Properties purchased with Preservation Fund money are eligible for public safety and preservation stewardship by community members through non-profit organizations, utilizing funds from the Maintenance Fund established by the County Charter. Non-profit organizations or organizations operating under the umbrella of a non-profit organization may apply for stewardship grants by submitting an application and required supporting materials by the annual August 31 deadline. The Commission will review the grant applications, conduct interviews of applicants, and make recommendations to the Director of Finance.

The Charter identifies 17 expenditures that are presumed to be directly related to public safety maintenance and preservation. Also allowed is the payment of compensation for specific duties such as labor, educational workshops, and maintenance work paid to an officer, board member, or employee of a recipient non-profit if those duties have been specifically identified and officially approved in the detailed business plan submitted as part of the stewardship grant application.

After the County Council passes a resolution authorizing the grants, the Director of Finance will enter into a grant agreement with the non-profit organization. The non-profit is required to provide performance reports, which are reviewed by the Commission to verify that grant objectives are being met.