Cemetery Grant

The Cemetery Grant is administered by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing, which oversees cemetery registration and compliance across the state. The program is designed to support the preservation and proper operation of cemeteries that meet regulatory requirements. Through this initiative, the Division provides targeted financial assistance to qualified cemetery operators, particularly those organized as not for profit entities or managed by local government bodies. The grant reflects the state’s interest in maintaining dignified burial grounds and ensuring that cemetery operations meet statutory and professional standards. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund non routine and exceptional cemetery maintenance as well as training for cemetery personnel. Eligible uses include projects that go beyond routine upkeep, such as significant repairs, restoration work, or specialized improvements that enhance the long term condition of cemetery grounds. In addition, funds may be used to support educational or professional development activities that improve the management and operational skills of cemetery staff. Routine maintenance activities are explicitly excluded, reinforcing the program’s focus on addressing higher impact needs. Eligibility is limited to cemetery operators that are properly registered with the Division and that meet specific compliance requirements. Applicants must be documented not for profit entities under the Internal Revenue Service tax code or qualifying local government entities. They must also be in compliance with applicable financial obligations, including endowment care funds and preneed cemetery merchandise and services trust accounts. Cemeteries that are operated for profit are not eligible, nor are cemeteries that have not conducted a burial within the last twenty five years or family cemeteries that are exempt from registration. The application process is conducted entirely online through the official state portal. Applicants are encouraged to prepare all required information in advance, as the system does not allow users to save progress once an application is started. If an applicant exits the system before submission, all entered information will be lost. The Division provides a worksheet style guidance document to help applicants gather and organize necessary details prior to beginning the submission process. Applications must be completed in full to be considered for funding. The funding structure allows most eligible operators to apply every other year for a single grant with a maximum award amount of up to five thousand dollars. Operators managing five or more registered cemeteries are permitted to apply annually. Importantly, grant funds cannot be used for expenses incurred prior to formal approval by the Superintendent and execution of a signed grant award agreement. This restriction ensures that funds are used prospectively and in alignment with approved project scopes. The application cycle for the program opens on July 1, 2026 and closes on July 31, 2026. Applications must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for funding. The program is recurring, with opportunities typically offered on a regular basis in alignment with state fiscal cycles. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the official program email inbox, which serves as the primary point of contact for applicants seeking clarification or assistance throughout the process.

Gather all required information before starting because the application cannot be saved and incomplete submissions will be lost