Texas History Program Overview

Since 1988, the Texas History Program has embraced a broad and diverse group of projects from all regions of Texas. These projects have included the disciplines of archaeology, archives, libraries, media, museums, middle and secondary schools, higher education, preservation, publications and scholarly research.

September 2026 Grant Cycle Dates

• Scheduling of Project Discussions — COMPLETE
• Project Discussions — COMPLETE
• Letter of Intent (LOI) – Portal open for those invited to apply — COMPLETE
• Application – Portal open for those whose LOI is accepted — COMPLETE
• Board Meeting – Final grant decisions made — September 22, 2026
• Grant notifications sent — COMPLETE

February 2027 Grant Cycle Dates (Note dates have changed)

• Scheduling of Project Discussions — September 7 – October 5, 2026
  There is a limited number of spaces available. 
• Project Discussions — October 5 – November 23, 2026
• Letter of Intent (LOI) – Portal open for those who are invited to apply — November 23 – December 18, 2026
• Application – Portal open for those whose LOI is accepted — January 4, 2026 – January 25, 2027
• Board Meeting – Final grant decisions made — February 23, 2027
• Grant notifications sent — February 24-26, 2027

(September 2027 Grant Cycle Dates will be added soon.)

Eligibility

The applicant organization must be a 501(c)(3) public charity organization as defined by the IRS or a governmental unit as described in 170(c)(1) of the IRS code.

We respectfully ask organizations to wait 18 months between receiving a Summerlee Foundation grant and applying for another. This spacing allows us to reach more organizations with our grant-making. 

The Summerlee Foundation observes the philosophy of best practices and DOES NOT award grant support in the following categories:

• To individuals
• For religious purposes or operating churches
• For monuments and memorials
• For courthouse restoration
• For lobbying efforts
• To organizations that do not share the mission of the Foundation

Hints for Success

The Summerlee Foundation does not change its priorities from year to year but instead looks to those working in Texas History to articulate the needs of the field. There are, however, a few points that we might suggest.

• The Summerlee Foundation is always on the look out for projects devoted to underserved cultural and geographic areas of the state.
• We receive a great many proposals for restoration and renovation of historic properties, and while National Register Status and/or designation by the Texas Historical Commission are not a requirement for submitting a proposal, that status will make your proposal more compelling.
• Projects that can tout the participation of well qualified individuals either as active participants or consultants help to make a proposal stronger.
• Projects that demonstrate strong community support through funding, in-kind support, and volunteer participation also make a stronger proposal.