Cost Share Grant Program

The Cost Share Grant Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR), a state agency responsible for identifying, evaluating, and preserving Virginia’s historic and cultural resources. Established in 1991, the program has supported over 120 localities in advancing preservation planning initiatives. The program is designed as a collaborative effort between DHR and local governments, offering both financial assistance and administrative support to strengthen historic resource identification and planning at the local level. The primary purpose of the Cost Share program is to assist local governments in meeting preservation planning goals through the systematic survey and documentation of historic resources. Supported project types include architectural and archaeological surveys, preparation of survey reports or management summaries, development of Preliminary Information Forms, nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places, and broader preservation planning documents. The program explicitly excludes funding for projects involving privately owned properties, physical rehabilitation work, or the creation of design review guidelines, focusing instead on planning and documentation activities. Funding is provided through a cost-sharing structure in which DHR matches financial contributions made by the participating locality or planning district commission (PDC). While most projects involve at least a 50 percent financial commitment from the local government, DHR considers applications with varying match levels. In addition to funding, DHR assumes responsibility for administrative tasks, including procuring and managing qualified consultants to carry out the project and overseeing deliverables to ensure compliance with professional and departmental standards. Eligibility for the program is limited to local governments and planning district commissions within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Applicants must engage in a project planning meeting with DHR staff prior to submission and demonstrate evidence of community support for the proposed initiative. Applications are competitive due to limited annual funding, and selected projects are those that best align with DHR’s preservation priorities and demonstrate readiness and local commitment. The application process requires submission through DHR’s WebGrants portal, a centralized system for grant application and management. While specific application components are not detailed in the provided material, applicants are expected to outline a clear project proposal focused on historic resource identification or preservation planning. Pre-application coordination with DHR staff is a required step, ensuring that proposals are well-developed and aligned with program expectations prior to formal submission. The program supports local governments in fulfilling statutory requirements under the Code of Virginia, which mandates the development and periodic update of comprehensive plans, including the integration of cultural resource considerations. Deliverables produced through Cost Share projects contribute to local historic resource inventories, support heritage tourism development, and enable property owners to pursue state and federal historic preservation tax credits. These outputs also serve as educational tools and long-term planning resources for communities. Although specific deadlines and award timelines are not provided, the program operates on an annual cycle with competitive selection. Interested applicants should coordinate early with DHR staff to prepare for future funding rounds. Program contacts are available for guidance, including a Survey and Grants Specialist who can assist with project planning and application procedures.

Engage early with DHR staff and demonstrate strong community support to improve competitiveness