Open‑Space Lands Preservation Trust Fund

The Open-Space Lands Preservation Trust Fund (PTF) is a grant program administered by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF), which was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1997. VOF is a body politic of the Commonwealth of Virginia dedicated to protecting open-space lands for public benefit. The PTF provides funding to support land protection projects that permanently safeguard Virginia's farms, forests, recreational spaces, and natural resources. Its goal is to ensure long-term conservation by acquiring rights or interests in real estate under the Virginia Open-Space Land Act. PTF grants are designed to fund the acquisition of open space through a variety of legal mechanisms, such as conservation easements, public access rights of way, and fee-simple purchases. Funds may be used to cover necessary costs including legal services, surveys, and due diligence associated with the transfer of a qualifying real estate interest to VOF or an eligible local public body. The value of the grant award must be supported by a qualified assessment or appraisal, and no funds will be disbursed until the conveyance of the protected interest is complete. Priority is given to projects that are ready for immediate implementation, particularly those protecting exceptional farms, wildlife habitats, cultural or historical sites, and creating or enhancing public access to outdoor spaces. In addition to the general PTF grants, VOF also offers Easement Assistance grants. These are income-based cost-share grants intended to help landowners cover the costs of placing their property under permanent conservation easement. Reimbursement rates and funding limits for Easement Assistance grants range from 50% to 100% of eligible due diligence costs, depending on household income, with maximum awards up to $20,000. Landowners with annual incomes above $200,000 are not eligible for these assistance grants. Notably, properties used as development proffers or included in development proposals are ineligible for funding. Eligibility for PTF funding includes individuals, organizations, or local governments with a real estate interest to convey. The property in question must not already be protected by an existing open-space easement or similar restriction. Grant applicants can seek support for projects on both public and private lands, provided that the result is a permanent legal protection of the space. The program’s structure mandates that an eligible public body, such as VOF or a locality, receive the real estate interest as a condition of grant disbursement. Additionally, applicants considering federal partnerships should consult with VOF, as the requirement for state or local interest holding may limit compatibility with some federal conservation programs. The PTF operates on a biannual funding cycle, with two rounds each fiscal year. For FY2026, the fall round is currently open, with a submission deadline of July 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Award decisions will be announced at the Board of Trustees meeting on September 25, 2025. Applications are accepted through the VOF grant portal. Easement Assistance grants, however, are available year-round on a rolling basis. To assist applicants, VOF is offering a virtual grant workshop on June 25, 2025, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Registration is required. Applicants must complete their submission through the VOF WebGrants portal and include required materials such as tax information and landowner signatures. The full application package and guidance materials, including sample applications and deed language, are available upon request from VOF. Questions regarding eligibility or the application process may be directed to grants@vof.org.