Historic African American Cemetery and Graves Fund (AACGF)

Historic African American Cemetery and Graves Fund (AACGF) is sponsored by Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR). This state-supported grant initiative is designed to advance the care, documentation, and preservation of historic African American cemeteries and gravesites established prior to 1948 throughout Virginia.

African American Cemetery & Graves Fund – DHR African American Cemetery & Graves Fund African American Cemetery & Graves Fund 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. 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.

Program Manual and Grant Guidance 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 .

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.

Charitable organizations established primarily to care for and preserve African American cemeteries and graves Local governments maintaining neglected African American cemeteries within their jurisdiction 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. Everything you need to prepare and submit an AACGF application is available here.

Program Manual and Grant Guidance DHR Citizen’s Guide to Cemetery Maintenance Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage Guidance DHR Notice of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Cemetery Routine Maintenance Agreement Acknowledgement of Reporting Requirements Please review the Program Manual and Grant Guidance before completing an application.

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.

Completed applications and all required supporting documentation may be submitted by mail or email. Virginia Department of Historic Resources African American Cemetery and Graves Fund (AACGF) 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.

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 .