Best Preservation Grants in Virginia

With a mission to support permanent capital projects, the Cabell Foundation provides Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with competitive challenge grants for facilities, renovations, and other long-term needs. Historic preservation projects, especially in the Richmond metro area, may be eligible alongside cultural, educational, environmental, community development, housing, health, and social service capital initiatives.

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. Virginia preservation groups in public agencies may be eligible for support with survey reports, National Register nominations, Preliminary Information Forms, and other planning documents that strengthen local historic resource inventories and comprehensive plans.

Virginia local governments with Certified Local Government (CLG) status can apply for matching grants to strengthen historic preservation programs in Virginia. Funding from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources supports surveys, National Register nominations, preservation planning, public education, training, rehabilitation of listed buildings, and related stewardship projects that advance community-wide historic preservation efforts.

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

Organizations or entities responsible for Virginia archaeological sites facing destruction can seek funding for emergency assessment, excavation, and analysis through the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Focused on archaeology and historic preservation, this program supports threatened sites work when no other funding is available, which may benefit preservation-focused groups in Virginia.

Nonprofits, tribes, and community groups focused on acquiring, protecting, or rehabilitating historic and archaeological sites tied to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in Virginia can seek support through this program, with awards from US $50,000 - US $1,000,000. Grants from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources help advance community-centered historic preservation projects statewide.

Nonprofit and preservation-focused organizations in Virginia and other Mid-Atlantic states can receive up to US $7,500 for planning, education, and outreach projects that protect natural and cultural resources. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports activities like preservation planning, community forums, and innovative public programs that expand engagement with historic preservation and conservation issues.

Established nonprofit organizations in Virginia can apply for the Gwathmey Memorial Trust’s US $5,000 - US $60,000 grants to support one-year program or general operating needs. Funding cycles include historic preservation, arts, culture, humanities, and education, which may benefit organizations preserving Virginia’s historic sites and cultural heritage.

With a mission to celebrate community folklore, William G Pomeroy Foundation provides Virginia historic preservation groups with funding for Legends & Lore roadside markers highlighting folktales, legends, and folklife. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and local, state, or federal government entities in participating states, including Virginia.

Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local government agencies, and state or federally recognized American Indian tribes in Virginia can apply for the Virginia Historical Society’s Commonwealth History Fund to support preservation and history education projects. Funding can cover restoration, rehabilitation, research, documentation, conservation, acquisitions, educational programs, digitization, and related infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth.

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 for capital projects, planning, programming, and organizational capacity. Focused on preserving historic Black houses of worship, the National Trust for Historic Preservation invites applicants working on significant Black religious sites and related community uses to apply.

National Preservation Partners Network member organizations in Virginia can receive up to US $10,000 for advocacy, capacity building, or climate-related historic preservation projects. National Trust for Historic Preservation funding supports staff time, consultants, research, training, software, outreach, and related project costs that strengthen statewide and local preservation partners, with a required one-to-one match.

Individual engineers, architects, and other preservation-related professionals in Virginia can receive up to US $15,000 to develop original proposals on preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment. The James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation supports U.S.-focused projects that advance historic preservation practice and can be shared with the wider preservation community.

Nonprofits and public agencies in Virginia stewarding modern buildings by Black architects can seek US $150,000 grants for preservation planning and limited capital work. Focused on conserving Black modernist architecture, the National Trust for Historic Preservation supports research, technical studies, and management plans for 20th-century historic assets open for public benefit.

Nonprofits, government entities, and some religious organizations in greater Williamsburg can seek up to US $5,000 to run community programs benefiting residents of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. With a mission to enhance local quality of life, Williamsburg Community Foundation funds projects including arts, culture, environment, community wellness, and initiatives that may include historic or cultural preservation work.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Virginia can receive US $2,500 - US $15,000 for historic preservation planning, education, and restoration projects through the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation. National Trust for Historic Preservation funding can cover consultant fees, preservation conferences, communications materials, and bricks-and-mortar work on designated historic sites, structures, or cultural landscapes.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Virginia preserving historic interiors can apply for US $2,500 - US $15,000 to support planning, education, and restoration projects. The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund backs activities like interior restoration plans, conservation plans, furnishings plans, workshops, and related consultant fees on historic interiors.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations planning historic preservation projects in Virginia towns of 10,000 or fewer residents can seek funding for planning and education efforts. 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, community forums, and outreach materials on preservation.

Individuals, nonprofits, and museums in Virginia can apply for Historic Alexandria Foundation’s grants, awarding up to US $5,000 for historic preservation projects in the City of Alexandria. Funding can support building restoration, conservation of museum artifacts, or historical, architectural, and archaeological research that advances local preservation goals; membership in the Foundation is required.

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.