust’s published guidelines. The program does not require matching funds.
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce has publicized the opportunity to local businesses, emphasizing that applicants need not operate directly on Route 66 but must demonstrate a geographic or thematic connection to the historic highway.
The grants are intended to help independently owned businesses preserve historic places, improve their operations and maintain connections to the communities that developed along Route 66.
Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard formed part of the historic Route 66 corridor, giving the program particular relevance to businesses with longstanding connections to the city’s commercial history.
According to the National Trust, funding is available for three categories of projects: capital improvements, planning, and marketing and outreach.
Eligible capital improvements include restoring historic storefronts, repairing signs and awnings, upgrading electrical and heating systems, improving accessibility and purchasing equipment or furnishings.
Planning projects can include feasibility studies, business plans, preservation assessments and professional consulting services related to historic properties.
Marketing and outreach projects may include developing websites, creating historical exhibits, producing informational materials and translating business communications to make services more accessible to customers.
The program places particular emphasis on projects that preserve historically underrepresented community stories and strengthen the cultural identity of Route 66 neighborhoods.
Applicants generally must operate small, independently owned businesses with physical locations, meet applicable business registration requirements and demonstrate historical or cultural significance to their communities.
National franchises and digital-only businesses are not eligible.
Businesses operating in historic or older buildings may qualify even if their properties are not formally designated historic landmarks.
The National Trust also allows applications involving certain new businesses seeking to rehabilitate and occupy vacant or underused historic Route 66 buildings.
Business owners who lease their premises may apply, although projects involving improvements to the property require written consent from the property owner.
Grant applications must include supporting information such as photographs, a proposed project budget and documentation of the business’s standing.
The National Trust gives preference to eligible businesses associated with historically underrepresented communities, including businesses owned or operated by people of color, women, immigrants and veterans, as well as businesses affected by economic hardship or natural disasters.
The program administrator says applications will generally undergo an eight- to 10-week review following the deadline. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by email.
An application does not guarantee an award.
The National Trust also operates a separate Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund intended for public agencies, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations. Although the two funds share an application system, their eligibility requirements differ.
The Pasadena Chamber’s announcement encourages eligible local businesses to consider applying before the November 12 deadline.
Complete eligibility guidelines and applications are available through the National Trust’s Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund website.
Questions about eligibility may be directed to the National Trust’s grants office at grants@savingplaces.org.
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