Applications are now open for the fourth installment of American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Backing Historic Small Restaurants Program” grants.
This year, the program will award double the number of grants distributed. The total amount of grant funding increases from $1 million to $2.5 million. In all, 50 U.S. historic small restaurants will receive $50,000 each. That’s up from 25 restaurants in years past.
The grant program is funded by American Express and administered by the NTHP. It’s a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places.
“Small restaurants represent the rich fabric of our culture, and are the economic engine of our communities – yet they are facing real challenges to their survival with labor shortages and rising costs,” Alice Lin Fabiano, vice president of Community Impact at American Express, said in a news release announcing the grants. “American Express is responding to this need by doubling the number of grants offered to support 50 historic small restaurants.”
Launched four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program supported historic restaurants that were facing dramatic losses in foot traffic and revenue. It evolved to support restaurants’ longevity and growth as they seek to serve their communities daily.
How to apply for grants
Eligible restaurant owners can apply for the grant program here. Community members also can nominate their favorite restaurant that fits the criteria here. Formal applications and public nominations opened as of Monday, March 11, and will close on Monday, March 25.
“The National Trust understands the importance of small businesses, especially multi-generational family-owned ones, in creating vibrant communities, and we are delighted to be able to expand this work with American Express,” Carol Quillen, NTHP’s president and CEO, said in the release.
“Often, these businesses are centers of their communities, providing a gathering place and helping to cultivate a sense of belonging,” she added.
Through the grant program, Resy, a hospitality technology platform that is part of the American Express family, will also offer complimentary use of Resy OS – its restaurant management software – for one year to each of the historic small restaurants selected. The tool will help streamline costs and boost restaurant operations, the release said.
Backing Historic Small Restaurants is part of American Express’ Backing Small Initiative. Its focus is providing small businesses with financial support and other resources to help address critical needs. The initiative continues to support under-resourced and economically vulnerable small business owners and entrepreneurs. And it includes grant programs, mentoring support, and technical assistance through established community partnerships.
Focused on small business
American Express has a long history of supporting small businesses, including Small Business Saturday. It will celebrate its 15th anniversary this fall. In 2023, American Express announced it was providing $12.75 million in grants and support to help under-resourced small businesses build resilience to and recover from natural disasters.
Over the past three years, 75 U.S. historic restaurants have collectively received nearly $3 million through the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program. Owners can use grant funds to make needed improvements to their businesses. They include essential repairs and improvements to infrastructure or to expand outdoor dining, increase marketing and advertising, upgrade technology and digital tools, and improve accessibility.
Eeligible U.S. independent small restaurants must operate in historic buildings or neighborhoods, contribute to their neighborhood’s history and identity, and have a heritage story about cuisine and community in America.
“Beyond the physical improvements, the grant has had a profound impact on our local community,” said 2023 grant recipient Donnie Lindsey, the owner of Lindsey’s Hospitality and Barbeque in North Little Rock, Arkansas. “We’ve not only preserved a historic landmark but also created a gathering place where community members can come together, fostering connections and a sense of belonging.”
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com.
In addition to funds provided through the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, American Express has provided more than $30 million to preserve historic places in the U.S. through its partnership with the NTHP since 1993.
