The Virginia Department of Historic Resources received $20,000,000 in the 2024-2026 Virginia Biennial Budget to initiate a grant program to support improvements at significant historic sites and history museums in Virginia in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence (also known as the nation’s semiquincentennial). 

Eligibility is not limited to properties related to the American Revolution. Any historic site or museum that meets all the requirements is eligible to apply. 

This webpage has been created to provide communications regarding the administration of this program within the Department of Historic Resources. Please check this webpage frequently as we will be making updates as we launch this new grant program.

The Preapplication is open now and linked here.

Grant Timeline

• July 16, 2024---Preapplication opens 
• August 30, 2024---Preapplication closes 
• September 9, 2024---Full application released (for applicants with an eligible preapplication) 
• October 14, 2024---Full application deadline 
• Late 2024---Grant Awards Announced 

Grant Guidelines

The grant guidelines document is linked here. Please read through it thoroughly before filling out a preapplication.

Application Process

The first step in the application process is the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund Preapplication. The form will help determine if the project meets minimum eligibility requirements as set out in the budget and grant guidelines. The Preapplication is due by August 30th, 2024.

The full application will open to applicants notified that they have an eligible preapplication on September 15th, 2024. This application will be completed on DHR’s WebGrants page (website currently under construction). 

Eligible Applicants

Virginia 250 Preservation Fund grants may be awarded to state or federally recognized Indian tribes, non-profit organizations registered as tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Code (must provide proof of valid, current tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code), and Virginia localities (§ 1-221.).

All applicants must be the owner of the project property or be able to submit a signed letter of support from the property owner and a copy of the recorded deed.

A minimum one-third match (one-third match against the requested grant amount—if $750k is requested, grantee must match at $250k) is a requirement of this grant program. Projects with a cash match will be prioritized, but in-kind match will also be accepted. In-kind match is not to include current staff time, costs associated with managing the grant or already completed work. 

Eligible Projects

Grant funds are restricted to the following project types, all of which fall under the umbrella of capital improvements that support increased visitation due to the semiquincentennial: 

• Rehabilitation and/or stabilization of a historic resource undertaken in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards 
• ADA accessibility improvements 
• Infrastructure improvements to a historic site 
• Site work (landscaping, parking improvements, lighting, wayfinding, interpretive signage) 
• Reconstruction of a historic building following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards  for Reconstruction 
• Fabrication and installation of museum exhibits. 

Please see grant guidelines for additional information.

Ineligible Projects

Ineligible use of funds includes but is not limited to: 

• Moving historic properties or work on moved historic properties that are no longer eligible for listing in the VLR and/or NRHP. 
• Acquisition of collections, conservation of collections, or long-term maintenance or curatorial work. 
• Projects involving establishment or enhancement of cash reserves, endowments, revolving funds, fund-raising costs, lobbying or advocacy activities. 
• Projects already completed or fully funded through other state or federal programs. 
• Increase of staff capacity. 
• Environmental review and compliance. 
• Architectural survey projects including those to list individual historic resources or districts on the Virginia Landmarks Register.  

Fund Establishment Language

"Out of the amounts in this item, $20,000,000 the first year from the general fund is provided to establish a competitive grant program to support improvements at significant historic sites and history museums in Virginia in anticipation of the country's Semiquincentennial. The department shall develop guidelines and establish procedures for awarding this funding, which shall include eligibility criteria for applicants, a minimum one-third match from grantees, and any other criteria the department determines reasonable to carry out the provisions of this paragraph. Of the amount authorized, the department is authorized to recover costs incurred in administering this program. Any balances for the purposes specified in this paragraph which are unexpended on June 30, 2025, shall not revert to the general fund but shall be carried forward and reappropriated." 

Contact

Caitlin Sylvester, Grant Coordinator 

Virginia Department of Historic Resources 

2801 Kensington Avenue  

Richmond, Virginia 23221 

804-482-6461 

Grants@dhr.virginia.gov