Special Category Grants
This grant funds major Florida projects in historic preservation, archaeological research, and museum exhibits that promote and interpret the state's history.
Funder: Florida Department of State
Due Dates: July 10, 2026 | June 1, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 per award; 24-month grant period; 50% match required (25% minimum cash, reduced to 25% total match in some rural areas).
Summary: Supports major historic preservation, archaeological research, and museum exhibit projects that promote Florida's history.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted online; only one active Special Category project per organization at a time.
Description
The Special Category Grants program, administered by the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, provides state funding to support significant historic preservation, archaeological research, and museum exhibit projects throughout Florida. The program is designed to assist large-scale efforts that preserve, interpret, and enhance public knowledge of Florida’s heritage, including the development, restoration, or acquisition of historic properties or sites, major archaeological excavations or research, and the creation of impactful museum exhibits. Awards are made on a competitive basis, with priority given to projects that align with statewide preservation priorities such as hurricane preparedness, cemetery protection, and Main Street program area restoration.
