Restore America: A Salute to Preservation.

Find out more about the 12 sites receiving grants.

"The historic and cultural resources of a community tell the story of its past and make each community distinct," said Moe. "From homes and schools to sacred sites and neighborhood shops, these places provide a tangible link to the people and events that have shaped our country. Through the Restore America partnership with HGTV we hope to work with cities and towns across the nation to preserve the physical reminders of our past that are essential for creating a sense of place, and instilling civic pride and community spirit."

The 2005-2006 campaign of Restore America will fund community revitalization grants in 11 states: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Texas. HGTV donated $1 million to the program.

More than 100 grant applications were received from nonprofit organizations and public agencies across the country to complete residential projects. The 12 projects selected range from artists’ lofts adapted from an abandoned hospital in Houston to a Victorian home in Connecticut that will be restored to a single-family home to the renovation of entire historic neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, and Savannah, Ga. The recipients have been awarded grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for the community revitalization projects. The proposals can be viewed on the National Trust's website.

"This is such an important cause. Liveable communities are an essential component of a healthy nation," said Jablin. "The work of the National Trust fits perfectly with our goal at HGTV to reflect the rich and varied fabric of American society through our lifestyle programming. We look forward to building on the foundation that has been laid and to seeing this important initiative become a part of how America views our homes, our neighborhoods and our towns."