Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Virginia

About Us

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

Certified Local Government Grants (CLG)

Certified Local Government (CLG) designation allows a jurisdiction to apply for CLG grants through federal Historic Preservation Funds (HPF). Ten percent of all HPF monies that come to the Commonwealth of Virginia must be distributed to CLGs. DHR does this through a competitive grant process, open only to CLGs.

Communities strengthen and expand their local preservation programs through Certified Local Government (CLG) designation. The CLG program was created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended in 1980). It establishes a partnership between local governments, the federal historic preservation program(National Park Service), and each state’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which in the case of Virginia is the Department of Historic Resources (DHR).

Information

The program allows DHR, as the SHPO, to recommend for certification local governments that have put key elements of a sound local preservation program in place in their communities. Designation as a CLG gives local governments a way to participate more formally in the state and national historic preservation programs. General requirements for certification are identified in the federal program; specific requirements for the Virginia program have been established by DHR.

Goals of the Virginia CLG program are threefold:

• Promote viable communities through preservation
• Recognize and reward communities with sound local preservation programs
• Establish credentials of quality for local preservation programs

Benefits of CLG Designation

There are many advantages to earning CLG designation as a community. The program helps a community with preservation generally in three ways, since it—

• promotes community-wide preservation;
• recognizes and supports a community’s local preservation programs; and
• establishes the credentials of quality for local preservation programs.

As a CLG, a community

• assumes a formal role in the identification, evaluation, and protection of its heritage resources;
• has the right to comment on the eligibility of resources nominated for listing in the National Register of Historic Places in its jurisdiction;
• receives technical assistance from DHR and the National Park Service;
• learns from each other CLGs by sharing experiences, concerns, solutions to problems;
• can apply for matching grants for preservation programs from a 10% share of Virginia’s annual federal appropriation;
• gains full access to DHR’s GIS-based Virginia Cultural Resource database (V-CRIS), an $800 value annually;
• is eligible for stipends to selected preservation conferences and workshops;
• is automatically considered for the DHR Cost Share Program funding for survey projects in which CLG grant funding is unavailable; and
• is granted the right to be a “consulting party” in a project requiring Section 106 review.

CLG grants can be used in the following ways:

• for surveys of architectural or archaeological resources;
• for preparation of Preliminary Information Forms or National Register of Historic Places nominations for local heritage resources;
• for heritage stewardship planning projects such as drafting historic preservation plans, archaeological assessments, preservation components of comprehensive plans, or condition assessment reports;
• for public education programs concerned with a heritage stewardship program;
• for local review board or targeted audience training and education projects such as development of materials or programs, including training sessions and hands-on workshops;
• for testing archaeological sites to determine their significance or for pure research, education, or mitigation (as the latter pertains to Section 106 requirements);
• for rehabilitation of buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places that are publicly owned or are privately owned and selected through a local grant competition;
• for drafting new or updated design guidelines; and
• for materials research on a rehabilitation project.

DHR is currently reviewing the CLG program requirements to identify other local government planning efforts that promote heritage stewardship activities and that contribute to an effective local preservation program. As a result of this review, some of the requirements for the CLG program may be amended.

The ESHPF Disaster Relief Assistance Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, has received $2,000,000 from the NPS to document historic resources in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. This program aims to support community-driven efforts for surveying architectural and archaeological sites in 37 localities across Virginia. Eligible projects may include preservation planning and nominations for the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring the protection and recognition of Virginia's rich cultural heritage.

The Terry Baucom Bluegrass Education Grant, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician Terry Baucom. This grant supports musicians of all ages by providing funds for lessons, educational materials, and workshops. With awards beginning in January 2025, each grant can reach up to $500. Financial need is considered but not mandatory. This initiative aims to foster talent and ensure accessibility to bluegrass music education for a diverse range of applicants.

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) leads land conservation efforts in Virginia, safeguarding over 850,000 acres across 111 counties. The VA Preservation Trust Fund Grant, established in 1997, supports various projects aimed at protecting open spaces for agriculture, forestry, and recreation. With approximately $1.8 million available this round and no strict funding cap, VOF encourages applications for acquisitions, easements, and other initiatives that enhance environmental quality and community resources.

The Semi-Annual Competitive Grant from the Robert G III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation supports capital projects for tax-exempt organizations in Virginia. Established in 1957, the foundation emphasizes strategic grants that inspire community engagement and leverage donor generosity. Eligible nonprofits, particularly in the Richmond area, can apply for matching funds to enhance cultural arts, education, and social services. The foundation's goal is to address philanthropic needs while fostering long-term community development.

The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) has been funding land conservation projects since 1999, utilizing a special fund to support state agencies, nonprofits, and Virginia Indian Tribes. Grants cover up to 50% of project costs, with full funding available for certain entities. VLCF focuses on protecting farmland, forests, historic areas, natural spaces, and parks, aiming for a balanced distribution of protected land across the Commonwealth while ensuring public access to these vital resources.

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation supports Virginia-based nonprofits focusing on capital projects across various sectors, including arts, education, and conservation. Founded in 1988, it has awarded approximately $73 million to enhance community life and foster civic engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and not have received funding in the past five years. Applications are accepted online with specific deadlines for the Spring and Fall cycles.

The Herndon Foundation, established in 1965, supports diverse local causes in the metro Richmond area, focusing on education, health, and cultural preservation. They prioritize programs that ensure educational advancement, meet basic human needs, and enhance access to arts and culture. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation particularly favors programmatic support that demonstrates a significant impact. Grant requests submitted through their website are given priority.

The Amazon Rappahannock Region Community Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, will distribute $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and Louisa Counties. The fund focuses on areas such as STEM education, sustainability, community development, digital skills, cultural heritage preservation, and health and wellbeing. Eligible projects must serve local communities and adhere to specific requirements, promoting innovation and collaboration.

The Commonwealth History Fund, established by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, aims to enhance history education and preservation projects across Virginia. With annual grants of approximately $400,000, totaling nearly $2 million in its first five years, the Fund supports diverse initiatives that focus on underserved communities and significant historical narratives. Managed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, it emphasizes project urgency, community impact, and the qualifications of applicants.

The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation focuses on improving the lives of underserved individuals in the DC area through grants in five key areas: Arts and Humanities, Community Services, Education, Environment, and Health & Wellness. The Foundation supports organizations that demonstrate cultural competence and systemic change, aiming for self-sufficiency and holistic well-being for all community members. Grants emphasize access to resources and equitable opportunities to foster meaningful community engagement.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

IBMA  Foundation Project Grants

The IBMA Foundation awards project grants each year, usually in amounts between $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2024. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in one of the following areas

• Arts & culture
• Education
• Literary or academic programs
• History preservation

The Forest CORE Fund, established by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, focuses on mitigating forest fragmentation caused by the Mountain Valley Pipeline. With $15 million allocated from a mitigation agreement, the fund supports projects within 50 miles of the pipeline's route that aim to preserve, connect, and enhance forest resources. Objectives include avoided deforestation, establishment, and restoration of forest land, fostering environmental sustainability in the region.

The Engen Conservation Fellowship at the National Air and Space Museum offers recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in conservation techniques for a diverse collection of artifacts. With a focus on modern materials, fellows will refine their treatment processes and conduct independent research. The fellowship includes a $45,000 stipend and a $5,000 research allowance, while taking place at the Emil Buehler Conservation Laboratory in Virginia. This prestigious program encourages fellows to present their research findings at the end of their tenure.

The Arnold Shultz Fund, established by the IBMA Foundation, aims to enhance diversity in bluegrass music by providing $30,000 annually in grants. This initiative supports individuals, schools, and organizations dedicated to inclusivity, particularly among underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The fund honors Arnold Shultz, a pivotal African American musician who mentored Bill Monroe, and continues his legacy by funding educational opportunities for young musicians and promoting bluegrass music in diverse communities.

The Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship offers up to four years of college tuition assistance for graduating seniors from Coral Gables High School, Miami Senior High School, or ISPA. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in communications, journalism, leadership, or historic preservation, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Established in 2022 by Jeannett and Don Slesnick, this scholarship honors Jeannett's commitment to community service and education, supporting local high school graduates in their academic pursuits.

The Virginia Heritage Fund Grant, supported by The Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region, Inc., aims to preserve and promote the documentary history of the region. This initiative collaborates with museums, libraries, and historical societies to ensure that vital historical documents are safeguarded and accessible to historians and the public. Established through a generous donation from historian Paula Felder, the fund continues her legacy of dedication to preserving local history.

About DHR

What is DHR?

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

Virginia’s Black, Indigenous, And People of Color Historic Preservation Grant Program

Chapters 185 and 186 of the Acts of Assembly of the 2022 Session of the Virginia General Assembly established in Code the Virginia Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Historic Preservation Fund (BIPOC). The purpose of the legislation is to create a grant program to protect and support Virginia’s historically underserved and underrepresented communities and the cultural and historical sites associated with them. This fund will provide grants for the acquisition, protection, and rehabilitation of historic and archaeological sites of significance associated with Virginia’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is implementing a new online grant management system called WebGrants for all its grant programs. WebGrants will enable DHR to more efficiently publish grant opportunities, administer projects, and process claims. You will need to register in WebGrants to apply for this grant opportunity. To do so, click this link.

The Downtown Investment Grants (DIGs) program, operated by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, supports Main Street organizations in revitalizing historic commercial districts. By providing funding for projects that require a 2:1 match, DIGs aim to enhance economic improvement, foster community investment, and empower local leadership. Projects funded through DIGs should align with the Main Street organization's mission and address specific transformation strategies to ensure sustainable development and community engagement.

What is DHR?

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of federal programs. DHR is also a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. Our programs include both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, Survey, Grants, Archaeology, Cemetery Preservation, African American and Tribal Outreach, the Historical Highway Marker program, 106 Review and Compliance, Conservation, Collections, Easements, and the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program.

African American Cemetery & Graves Fund

The African American Cemeteries and Graves Fund (AACGF) provide grants to support the ongoing care and maintenance of historic burial grounds established on or before January 1, 1948, specifically for the interment of African Americans. At the start of each state fiscal year (July 1), the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) announces the availability of funding for these cemeteries, which are defined under the Code of Virginia §10.1-2211.2. Entities listed in this Code section, as well as all other qualified organizations, are required to submit an annual application to the Department by May 30 to receive funding for cemetery maintenance. 

Grant Opportunities

The fund offers two grant opportunities: the Basic Maintenance Grant and the Extraordinary Block Grant. New applicants must first apply for and receive a Basic Maintenance Grant—awarded at a rate of $5 per eligible grave—before qualifying for a block grant to support “extraordinary maintenance” projects. Some examples of each grant are as follows:

Basic Maintenance Grant: vegetation management, care of existing markers and monuments, and in-kind repair of existing roads, paths and parking areas.

Extraordinary Block Grant: installation of replacement markers, preservation planning and pre-approved Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials. 

Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund was initially financed by friend and colleague, Susie Stephenson. The fund is an option for donors who want to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass music. Instead of funding a specific scholarship or grant, the Breen Fund will be used by the IBMA Foundation where needed most, in a variety of ways that benefit individuals age 21 and younger. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was an Associate Professor and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 1971-2002, going on to serve as Chairman of the Finance Department and Head of Doctoral Studies for the Kellogg School. In addition to playing the banjo, Bill was an avid sailor and fly fisherman, and he never met a dog he didn’t like. His friends and family say it’s fitting that a man so passionate about the banjo, bluegrass music, and education is memorialize with a bluegrass youth education fund.

The Gloria Belle Memorial Scholarship, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors pioneering bluegrass musician Gloria Bernadette Flickinger. This $1,000 annual scholarship supports students engaged in the bluegrass music community, either as performers or in supportive roles. With over $25,000 raised since June 2024, the scholarship aims to expand funding to $2,000 annually by 2025, promoting education and participation in bluegrass music.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The IBMA Bluegrass College Scholarship offers a financial award ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for students pursuing bluegrass music or related studies at the college level. Established by the IBMA Foundation, this scholarship aims to support future leaders in the bluegrass music industry. Applicants must submit their application by June 1 for a fall semester scholarship. This initiative highlights the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities within bluegrass music.

The J. D. Crowe Banjo Scholarship, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician J. D. Crowe. Funded by a generous $20,000 donation from Arthur Hancock III, this scholarship aims to support aspiring banjo players pursuing their education at the collegiate level. Eligible candidates must showcase high performance skills on the banjo and demonstrate a commitment to the bluegrass music industry, ensuring Crowe's influence continues for future generations.

The Katy Daley Broadcast Media & Sound Engineering Scholarship, funded by the IBMA Foundation, supports individuals pursuing studies in broadcasting or sound engineering with a bluegrass music focus. Annually, $2,000 scholarships are available to current IBMA members, including adults seeking continuing education. Eligible fields include radio, television, digital media, and sound engineering. The application deadline is June 1 for fall semester scholarships, promoting professional involvement in the bluegrass music industry.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.