The Watson-Brown Foundation supports historic preservation in part through its Junior Board of Trustees, a talented group of local high school students whose exclusive mission is to preserve local history. This educational initiative fosters civic responsibility, heightens an appreciation for local history, and introduces the students to the world of philanthropy.

The Thomson Chapter of the Junior Board awards up to $30,000 in grant funding to organizations involved in historic preservation projects in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) of Georgia and South Carolina.

The Junior Board accepts new member applications from August through mid-September. New members accepted onto the Board will be notified in October. The Board meets once per month, typically on Wednesdays — after 5:00pm. Please indicate on your application ALL after school or work activities that can be or cannot be missed.  Occasional Saturday meetings may occur.

The application cycle for the 2023-2024 school year is now closed. The application for the 2024-2025 school year will be uploaded in August of 2024.

Grant applications for historic preservation projects are available in December and January. Applications must be in our office by date noted on application to be eligible for consideration. Organizations interested in applying for funds are encouraged to contact the Junior Board Coordinator, Franke Smith, prior to applying.  

• Grant projects must be related to historic preservation or the dissemination of knowledge about a historic resource.

• Projects MAY NOT be completed prior to the grant decision date.

• The maximum amount that may be requested is $30,000 per year, but the largest amount the Thomson Junior Board has ever awarded to a single organization was around $19,500. Please visit our previously awarded projects list below for a fuller view of our past giving.

• Only one application per organization per year will be accepted. Applicants may NOT apply to both the Junior Board and the Watson-Brown Foundation Board within the same fiscal year.

Timeline:  

• February -- grant applications are due

• March & April -- applications are reviewed, site visits are made

• early May -- funding decisions are made and successful applicants are notified

• June -- Funding Agreements are drafted and signed

• early July -- funds are disbursed

For more information about the Thomson Junior Board chapter, its historic preservation grants, or its membership policies, please contact Franke Smith at (706) 595-7777 or by e-mail at fsmith@hickory-hill.org.    

**For information about the Athens Junior Board chapter please contact Ashleigh Oatts at (706) 369-3513. Be sure to submit your application to the appropriate Board Coordinator! 

Ten Easy Steps to Writing a Great Grant

2023-2024 Grant Cycle

Augusta Museum of History $9,227 collections storage shelving

Callaway Plantation $6,850 window repairs and replacement

Mary Willis Library $7,185 dome and dormer window repairs

Thomson Memorial Cemetery $5,500 fence painting

City of Warrenton $4,240 community center roof and restroom repairs