Friends Alliance Program

The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission (FTHC) partners with the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Historic Sites Community Engagement Program on initiatives to support local THC Historic Sites friends groups. The FTHC’s Friends Alliance Program supports the following:

Historic Sites Friends Group Fiscal Sponsorships

The FTHC offers Fiscal Sponsorships so that volunteers who wish to fundraise for a THC State Historic Site may organize as a friends group under the FTHC’s nonprofit umbrella. Fiscally sponsored friends groups operate similarly to any nonprofit friends group, but without the legal responsibilities of a 501(c)3. The fiscal sponsorship option exists so that volunteers may organize as fundraisers quickly and affordably, relieving them of the administrative responsibilities required of independent nonprofit status.  

Training Opportunities

The FTHC provides training opportunities throughout the year, offered at a discounted rate for friends group members. These opportunities include online webinars, seminars, and a two-day workshop held at a THC historic site. Learn more and view upcoming training opportunities. 

The Friends Alliance Awards

Historic Sites friends groups or individual volunteers may be nominated for a Friends Alliance Award. The FTHC holds an annual award ceremony during the THC’s Real Places conference to recognize and honor the selected group or individual, as well as a modest cash award and complimentary registration to the conference. Nominations are open from September through November. See below for details.

Friends Alliance Award Nomination Process

The 2024 Friends Alliance Award nominations are open from September 1 to December 1, 2023. Friends Groups or individual volunteers may be nominated by site staff, friends group members, or by others in their communities, for their exemplary efforts to support a THC historic site.

Step 1: Download nomination form 2024 Friends Alliance Nomination Form, 

Step 2: Complete form and supplemental information per instructions, 

Step 3: Send to CommunityPartners@thc.texas.gov, subject line “Friends Alliance Award Nomination” 

Questions concerning nominations can be submitted to Angela Reed, Historic Sites Community Engagement Coordinator, by email or (512) 463-5925. 

To learn more about 2023 Friends Alliance Awardees, click HERE