Grants Program

WHAT IS THE GRANTS PROGRAM?

Since 1977, the Victorian Alliance of San Francisco (VASF) has offered financial support and granted over $500,000 to projects focusing on the restoration and preservation of historical buildings, landscapes, and artifacts located in the San Francisco Bay Area. The VASF Grants Program continues its mission to provide educational opportunities to support the restoration and preservation of architecture, landscapes, and artifacts.

VASF Grants are made possible through the fundraising efforts of Alliance members who have enthusiastically organized home tours, garden tours, bake sales, and garage sales, as well as through generous donations and bequests from members and friends of the Alliance and San Francisco.

Many of our Grants have been awarded in memory or in honor of members who have generously dedicated their time and talents to the success of VASF. The Grants Program supports preservation throughout San Francisco and has contributed to the restoration and renovation of many historical treasures.

What We Fund

VASF gives priority to projects that:

• Preserve or restore historic architecture, landscapes, interiors, artifacts, or archival materials
• Have a clear public benefit or educational value
• Are visible, accessible, or meaningful to the broader community
• Support historically significant buildings, neighborhoods, cultural institutions, or preservation efforts
• Have a defined scope, budget, and timeline
• Can demonstrate that VASF funding will make a meaningful difference

Examples may include restoration of historic architectural features, preservation of landmark or community-serving buildings, digitization of historic archives, public history projects, or educational preservation initiatives.

VASF generally gives preference to specific project requests rather than general operating support.

Eligibility

Grant applications are accepted for projects located primarily in San Francisco. Projects in other Bay Area counties may also be considered.

Applicants may include nonprofit organizations, public institutions, community groups, cultural organizations, preservation partners, or other entities whose project aligns with VASF’s mission.

Grants are not available to individuals for private property improvements or personal interests.

Grant Amounts

Typical grant awards range from $5,000 to $50,000, though the amount awarded may vary depending on the project, available funds, committee recommendation, and membership approval.

VASF may choose to fund a project in full, partially fund a project, or decline a request.

Review Schedule

Applications are reviewed by the grants committee, and then turned over to membership for an approval vote, on a quarterly cycle. Current grant deadlines are:

• March 1
• June 1
• September 1
• December 1

Applications received after a deadline may be considered in the next review cycle. Funds are typically disbursed 30-60 days after the grant cycle ends.

Application Process

To apply, download the VASF GRANT APPLICATION FORM HERE and submit the pdf file to [email protected]. After submission, the Grants Committee will review the application and may follow up with additional questions. The committee then makes a recommendation to the VASF membership. Final grant approval is subject to a membership vote.

If approved, the applicant will be asked to sign a Grant Agreement before funds are disbursed. The form and the process are not complicated, and the grants team is happy to answer any questions about the Grants Program.

Funding Conditions

Grant recipients may be asked to:

• Use funds only for the approved project purpose
• Complete the project within the agreed timeline
• Provide a brief final report or update
• Share photographs, documentation, or project results when appropriate
• Acknowledge VASF support in agreed-upon materials, signage, webpages, publications, or public communications

Specific requirements will be outlined in the Grant Agreement.

Donate to the Grants Program

VASF accepts gifts for distribution through the Grants Program. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Victorian Alliance of San Francisco can accept donations of any amount to support preservation grants.

For more information, please contact VASF at [email protected]