The Virginia Department of Historic Resources has received $200,000 from the National Maritime Heritage Grant Program to create a subgrant program to support the preservation and conservation of collections, properties, and objects associated with underrepresented histories related to maritime trade in Virginia. We anticipate awarding 3-5 projects ranging in size from $10,000-$150,000.

DHR is prioritizing projects focused on maritime collections and objects associated with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) history that can be completed by September 2025. Relevant collections and objects could include but are not limited to: vessels that participated in trade or were used to harvest resources for trade; archaeological collections that include trade goods and help us understand the impact of trade on social and economic structures; maritime objects such as trading vessels and shipwrecks; etc.

The preapplication is now open and linked here. It will close on May 31st, 2024 at 11:59pm. Please read over the grant guidelines before submitting a preapplication.

Schedule

• March 6- Preapplication released 
• May 31- Preapplication closes at 11:59pm 
• July 22- Full application sent to eligible applicants 
• August 30- Full applications due
• Fall 2024- Award announcements

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible subgrantees are state governments, federal and/or state recognized tribal governments, local governments, and nonprofit organizations.

Project Eligibility

Projects that qualify for this support must provide for the preservation and conservation of collections, properties, and objects associated with histories related the history of BIPOC maritime trade in Virginia. All projects must also include an educational component and a 1:1 match.

More information including additional requirements are included in the grant guidelines.