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Courtesy Cornerstones Community Partnership A volunteer assists with the traditional enjarrando (stuccoing) the mud atop of adobe bricks through one of Cornerstones Community Partnerships programs

Historic Preservation Grant Targets Economic Revitalization in Northern NM

A Santa Fe–based historic preservation nonprofit has been awarded a $750,000 federal grant aimed at revitalizing historic places and strengthening rural communities across north-central New Mexico.


Cornerstones Community Partnerships, founded in 1986, is the first organization in New Mexico to receive the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant, a program administered by the National Park Service. The funding will be regranted, minus administrative costs, to smaller preservation projects in seven rural counties: Torrance, Santa Fe County outside the city, San Miguel, Mora, Colfax, Taos and Rio Arriba. Applications are expected to open in mid-2026.


The Paul Bruhn program is designed to help rural communities use historic preservation as a tool for economic development. Prime grantees such as Cornerstones distribute funds to local organizations and communities, supporting projects that might otherwise lack access to federal resources.


“New Mexico has some of the nation’s richest heritage but also some of its deepest economic challenges,” said Jake Barrow, executive director of Cornerstones. “This award allows us to invest in the historic assets of our rural communities — preserving their cultural legacy while fueling jobs, housing and economic growth.”


New Mexico ranks among the states with the highest poverty rates, even as it draws billions of dollars annually from cultural tourism. Much of that economic activity is concentrated in destinations such as Santa Fe and Taos, while smaller rural communities often struggle with aging infrastructure, workforce shortages and limited access to affordable housing.


Through the grant program, Cornerstones plans to offer planning grants of up to $20,000 for assessments and design work, as well as construction grants of up to $150,000 for restoration projects. Eligible properties must be located in rural counties, be listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and demonstrate a clear community benefit through preservation, reuse or tourism.


Since its founding, Cornerstones has completed more than 400 restoration projects in New Mexico and the greater Southwest, including work on San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe and community landmarks such as the Santo Domingo Trading Post and La Sala de San José. The organization is known for combining technical preservation expertise with local leadership and training.


“This grant builds on decades of trust, training and partnership,” said Gregg Henry, chair of the Cornerstones board. “Together, we will ensure that New Mexico’s historic places remain not only standing but thriving — anchors for rural resilience and opportunity.”


Cornerstones will partner with the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Division, New Mexico MainStreet and other organizations to carry out and expand the grant program.


While applications for this specific grant are expected to open in mid-2026, the agency is taking ongoing inquiries. To submit a project, visit https://tinyurl.com/2w3u92wv.