Preservation Trust Fund – Easement Assistance – (PTF-EA)
🏛 Virginia Outdoors Foundation
Can you apply?
This grant is for Virginia landowners donating easements to protect open space. Applicants must have average annual income under $200,000 over two years and be conveying an easement to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF). Eligible expenses include appraisals, surveys, title work, baseline documentation, and legal fees. VOF staff determine final eligibility based on financial documentation and project specifics.
This grant is for Virginia landowners donating easements to protect open space. Applicants must have average annual income under $200,000 over two years and be conveying an easement to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF). Eligible expenses include appraisals, surveys, title work, baseline documentation, and legal fees. VOF staff determine final eligibility based on financial documentation and project specifics.
Program description
Preservation Trust Fund- Easement Assistance Grants Overview 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, rights of way, and other methods of protecting open space for farming, forestry, recreation, wildlife, water quality, and more. Current Opportunity A portion of the Preservation Trust Fund is dedicated to providing income-based cost-share assistance for landowners donating an easement to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. These grants are intended to offset landowner expenses associated with donating an easement. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the fiscal year with a rolling application process. Eligibility Any landowner conveying an easement to VOF with an average annual income of less than $200,000 over the course of two years may be eligible for PTF-Easement Assistance Funding. Contact VOF for an eligibility determination. Costs associated with the donation of an easement may be eligible for reimbursement. This may include an appraisal, survey*, mortgage review, title work, baseline documentation reports (BDRs) and well as legal and accounting fees. Reimbursement Rates Landowners will be reimbursed on an income-based cost-share assistance rate, with per easement awards not to exceed the easement assistance limit listed below. VOF will determine eligibility based on submitted financial documentation. Exceptions may be granted for extenuating circumstances. Landowner Annual Income Reimbursement Rate Eligible Due Diligence Easement Assistance Limit Up to $95,000 100% All Due Diligence $20,000 $96,000 – $110,000 75% All Due Diligence $15,000 $111,000 – $125,000 50% All Due Diligence $10,000 $125,000-$200,000 Up to 50% Survey Work* $10,000 Over $200,000 Not Eligible N/A Not Eligible *If determined by VOF staff to be necessary for the protection and stewardship of the conservation project Exceptions may be granted for extenuating circumstances. Application Process While working with VOF staff on developing a VOF easement, landowners or their representatives may submit an application for easement assistance through the VOF grant portal at https://vaoutdoors.webgrantscloud.com/index.do. Tax information and a landowner signature are required components of the application. Awards up to $20,000 are approved administratively on a rolling basis. Contact grants@vof.org with questions about the application process or project eligibility. Resource Material Resource Material
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for Virginia landowners donating easements to protect open space. Applicants must have average annual income under $200,000 over two years and be conveying an easement to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF). Eligible expenses include appraisals, surveys, title work, baseline documentation, and legal fees. VOF staff determine final eligibility based on financial documentation and project specifics.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Tax information (two years)
- Landowner signature
- Easement agreement/documentation with VOF
- Receipts for eligible due diligence costs
Program contact
- 👤 Emma Weaver
- 📧 eweaver@vof.org
- 📞 (434) 365-8323
FAQ
Who is eligible for this grant?
Landowners with average annual income under $200,000 who are donating an easement to VOF. Contact VOF for eligibility determination.
What costs can be reimbursed?
Appraisals, surveys, title work, baseline documentation reports, and legal and accounting fees. Reimbursement rate depends on income level.
How does the application process work?
Apply through the VOF grant portal while working with VOF staff on your easement. Submit tax information and signed application.
When is the deadline?
Rolling basis throughout the fiscal year. Awards up to $20,000 approved administratively on rolling schedule.
What is the maximum award?
$20,000 maximum per easement, with lower limits ($10,000-$15,000) depending on income bracket.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact VOF early to confirm eligibility before investing in appraisals or surveys.
- Gather two years of tax documentation to demonstrate income level and reimbursement rate.
- Coordinate application timing with VOF staff who oversee your easement development.
- Budget for eligible costs strategically based on your income-determined reimbursement percentage.
- Submit complete applications with required tax information and signatures to avoid delays.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without VOF pre-approval of the easement project. Incomplete tax documentation or missing landowner signature on application. Submitting receipts for ineligible expenses like property taxes or insurance.
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