Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) have a program that makes grants available for restoration or rehabilitation of historic buildings? No. Currently, DHR does not have a program under which funds (grants, low-interest loans, etc.) are made for restoration or rehabilitation of historic buildings. However, the department administers funding awards appropriated by the General Assembly for historic preservation activities by nonprofit organizations. These awards are the only source of state funding for rehabilitation of historic buildings available through DHR.

Can private individuals apply for the funds awarded by the General Assembly? No. Private individuals are not eligible for these awards. The funds are available only to nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status—like historical societies, foundations, museums, and associations—and local governments. Private institutions of higher education and religious organizations (including active churches) are also not eligible.

Is a matching share required for these grants? Yes. The awards must be matched with an amount at least equal to the grant award. However, the matching share does not have to be all cash; donated goods and services are also acceptable if documented in accordance with grant procedures. Any cash used as matching share must be from non-state sources. In other words, state dollars cannot be used to match a state grant award.

What historic buildings are eligible for funding? Eligible buildings are those that are listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register, either individually or as part of a historic district, or buildings that have been found by the department as eligible for listing in the Virginia Landmarks Register. (For information on eligibility, see the National and State Historic Registers section)

What types of work are eligible? The Code of Virginia describes eligible work as "maintenance of collections and exhibits" or "maintenance and operation of sites and facilities owned by historical organizations." Generally, DHR has defined this to mean actual rehabilitation, restoration, or renovation work on an eligible building (including climate-control, fire suppression, or security systems), work to make the building accessible to those with disabilities, and work affecting collections housed in an eligible building. Some examples from recent years include projects such as these:

• Replacement of the roof and gutters on an eligible building housing a local museum
• Installation of an elevator at a historic courthouse
• Work to return the interior of an eligible building to its antebellum appearance for use as a house museum
• Repainting of exhibit buildings at a small museum housed in a complex of historic buildings

Eligible work also includes operations costs at museums, historical societies, etc.


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The Holley Graded School was rehabilitated for use as a museum and adult education facility. The building is an important landmark for African Americans in the Lottsburg area of Northumberland County.


State Grants Main Page

Historic Preservation Grants Overview

Guidelines for Disbursement of State Grant for Restoration of a Presidential Home