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.

Fall 2026 Grant Cycle Dates

• Scheduling of Project Discussions — COMPLETE
• Project Discussions — COMPLETE
• Letter of Intent (LOI) – Portal open for those invited to apply — July 6 – 27, 2026
• Application – Portal open for those whose LOI is accepted — July 27 – August 17, 2026
• Board Meeting – Final grant decisions made — September 22, 2026
• Grant notifications sent — September 23, 2026

Winter 2027 Grant Cycle Dates

• Scheduling of Project Discussions — September 7 – October 12, 2026
• Project Discussions — October 19 – November 23, 2026
• Letter of Intent (LOI) – Portal open for those who are invited to apply — November 16 – December 14, 2026
• Application – Portal open for those whose LOI is accepted — December 14, 2026 – January 18, 2027
• Board Meeting – Final grant decisions made — February 23, 2027
• Grant notifications sent — February 24, 2027

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.