Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Virginia

With a mission to support capital projects, the Cabell Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with challenge or matching grants for permanent facility needs. Historic preservation organizations, especially in the Richmond metro area, may be eligible for site acquisition, infrastructure repair, and renovation projects that strengthen community heritage.

Virginia local governments and planning district commissions can access funding for historic resource surveys and preservation planning projects through the Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ Cost Share program. Virginia historic preservation entities can use these matching grants for surveys, reports, Preliminary Information Forms, National Register nominations, and other planning documents developed in collaboration with department staff.

Nonprofit organizations in Virginia can apply for the Richard & Caroline T. Gwathmey Memorial Trust’s one-year grants of US $5,000 - US $60,000 to support general operations or specific projects. Programs preserving the important history of Virginia, including historic preservation efforts, may be especially competitive for the September 1 deadline.

Certified local governments in Virginia can apply for Virginia Department of Historic Resources grants to strengthen local historic preservation programs, planning, and education. Funding can support surveys, National Register nominations, preservation plans, public education, training, archaeological research, rehabilitation of listed buildings, design guidelines, and related heritage stewardship activities for communities with CLG designation.

Virginia state agencies, public bodies, qualifying nonprofits, and state- or federally recognized Virginia Indian Tribes can access funding through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to permanently conserve land, including purchasing development rights. Grants of US $10,000 - US $20,000 support farmland, forestland, natural areas, open spaces, parks, and historic area preservation projects across Virginia.

Historic preservation and conservation nonprofits in Virginia and other Mid-Atlantic states can receive up to US $7,500 for planning, education, and outreach projects. The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports professional planning, policy development, and public education that protect natural and cultural resources and engage new audiences.

Historic preservation and archaeology organizations in Virginia can seek funding to document or rescue archaeological sites facing destruction through the Threatened Sites Grant Program. Focused on emergency response to erosion, development, or vandalism, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources supports assessment, excavation, lab analysis, and reporting for sites of statewide significance lacking other funding.

Nonprofits and other stewards of historic and archaeological sites in Virginia can seek funding to acquire, protect, or rehabilitate places significant to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Grants from Virginia Department of Historic Resources help historic preservation projects with awards from US $50,000 - US $1,000,000 through the BIPOC Historic Preservation Fund.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local government agencies, and state or federally recognized American Indian tribes in Virginia can apply for the Commonwealth History Fund to support history education and preservation projects. Administered by the Virginia Historical Society, it can fund restoration, rehabilitation, conservation, research, documentation, educational programs, digitization, and related historic preservation activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, academic institutions, and government entities in Virginia can seek funding to install Legends & Lore markers celebrating local folktales, legends, and folklife traditions. With a mission to honor community heritage, William G Pomeroy Foundation supports projects that promote cultural tourism and preserve shared stories, customs, and expressive arts for the broader community.

The Impact100 Global Veterans Awards empower women to make a significant difference by awarding grants up to $100,000 to nonprofits that serve veterans. Focus areas include art and culture, education, health and wellness, environment, and family initiatives, promoting the well-being and support of veterans across the United States. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including tax-exempt status, and are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize funds effectively within two years.

Historic preservation organizations, public agencies, and entities representing historic Black churches in Virginia can seek US $50,000 - US $500,000 to preserve and steward Black houses of worship. Focused on historic preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation funds capital projects, planning, staffing, endowments, and cultural programming through its Preserving Black Churches Grant Program.

Historic preservation organizations in Virginia that are dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network can receive up to US $10,000 to advance advocacy, capacity building, or climate-related projects. The National Trust for Historic Preservation funds staff time, consultants, training, research, and outreach costs for innovative, high-impact initiatives that strengthen preservation work.

Individual engineers, architects, and other preservation-related professionals in Virginia proposing research or design projects in historic preservation can apply for the Robert Silman Award, offering up to US $15,000 for work in the U.S. James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation supports innovative studies, especially those benefiting underrepresented communities and shared widely with the preservation field.

Nonprofits and public agencies in Virginia stewarding modern buildings by Black architects can receive US $150,000 for preservation planning and limited capital work. Focused on conserving Black modernist architecture, the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports research, conservation management plans, feasibility studies, and other planning efforts for 20th-century historic assets at least 50 years old.

Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and certain religious organizations in Virginia seeking up to US $5,000 for community programs can apply for Williamsburg Community Foundation’s Community Grants. With a mission to enhance quality of life, the foundation provides funding for projects including historic preservation within greater Williamsburg, James City County, and York County.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Virginia seeking support for historic preservation planning, education, or bricks-and-mortar projects can apply for US $2,500 - US $15,000 in funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Eligible projects include consultant services, preservation conferences, communications materials, and restoration or stabilization of historic sites, landscapes, or archaeological resources, with a required dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Virginia preserving or restoring historic interiors can apply for US $2,500 - US $15,000 to support planning, education, and bricks-and-mortar work. National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund backs activities like interior restoration plans, conservation plans, furnishings plans, and workshops, with a required dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Virginia towns with populations of 10,000 or less can seek funding for historic preservation planning and education projects. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Hart Family Fund for Small Towns provide US $2,500 - US $15,000 for consultant fees, feasibility studies, public forums, and outreach materials to advance local preservation efforts.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

The GLCF Century Fund offers $100,000 annually to tax-exempt charitable organizations in Lynchburg and surrounding counties. This grant supports transformational projects that significantly improve nonprofit operations and community services. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to innovative change. The fund aims to enhance various project categories, including arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Organizations can apply every five years, ensuring a continuous opportunity for impactful funding.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The Van Huyck Chockley Family Foundation offers Project Grants for environmental conservation and historic preservation projects in Loudoun County, VA. Grants typically do not exceed $5,000, though exceptions may occur. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with clearly defined projects that include specific start and finish dates. Preference is given to organizations actively participating in the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.