Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund

The Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund (VBPF) is a grant program established under Virginia Code § 10.1-2202.4, administered by the Department of Historic Resources. The Fund is dedicated to providing grants to private nonprofit organizations for the permanent protection of Virginia battlefield lands. Grants are specifically allocated for the fee simple purchase or the purchase of protective interests, such as easements, in battlefield properties listed in the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program reports. These reports include the "Report on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields" and the "Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States." The eligibility and evaluation criteria for grant applications are detailed in the grant manual and are in accordance with Virginia Code § 10.1-2202.4. Key factors considered during evaluation include the proximity of a battlefield parcel to already protected lands, threats to the historic setting and character of the property, and the potential for education, recreation, research, or heritage tourism. Successful applicants are required to convey a perpetual historic preservation and open-space easement to the Virginia Board of Historic Resources. For the Fiscal Year 2026 (Calendar Year 2025) grant round, the application period opens on June 2, 2025, with up to $6.55 million available in funds. The 2025 Grant Manual provides comprehensive information on program requirements, the application and evaluation process, and funds disbursement. A Scoring and Review Criteria document is also available to guide applicants on how projects will be evaluated, scored, and ranked. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources has introduced a new online grant management system called WebGrants for all its grant programs, including the VBPF. This system is designed to streamline the publication of grant opportunities, project administration, and claims processing. All applications for the VBPF 2025 Grant Round must be submitted through the WebGrants portal. It is recommended that applicants use the Microsoft Word or PDF version of the application form to prepare their submissions before completing them in WebGrants. Required attachments such as maps and photos should be ready before starting the application process. To submit an application, applicants must first register in WebGrants at the provided URL, allowing up to 48 hours for staff approval. The deadline for application submission is 5:00 p.m. on August 1, 2025. Additional information about the VBPF can be obtained by viewing a recorded virtual grant workshop held on May 2, 2023, which includes an overview of the program and detailed information about the application process. For further assistance, applicants can contact Wendy Musumeci, the Easement Program Coordinator and VBPF Grant Program Administrator, at 804-482-6096. The Department of Historic Resources is located at 2801 Kensington Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It is recommended that applicants use the Microsoft Word or PDF version of the application form to prepare their submissions before completing them in WebGrants. Required attachments such as maps and photos should be ready before starting the application process.