Preservation Trust Fund

Preservation Trust Fund is sponsored by Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF). This fund provides grants for acquisitions, easements, and other methods of permanently protecting open space for farming, forestry, recreation, public access, wildlife, and water quality.

Preservation Trust Fund - Virginia Outdoors Foundation Click here for our Grant Application Portal The fall grant round for FY2027 is now open with an application deadline of 5:00 p. m. on July 29, 2026.

Funding availability for this grant round is contingent on final approval of the Virginia state budget. A budget is expected to be signed this month, and no changes to VOF’s Preservation Trust Fund appropriation are anticipated. VOF will host a one-hour webinar at 1:00 p.

m. on June 30 to address program requirements and project criteria, provide guidance on application material and tips on navigating the grant portal. Click the button below to register.

Click here to register for the webinar Established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1997 and administered by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF), the Open-Space Lands Preservation Trust Fund (PTF) provides grants for acquisitions, easements, and other methods of permanently protecting open space for farming, forestry, recreation, public access, wildlife, and water quality.

A right, privilege, or interest in real estate must be conveyed to VOF or a locality pursuant to Virginia’s Open-Space Land Act to be eligible for PTF funding. Land already protected through existing deed restrictions, such as an open-space easement, may not be eligible.

In addition to grants for land protection, VOF also provides Easement Assistance grants, which are income-based cost-share assistance grants to landowners conveying an open-space easement to VOF or to a locality. These grants can cover legal, appraisal, and other costs associated with conveying an open space easement. Landowners conveying easements as part of a development proposal or as a proffer are not eligible.

PTF grants may pay for costs associated with the conveyance of an interest, right, or privilege in open space under the Open-Space Land Act including fee-simple acquisition, public access rights of way, due diligence, legal and survey costs. The amount of a PTF grant must be substantiated by the value of the real estate interest being conveyed as shown by an assessment, appraisal, or other accepted methodology.

No funds may be disbursed until the real estate interest is conveyed. Income Eligibility for Easement Assistance The following chart provides guidance when applying for Easement Assistance grants. *If determined by VOF staff to be necessary for the protection and stewardship of the conservation project.

The fall FY2027 grant round is now open with an application deadline of 5:00 p. m. on July 29, 2026.

Funding availability for this grant round is contingent on final approval of the Virginia state budget. A budget is expected to be signed this month, and no changes to VOF’s Preservation Trust Fund appropriation are anticipated. Easement Assistance grants up to $20,000 are available on a rolling basis.

Contact grants@vof. org with questions about the application process or project eligibility. Below are documents for this grant round.

If you would like additional documents, such as review criteria, sample deed language, or sample applications, please contact our staff.

Title Link FY27 Grant Timeline Download FY27 PTF Fact Sheet Download FY27 PTF Project Requirements Download FY27 Reference PTF Application Download PTF Easement Assistance Documents Title Link FY27 PTF EA Fact Sheet Download FY27 PTF EA for Localities_Application_Fillable Download FY27 PTF_EA_Application_Fillable Download PTF EA for Localities Fact Sheet FY27 Download Town of Montross Town Park, Westmoreland County The Town of Montross has its first-ever park thanks to the efforts of the community and a Get Outdoors grant from VOF.

Weller Woods Learning Trail, City of Staunton The Weller Woods Learning Trail will provide the students of its namesake elementary school with opportunities to let nature be their teacher. Rotary Poorhouse Park, Essex County With help from volunteers and VOF’s Get Outdoors fund, Essex County’s Rotary Poorhouse Park is set for its long-delayed grand opening.