What’s the difference between applying for a grant from the AACGF for basic routine upkeep versus applying for one that supports larger preservation efforts? We tackle this common question to help applicants determine their best options. Plus, the latest AACGF updates and how to find out if a grave or cemetery is eligible for funding.

By Angel Williams | African American Cemeteries & Graves Fund Coordinator

Basic Maintenance vs. Extraordinary Block Grants: What’s the Difference?

The African American Cemetery & Graves Fund offers two types of grants designed to support both routine care and larger preservation efforts. Understanding the difference can help you choose the option that best meets your cemetery’s needs.

Below is a simple overview to help you understand how each grant works, and when it may be appropriate to apply.

 

BASIC MAINTENANCE GRANT

The Basic Maintenance Grant supports routine, ongoing care and covers the day-to-day upkeep that helps prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems. Funding is based on $5 per eligible grave.

You may want to apply for a Basic Maintenance Grant if you need:

• Regular grounds care
• General upkeep and maintenance
• Ongoing care that helps prevent further deterioration of structures including headstones and memorials

 

For new applicants, this grant is the required starting point. New applicants must first apply for and receive a Basic Maintenance Grant before they are eligible to request a block grant for extraordinary maintenance projects.

 

EXTRAORDINARY BLOCK GRANT

The Extraordinary Block Grant is intended for larger or more specialized projects that go beyond routine maintenance. These projects typically require additional planning and coordination.

Applications for this grant must include:

• A clearly defined scope of work
• Cost estimates
• Pre-approval before work begins

 

This grant is often used for:

• Future long-term maintenance strategy
• Preservation surveying (e.g. ground penetrating radar work)
• Project-based efforts that support long-term care

 

Once a cemetery has received a Basic Maintenance Grant, it may qualify to apply for an Extraordinary Block Grant to support these types of projects.

 

Can You Apply for Both?
Yes. Cemeteries that are eligible may apply for both grant types in the same fiscal year, allowing for annual maintenance support alongside a larger preservation project.

 

Deciding What’s Right for Your Cemetery
If you’re new to the program, starting with the Basic Maintenance Grant is the best way to establish eligibility and address immediate needs. As plans develop and additional needs are identified, the Extraordinary Block Grant can help support more complex or long-term efforts.

Both grant types share the same goal: to support the respectful, sustainable preservation of African American cemeteries. Whether your focus is annual maintenance or a large preservation effort, these grants are tools to help ensure these historic places are cared for today and protected for generations to come.

If you have questions or would like guidance before applying, we encourage you to reach out to our AACGF Coordinator Angel Williams at aacgf@dhr.virginia.gov at any time.

 

Program Activity at a Glance

The current fiscal year officially began on July 1, 2025, and will run through May 30, 2026. As of January 22, 2026, the following grants were awarded:

• 19 Basic Maintenance Grants
• 5 Extraordinary Block Grants

 

To date, the program has distributed $166,107.30 in total funding through maintenance and block grants.

 

Cemeteries Funded FY2025-26 (as of 01-26-2026)

ALBEMARLE COUNTY
Oak Union Baptist Church Cemetery
Piedmont Baptist Church Cemetery
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Cemetery
St. John Baptist Church Cemetery
Mount Calvary Baptist Church Cemeteries
First Baptist Church-Covesville
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery
Evans Cemetery

CAROLINE COUNTY
Oliver Cemetery

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA
African American Cemeteries of Alexandria

CITY OF CHARLOTESVILLE
Chestnut Grove Church
Union Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery

CITY OF DANVILLE
Flippen Cemetery

CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
Smallwood Ackiss Family Cemetery

ESSEX COUNTY
Angel Visit Baptist Church Cemetery-Ozeana

FLUVANNA COUNTY
Union Baptist Church-Shores

GLOUCESTER COUNTY
First Baptist Church Cemetery-GFC

HENRICO COUNTY
Woodland Cemetery

LOUDOUN COUNTY
Waterford Union of Churches Cemetery

ORANGE COUNTY
Woodberry Cemetery

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY
Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery

 

We are encouraged by the momentum, interest, and engagement in this important work and look forward to partnering with additional communities throughout the year.

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The Department’s Historic 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 regarding 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.

Please Note: All qualified organizations, including those listed in the Code of Virginia §10.1-2211.2, are required to submit an annual application to DHR by May 30 to be eligible for funding. Applications received after this date may not be considered for that funding cycle.

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 Angel Williams by mail at 2801 Kensington Avenue, Richmond VA 23221 or electronically at aacgf@dhr.virginia.gov. If you are a 2024-25 grant recipient and have not yet submitted your form, please contact us 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.