We are pleased to announce the launch of Art Preservation Fund (APF), a new national philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting conservation and preservation efforts across the United States.
Art Preservation Fund was founded to help address a persistent challenge within the cultural heritage sector: many museums, historical societies, archives, and collecting institutions steward significant artistic, cultural, and historical materials but lack adequate resources to preserve them. Access to funding can be inconsistent or contingent on corporate or federal priorities that are not always well-aligned to community-based goals. APF seeks to expand access to conservation funding and expertise, with a particular focus on organizations and collections that have historically been underserved by existing funding opportunities.
The need for expanded conservation support is being felt across the preservation field. As Lissa Rosenthal-Yoffe, Executive Director of the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, notes:
"Now more than ever conservation depends on a strong, diverse and resilient network of support.
Recent funding challenges and gaps have underscored how vulnerable critical preservation efforts can be when resources are limited. At FAIC, we have seen firsthand the far-reaching impact of funding shifts on our programs, the institutions and the communities that we all serve across the field.
Expanding opportunities for investment in conservation is essential. Increased and diversified support helps strengthen our preservation ecosystem. It broadens access to resources and expertise, and helps to ensure organizations of all sizes can continue to preserve and protect our shared cultural heritage for generations to come."
We are currently in the early stages of fundraising and organizational development and anticipate opening our first grant application cycle in Fall 2026.
SHARE YOUR INTEREST
As we build our initial grantmaking program, we are seeking input from the conservation and collections care community to help us better understand preservation needs and potential demand for future funding opportunities.
Interested in future grant opportunities? Complete the Grant Interest Form →
Conservation protects not only objects, but also the stories, histories, and communities connected to them. We believe preservation resources should be more accessible, and we are excited to begin building a fund designed to strengthen conservation capacity and visibility nationwide.
GET INVOLVED
We are also seeking conservators, preservation professionals, advisors, and supporters interested in helping shape the organization's early growth. Opportunities to contribute may include:
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Serving as a future grant reviewer
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Supporting fundraising efforts
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Supporting outreach and awareness-building efforts
Individuals interested in getting involved are encouraged to reach out to APF at: admin@artpreservationfund.org. Stay informed by following APF on Instagram (@preservation_fund) and registering for email updates at www.artpreservationfund.org .
LEARN MORE- JOIN US JUNE 22nd
We welcome feedback, questions, and the chance to expand mutual learning. Please join us for an informal community dialogue on June 22nd at noon ET:
Zoom Meeting: https://upenn.zoom.us/j/94120656944?pwd=KUJaUDeTpGMFmAjgbHrbdXsAXBvhDo.1
Meeting ID: 941 2065 6944
Passcode: 740392
+13017158592,,94120656944# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,94120656944# US (Chicago)
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ABOUT ART PRESERVATION FUND
Art Preservation Fund is a national philanthropic initiative working to expand access to conservation funding and expertise for artistic, cultural, and historical collections across the United States. Through grantmaking, public engagement, and field connectivity, we aim to strengthen preservation capacity and support collections that might otherwise lack access to conservation resources.
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Art Preservation Fund is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Donations to APF are tax deductible in the United States.
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Annabelle (Bellie) Camp and Alison Gilchrest
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