Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund (VBPF) – FY27 (2026)
🏛 Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
✓ Free, no account · Source: Virginia state grants portal · Last verified Jul 14, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and entities seeking to purchase Virginia battlefield properties or protective interests in them. Eligible projects must involve Civil War, Revolutionary War, or War of 1812 battlefield sites officially listed in National Park Service reports. Applications may come from nonprofits, government agencies, or other qualified entities with demonstrated capacity to manage historic properties. The fund prioritizes parcels near existing protected lands and those facing imminent threats to historic integrity.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
VBPF Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1, 2026 – September 1, 2026) Grant Round The application period for the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund (VBPF) FY’27 grant round is open from July 1, 2026 through September 1, 2026 and up to $5,622,324 million in grant funds are available. The 2026 Grant Manual contains important information about program requirements, the application form, evaluation process, and funds disbursement. A Scoring and Review Criteria document outlines how projects will be evaluated, scored, and ranked. Grants from the Fund shall be made solely for (i) the fee simple purchase of, or (ii) purchase of protective interests (i.e. easements) in any Virginia battlefield property listed in the following reports issued by the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program: Report on the Nation’s Civil War Battlefields (1993, as amended); or Report to Congress on the Historic Preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites in the United States (2007, as amended). Applications are evaluated and ranked in accordance with eligibility and evaluation criteria contained in the Grant Manual. Such factors include proximity of a battlefield parcel to already protected lands, threats to the historic setting and character of the battlefield property, and the potential for education, recreation, research, or heritage tourism associated with the project. criteria. Successful applications will protect historically significant battlefield properties that meet or exceed the program interests of the VBPF, with a strong confidence that the objectives of the grant agreement and all program requirements will be met based on the demonstrated qualifications, experience, and capabilities of the applicant. DHR staff hosted a virtual grant workshop on July 8, 2026. The webinar included an overview of the VBPF program, scoring criteria, and detailed information about the application form and WebGrants platform. A recording of the session is available at the following link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZKlvWWraFg . All applications for the VBPF 2026 Grant Round must be submitted through the WebGrants portal . We recommend using the Microsoft Word or PDF version of the application form to review and prepare your application in advance of completing it through WebGrants. Ensure you have all the required attachments ready before you apply, as you will need to upload them throughout the application process. To submit an application form, you must first register in WebGrants . Registrants must be approved by staff, so please allow up to 48 hours for this process to be completed. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application form (Word or PDF template available)
- Proof of property ownership or authorization to apply
- Project narrative describing acquisition plan
- Documentation of NPS battlefield listing
- Timeline and budget for acquisition or easement purchase
- Evidence of organizational capacity and experience
Program contact
- 👤 Wendy Musumeci
- 📧 wendy.musumeci@dhr.virginia.gov
- 📞 (804) 482-6096
FAQ
Who can apply for the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund?
Organizations and entities with capacity to purchase and steward battlefield properties. Check the 2026 Grant Manual for specific recipient type requirements.
When is the deadline?
Applications close September 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The application period runs July 1 – September 1, 2026.
What types of projects are funded?
Fee simple purchase or easement/protective interests in National Park Service-listed Civil War, Revolutionary War, or War of 1812 battlefield properties in Virginia.
How are applications evaluated?
Scoring criteria include proximity to protected lands, threats to historic character, and potential for education, recreation, research, or heritage tourism.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Register for the July 8 virtual grant workshop to understand program requirements and evaluation criteria before applying.
- Use the 2026 Grant Manual and Scoring/Review Criteria document to align your project with stated program priorities.
- Ensure your battlefield property appears on the official National Park Service battlefield lists; ineligible sites cannot be funded.
- Prepare all required attachments before starting your WebGrants application to avoid submission delays.
- Register in WebGrants early and allow 48 hours for staff approval before beginning your full application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying for properties not officially listed in NPS battlefield reports. Underestimating threats to historic character or failing to demonstrate education/tourism potential. Submitting incomplete applications without required attachments.
Similar grants
- OPEN FY2026 ABPP – Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant — National Park Service
- OPEN Preservation Trust Fund (PTF) – FY27 – Fall Round — Virginia Outdoors Foundation
- CLOSED Virginia’s Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Grant – FY26 — Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- OPEN ESHPF Helene Survey and Planning Grant Program — Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- ROLLING Preservation Trust Fund – Easement Assistance – (PTF-EA) — Virginia Outdoors Foundation