Cost Share Grant Program

The Cost Share Grant Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, a state agency responsible for identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic resources across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Established in 1991, the program has supported over 120 participating localities and is designed to assist local governments in meeting preservation planning goals through the systematic identification and documentation of historic resources. The program reflects the state’s statutory mandate that local jurisdictions maintain and periodically update comprehensive plans that incorporate cultural and historic resources. The primary purpose of the Cost Share Grant Program is to provide partial financial support and administrative assistance for preservation planning projects. These projects are developed collaboratively between eligible applicants and department staff to ensure alignment with state preservation priorities. The program focuses on activities that enhance local historic resource inventories and planning frameworks rather than physical rehabilitation or construction. By supporting research, documentation, and planning, the program strengthens long term preservation capacity at the local level. Funding under the program is structured as a cost share arrangement in which the Department of Historic Resources matches funds committed by the applicant locality or planning district commission. In most cases, applicants contribute at least half of the total project cost, although the department considers all applications regardless of the exact match ratio proposed. The department assumes responsibility for administrative functions for awarded projects, including procuring qualified consultants and overseeing project execution to ensure compliance with professional standards and deliverables. Eligible activities include surveys of historic architectural and archaeological resources, preparation of survey reports and management summaries, development of Preliminary Information Forms, and preparation of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The program also supports broader preservation planning documents such as strategic plans. However, funding cannot be used for projects involving privately owned properties, physical rehabilitation work, or the creation of design review guidelines, ensuring that funds are directed toward research and planning rather than capital improvements. Eligibility for the program is limited to local governments and planning district commissions within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Applicants must participate in a required project planning meeting with department staff prior to submission and demonstrate evidence of community support for the proposed project. Applications are competitive, with funding availability limited annually, and proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with preservation goals and readiness for implementation. Applications are submitted through the department’s WebGrants portal, which serves as the centralized system for registration, submission, and grant management. The application process requires a clearly defined project proposal outlining the scope of work, objectives, and local commitment. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed, selection is based on the quality of the proposed project, demonstrated need, and the extent to which the project supports preservation planning outcomes. The program operates on an annual funding cycle, although specific opening and closing dates are not explicitly stated. As a recurring initiative, local governments are expected to monitor future application cycles and prepare proposals in advance through coordination with department staff. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program’s grant specialist via email or phone as provided by the department.

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