Virginia’s Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Grant – FY26
🏛 Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and tribes seeking to protect historic and archaeological sites significant to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities in Virginia.
Eligible applicants include state-recognized or federally recognized Indian tribes, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, and Virginia localities. Projects must involve acquisition, rehabilitation, or stabilization of real property, or archaeological data recovery.
Properties must be listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register, National Register of Historic Places, designated as National Historic Landmark, or determined eligible by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Ineligible projects include reconstruction, moving historic properties, acquisition of collections, and establishment of endowments or cash reserves.
Multi-year preservation outcomes are encouraged through careful project planning and alignment with Virginia's historic preservation priorities for underrepresented communities.
This grant is for organizations and tribes seeking to protect historic and archaeological sites significant to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities in Virginia.
Eligible applicants include state-recognized or federally recognized Indian tribes, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, and Virginia localities. Projects must involve acquisition, rehabilitation, or stabilization of real property, or archaeological data recovery.
Properties must be listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register, National Register of Historic Places, designated as National Historic Landmark, or determined eligible by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Ineligible projects include reconstruction, moving historic properties, acquisition of collections, and establishment of endowments or cash reserves.
Multi-year preservation outcomes are encouraged through careful project planning and alignment with Virginia's historic preservation priorities for underrepresented communities.
Program description
Virginia’s Black, Indigenous, And People of Color Historic Preservation Grant Program Chapters 185 and 186 of the Acts of Assembly of the 2022 Session of the Virginia General Assembly established in Code the Virginia Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Historic Preservation Fund (BIPOC). The purpose of the legislation is to create a grant program to protect and support Virginia’s historically underserved and underrepresented communities and the cultural and historical sites associated with them. This fund will provide grants for the acquisition, protection, and rehabilitation of historic and archaeological sites of significance associated with Virginia’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. 2025 GRANT TIMELINE Preapplication opens in WebGrants –February 2, 2026 Preapplication closes– May 1, 2026 Full Application opens–May 11, 2026 Full Application closes–July 2, 2026 Review Period–July and August 2026 Award Decisions–Late September 2026 GRANT MANUAL The BIPOC Grant Manual is linked HERE . Please read through the document to become familiar with the grant requirements. This grant manual is subject to change. The application scoresheet and review criteria are also available for review. APPLICATION PROCESS The first step in the application process is the Preapplication in WebGrants. The form will help determine if the project meets minimum eligibility requirements as set out in the legislation and grant manual . We will let you know if your project is eligible for this grant fund and invite you to complete the full grant application in WebGrants. See the grant manual for further details. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS State-recognized or federally recognized Indian tribes Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations Virginia localities ELIGIBLE PROJECTS Purchase of a fee simple or protective interest in real property Rehabilitation of real property Stabilization of real property Data recovery (e.g. archaeological excavation) of any cultural or historical property associated with Black, Indigenous, or people of color communities Project properties must be listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register, the National Register of Historic Places, designated as a National Historic Landmark, or determined eligible for such listing by DHR. Grants may be awarded for acquisitions upon which the applicant has already completed the transaction, subject to the criteria outlined in Section E of the legislation. Grant award recommendations made by the Department will be presented to the Virginia Board of Historic Resources for approval. INELIGIBLE P ROJECTS Reconstructing historic properties (recreating all or a significant portion that no longer exists), moving historic properties, or work on moved historic properties that are no longer eligible for listing in the NRHP. Acquisition of collections, conservation of collections, or long-term maintenance or curatorial work beyond the grant period. Projects involving establishment or enhancement of cash reserves, endowments, revolving funds, fund-raising costs, lobbying or advocacy activities. Projects already completed or funded through other state or federal programs. Architectural survey projects for the sole purpose of listing an individual historic resource or district on the National Register of Historic Places (however, these expenses may be eligible if part of a larger eligible project/activity). A link to the LEGISLATION authorizing this grant program is provided here POINT OF CONTACT Caitlin Sylvester, Grant Coordinator BIPOCGrantFund@dhr.virginia.gov
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations and tribes seeking to protect historic and archaeological sites significant to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities in Virginia.
Eligible applicants include state-recognized or federally recognized Indian tribes, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, and Virginia localities. Projects must involve acquisition, rehabilitation, or stabilization of real property, or archaeological data recovery.
Properties must be listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register, National Register of Historic Places, designated as National Historic Landmark, or determined eligible by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Ineligible projects include reconstruction, moving historic properties, acquisition of collections, and establishment of endowments or cash reserves.
Multi-year preservation outcomes are encouraged through careful project planning and alignment with Virginia's historic preservation priorities for underrepresented communities.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Preapplication in WebGrants
- Full grant application (if preapplication approved)
- Documentation of property listing or eligibility status
- Evidence of BIPOC community significance
- Project narrative and timeline
- Budget and financial documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Caitlin Sylvester
- 📧 caitlin.sylvester@dhr.virginia.gov
- 📞 (804) 482-6461
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
State-recognized or federally recognized Indian tribes, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, and Virginia localities. Your organization must be ready to manage historic property acquisition, rehabilitation, or archaeological work.
What types of projects are eligible?
Purchase of real property, rehabilitation, stabilization, or archaeological data recovery. Properties must be listed or eligible for listing on the Virginia Landmarks Register or National Register of Historic Places.
When are applications due?
Preapplication deadline is May 1, 2026. Full application deadline is July 2, 2026. Award decisions come in late September 2026.
Are reconstructing historic sites or moving properties eligible?
No. Reconstructing properties, moving them, or projects already completed or funded elsewhere are ineligible. Focus on stabilization and rehabilitation of existing sites.
Is there cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant, but strong community benefit and cultural significance weigh heavily in review.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Complete the preapplication first. It screens projects for eligibility before you invest in a full application.
- Read the grant manual thoroughly. Understanding the Virginia Department of Historic Resources requirements and scoresheet is essential.
- Document property eligibility early. Get DHR determination on Virginia Landmarks Register or NRHP status before applying.
- Emphasize community connection. Show how the project serves underrepresented Black, Indigenous, or People of Color communities.
- Plan your timeline carefully. You have less than two months between full application opening and closing to prepare.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Projects targeting sites not listed or eligible for the Virginia Landmarks Register or National Register are rejected. Applicants underestimate the documentation needed to prove historic and cultural significance to BIPOC communities. Incomplete preapplications that skip required eligibility questions delay review and may result in dismissal.
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