Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation  Now Accepting Applications for  J. Neel Reid Prize and Elizabeth Lyon Fellowship

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting applications for two competitive funding opportunities supporting architectural study travel and historic preservation research: the J. Neel Reid Prize and the Elizabeth Lyon Fellowship. The submission deadline for both programs is April 6, 2026. Recipients will be announced in May 2026.

The J. Neel Reid Prize and the Elizabeth Lyon Fellowship each provide awards of up to $5,000 and are designed to advance the study, practice and understanding of historic preservation and classical architecture.

J. Neel Reid Prize
The J. Neel Reid Prize is awarded annually to an architecture student, architect intern or recently registered architect to pursue study travel anywhere in the world. The proposed travel should focus on historic architecture (built prior to 1926), historic landscapes, preservation of classical architecture, or new classical and context-related design.

Named in honor of architect Neel Reid, a founder of the Georgia school of classicists, the prize reflects Reid’s lifelong commitment to architectural education, contextual design and historic preservation. Priority consideration is given to applicants with a connection to Georgia, including Georgia residents, students enrolled in Georgia academic institutions, or employees of Georgia-based firms.

The recipient is required to submit a written report to The Georgia Trust within six months of completing the travel experience. The study travel must be completed within one calendar year of receiving the award.

Elizabeth Lyon Fellowship
Established in 1994, the Elizabeth Lyon Fellowship supports educational and research/study initiatives in Georgia that address preservation needs and emerging issues, contributing significantly to the practice and scholarship of historic preservation.

The fellowship honors Elizabeth “Liz” Lyon, who served as director of the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources from 1976 to 1994 and as Georgia State Historic Preservation Officer.

Open to students, interns and professionals, the fellowship provides up to $5,000 in reimbursement for eligible expenses. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between research and the preservation of historic properties in Georgia. A copy of the final publication or report must be submitted to The Georgia Trust by September 1 of the following year.

How to Apply
Applications and supporting documents must be received by April 6, 2026. Detailed program descriptions, eligibility criteria and application materials are available at  https://www.georgiatrust.org/resources/grants-fellowships/.

About the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation
Founded in 1973, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation works for the preservation and revitalization of Georgia’s diverse historic resources and advocates their appreciation, protection and use.

As one of the country’s leading statewide, nonprofit preservation organizations, the Trust generates community revitalization by finding buyers for endangered properties acquired by its Revolving Fund and raises awareness of other endangered historic resources through an annual listing of Georgia’s “Places in Peril.” The Trust celebrates outstanding preservation efforts through its annual Preservation Awards, supports students and professionals with the Neel Reid Prize and Liz Lyon Fellowship, and offers a range of grant programs dedicated to protecting and preserving historic places throughout the state. The Trust offers a variety of educational programs for adults and children, provides technical assistance to property owners and historic communities, advocates for funding, tax incentives and other laws aiding preservation efforts, and manages two house museums in Atlanta (Rhodes Hall) and Macon (Hay House). To learn more, visit www.georgiatrust.org.