Apply for FY2027 Funding

Applications are now open for the Virginia Historical African American Cemetery and Graves Fund. Before applying, all applicants should review the updated Program Manual and Grant Guidance to ensure compliance with current program requirements.

 

Virginia Historical African American Cemetery and Graves Fund

The Virginia Historical African American Cemetery and Graves Fund supports the care, documentation, preservation, and protection of historic African American cemeteries and graves throughout the Commonwealth. The fund is administered by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and is authorized under § 10.1-2211.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Through continued support from the Virginia General Assembly, the program has grown significantly and will administer up to $400,000 in funding during Fiscal Year 2027 to assist eligible applicants in preserving these important historic and cultural resources.

 

New for Fiscal Year 2027

Several new and updated resources are now available to help applicants better understand program requirements and prepare a complete application.

All new and returning applicants should carefully review the updated Program Manual and Grant Guidance before submitting an application. The FY2027 edition includes important updates and clarifications regarding eligibility, required documentation, eligible uses of funding, project planning, reporting requirements, and overall program administration.

New resources include:

• Program Manual and Grant Guidance
• Quick Reference Guide
• Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage Guidance

 

Previous participation in the AACGF does not exempt applicants from current program requirements. All applicants are responsible for complying with the guidance and requirements contained in the current Program Manual and Grant Guidance.

 

Grant Opportunities

The AACGF offers two funding opportunities:

Basic Maintenance Grant
Supports routine cemetery care and maintenance, including vegetation management, grounds maintenance, and other eligible stewardship activities.

Extraordinary Block Grant
Supports larger preservation projects beyond routine maintenance, including cemetery documentation, preservation planning, monument conservation, approved professional services, and wayfinding or interpretive signage projects.

Please refer to the Program Manual and Grant Guidance for complete eligibility requirements and eligible uses of funding.

 

Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

• Eligible property owners
• Charitable organizations established primarily to care for and preserve African American cemeteries and graves
• Local governments maintaining neglected African American cemeteries within their jurisdiction

 

What Cemeteries Qualify?

• Established on or before January 1, 1948, specifically for the interment of African Americans
• Meet the program's minimum eligible grave requirements
• Documented in the Virginia Cultural Resource Information System (VCRIS) or eligible for recordation

 

See the Program Manual and Grant Guidance for complete eligibility requirements.

 

Fiscal Year 2027 Timeline

Application Period Opens: July 1, 2026

Application Deadline: May 30, 2027

Applications are accepted throughout the fiscal year and are reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to the availability of funds.

 

Resources and Forms

Everything you need to prepare and submit an AACGF application is available here.

Guidance

• Program Manual and Grant Guidance
• Quick Reference Guide
• DHR Citizen’s Guide to Cemetery Maintenance
• Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage Guidance
• DHR Notice of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

 

Application Forms

• AACGF Application
• Cemetery Routine Maintenance Agreement
• Acknowledgement of Reporting Requirements

 

Please review the Program Manual and Grant Guidance before completing an application.

 

Annual Reporting

Recipients of AACGF funding having received funds in the previous fiscal year (2025-2026) must complete and submit a Reconciliation of Expenditures Form as agreed to in the Acknowledgement of Reporting Requirements Form in the application package.

Annual reporting requirements must be satisfied before additional AACGF funding may be awarded.

 

Apply and Contact

Completed applications and all required supporting documentation may be submitted by mail or email.

By Mail
Virginia Department of Historic Resources
African American Cemetery and Graves Fund (AACGF)
2801 Kensington Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23221

By Email
aacgf@dhr.virginia.gov

Applicants are encouraged to review the Program Manual and Grant Guidance before submitting an application to ensure all required forms and supporting documentation are included.

 

Need Assistance?

DHR staff are available to assist applicants throughout the application process and can answer questions regarding eligibility, cemetery recordation, documentation requirements, project planning, application requirements, and eligible uses of funding.

For assistance, please contact the AACGF team at aacgf@dhr.virginia.gov.