Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program

The Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program is administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and was established under Georgia Code § 12-3-710 et seq. to support the preservation of historically significant battlefield lands within the state of Georgia. The program reflects the state’s commitment to conserving sites associated with the Civil War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812, as identified in National Park Service reports. Through this initiative, the Department aims to protect these lands for future generations while promoting education, heritage tourism, and public engagement with Georgia’s historical resources. The primary purpose of the program is to provide matching grants to eligible nonprofit organizations and state agencies to acquire battlefield properties or permanent conservation easements. The program strictly funds two types of activities: fee-simple acquisition of land and the purchase of permanent protective interests such as conservation easements. These acquisitions must involve properties where at least 50 percent of the acreage lies within a qualifying battlefield boundary identified in federally recognized reports. The program does not fund development, restoration, operational costs, or construction activities, focusing exclusively on land protection. Funding is provided on a matching basis, requiring applicants to contribute at least one dollar for every dollar awarded. While there is no stated minimum or maximum award amount, funding cannot exceed 50 percent of the appraised value of the land or easement being acquired. Eligible expenses include acquisition costs, appraisals, environmental assessments, surveys, title services, and legal and closing costs. All project valuations must be supported by a compliant appraisal, and applicants must demonstrate secured or committed matching funds at the time of application. Eligible applicants include state agencies whose mission centers on conservation or preservation of natural, cultural, or historical resources, as well as nonprofit charitable organizations authorized to operate in Georgia. Nonprofits must demonstrate tax-exempt status, organizational capacity, and a mission aligned with historic preservation. Applicants must also show the ability to manage and steward the acquired land or easement in perpetuity, including compliance with conservation easement requirements. Applications are submitted through an online portal and must include extensive documentation such as a project description, historical significance statement, budget, appraisal, environmental assessments, and proof of organizational eligibility. Proposals are evaluated based on criteria including battlefield significance, integrity of the landscape, level of threat, proximity to protected lands, and potential for public access and educational use. The review process is conducted by Georgia Department of Natural Resources staff and typically concludes within approximately 60 days of receiving a complete application. The program operates on an annual funding cycle and follows a first-come, first-served structure, subject to available funding. Once awarded, recipients must execute a grant agreement and complete the project within a three-year period. Quarterly reporting is required throughout the project lifecycle, and final documentation must be submitted within 45 days of project completion. Grant recipients are obligated to maintain the protected status of the property indefinitely, including recording legal protections and adhering to long-term stewardship requirements. Program support is available through designated coordinators at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, who assist applicants throughout the process. Key contacts include Rayne Gaston, Ouicia Jolly, and Soheila Naji, who can provide guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and program compliance. The program is recurring annually and serves as a critical funding mechanism for preserving Georgia’s historic battlefields.

Emphasize battlefield significance and integrity; demonstrate clear threats to the property; highlight proximity to protected lands; show strong public benefit such as education and tourism; ensure complete documentation and secured matching funds