Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Virginia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Individuals, nonprofits, and museums in Virginia focused on historic preservation can apply for the Historic Alexandria Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $5,000 for projects in Alexandria. Funding supports restoration of historic properties, conservation of museum artifacts, and scholarly or architectural research that advances preservation within the city.

The National Fund for Sacred Places Grant Program supports historic houses of worship in the U.S. through matching grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance community engagement and preserve culturally significant buildings. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their historical relevance and community service, particularly those representing underrepresented groups. The program prioritizes urgent repair needs and projects that foster inclusivity and accessibility.

The Ross Merrill Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Preservation and Care of Collections recognizes North American institutions demonstrating exceptional dedication to conservation. This award highlights organizations that engage in significant outreach, involve conservation professionals, and show a commitment to community education regarding the importance of preserving cultural heritage. While no monetary prize accompanies the award, it serves as a prestigious acknowledgment of exemplary conservation efforts. Nominations are encouraged from both inside and outside organizations.

The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund, supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance the capabilities of preservation organizations through mentoring and organizational development. Grants cover travel and mentor honoraria, fostering collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, prioritizing those who previously applied but did not receive funding. Eligible applicants include Forum members and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on innovative ideas for mentorship opportunities.

The Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation provides grants primarily to support institutions in Vermont, focusing on issues such as elderly welfare, educational assistance for learning disabilities, and community preservation. Emphasizing partnerships and innovative program models, the Foundation prefers applicants with a strong financial management background. Grants typically range from a few thousand dollars to $20,000, with larger amounts considered for significant impact projects. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt organizations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.