The latest updates on this grant program and how to find out if a grave or cemetery is eligible for funding.

By Joanna Wilson Green | DHR Cemetery Preservation Archaeologist

The first quarter of our 2024-25 grant cycle is complete, and it has been a busy one. Since July 1 we have issued 16 individual grants for a current disbursement total of $70,325.00, or approximately 25% of our annual appropriation. Most were issued to accommodate general cemetery maintenance (our “$5 per grave” grant). Four of our existing grant recipients requested and received extraordinary maintenance funding to support special projects in their cemeteries. Three projects involved the use of geophysical survey in the form of ground penetrating radar (GPR). When conducted by experienced historic preservation professionals this type of survey has the potential to successfully relocate graves that are not visible in any other fashion, and the identified graves can then be added to the total eligible for funding in the next grant cycle. Our fourth successful applicant obtained funding to assist with restoration of their cemetery following a devastating windstorm that brought down several trees (please see the following images). All work was preapproved by DHR and it has been our privilege to provide assistance to the communities who care for sacred places.

The 2024-25 African American Cemeteries & Graves Fund grant cycle will extend through May 31, 2025. All existing grant recipients are very welcome to apply for both basic and extraordinary maintenance funding, and we encourage anyone else who owns or cares for an African American cemetery to contact us. Our application packet and grant manual can be found on DHR’s website. The application forms are fillable PDFs and can be completed on your desktop and either sent as an electronic file or printed and mailed. If you find that you are unable to access these forms please contact us and we will be happy to send them to you. Applications will be gladly accepted as long as funding is available.

The Department’s African American Cemetery & Graves Fund provides grants to support the maintenance and care of cemeteries established prior to 1948, specifically for the interment of African Americans. The graves of any individuals born prior to 1900 (regardless of date of death) AND the graves of any individuals born in or after 1900 and interred prior to 1948 are considered eligible. Birth and/or interment dates may be confirmed through headstone inscriptions, vital records, church records, newspaper obituaries, and other information sources. We will also accept the results of ground penetrating radar (GPR). Initial grants will be made at a rate of $5 per eligible grave, and recipients are thereafter invited to apply for block grants to fund “extraordinary maintenance” projects.

Applications may be filed by property owners, charitable organizations established specifically to care for African American cemeteries, and local governments. Property owners must provide proof of ownership and register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) or be determined exempt from registration. Churches are exempt from this requirement. Charitable organizations must confirm their status as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, provide documentation of their mission with regard to care of the cemetery, and be registered with VDACS or determined exempt from registration. Local governments applying for funds to care for cemeteries within their jurisdictions must provide either proof of ownership or formal determination that the cemetery in question is abandoned.

As a reminder to our current grant recipients, DHR requires that you submit a reconciliation of expenses to DHR after July 1 but no later than September 30. This reconciliation should document how grant funds were used in the maintenance of your cemetery and should include invoices or receipts if available. All materials should be forwarded to Joanna Wilson Green by mail at 2801 Kensington Avenue, Richmond VA 23221 or electronically at Joanna.Wilson@dhr.virginia.gov. If you are a 2023-24 grant recipient and have not yet submitted your form please contact Ms. Green as soon as possible. DHR will be unable to disburse any additional grant funds to your organization if this information is not submitted and approved.

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CEMETERIES FUNDED 2024-25

Albemarle County
Oak Union Baptist Church Cemetery
Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery

Buckingham County
Stanton Family Cemetery
Third Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery

Caroline County
Oliver Cemetery

City of Blacksburg
Wake Forest Cemetery

City of Hampton
Union Street Cemeteries

City of Richmond
Mt. Olivet Cemetery

Essex County
Angel Visit Baptist Church Cemetery

Fluvanna County
Oak Hill Cemetery

Loudoun County
Waterford Union of Churches African American Cemetery

Louisa County
Springfield Baptist Church Cemetery

Middlesex County
Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery

Montgomery County
Wake Forest Cemetery

Warren County
Henrico Baltimore Family and West Africa Community Cemetery