Historic Cemeteries Grants Program

The Historic Cemeteries Grant, administered by the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries under the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), offers financial support for projects that promote the preservation and appreciation of Oregon's historic burial sites. This program aims to assist in the protection, security, restoration, preservation, education, training, research, and interpretation of cemeteries that meet the definition of a historic cemetery—specifically, those that contain at least one burial of a person who died 75 years before the current date. The grant cycle is part of Oregon Heritage’s ongoing effort to maintain and honor the state's cultural and historical legacy, particularly through its cemeteries. Funding provided through this grant is generally in the range of $1,000 to $8,000, and is distributed on a reimbursable basis following the completion of approved work. While a local match is not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to secure additional funding or community contributions—both financial and in-kind—as these can enhance application competitiveness and enable the program to benefit more cemeteries. Eligible match contributions include volunteer time (valued at Oregon’s minimum wage unless professional services are being donated), in-kind donations, and staff time. Indirect costs and grant administration costs can also be covered or counted as match but are limited to a maximum of 6% of the grant award. Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofit organizations, local and tribal governments, schools, and for-profit businesses. Projects must take place within the grant period, beginning after July 1, 2026, and completed by April 30, 2027. The application must demonstrate preservation standards consistent with best practices, including those endorsed by the National Park Service and the Association for Gravestone Studies. Projects may range from monument repair and fencing installation to digital mapping, signage, interpretation, and landscape restoration. Importantly, proposals that prioritize underrepresented histories or contribute to geographic diversity are especially encouraged. Applications must be submitted online through the OPRD Grants Online system. Interested applicants must first register through oprdgrants.org, a process that may take up to three business days. Once registered, applicants can access, edit, and submit their application. The submission deadline is April 9, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. To assist applicants, a free virtual workshop will be held on February 24, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a recorded version available for registrants for two weeks thereafter. Additionally, the grant coordinator may review application drafts up to two weeks prior to the deadline, subject to availability. The grant application requires detailed responses, including a description of the cemetery and its significance, a comprehensive work plan, budget breakdown with identified funding sources, and explanation of the project’s goals, timeline, and anticipated outcomes. Supporting documents such as photographs, vicinity maps, W-9 forms, and estimates for large expenditures (over $25,000) are also required. Evaluation is based on applicant capacity, project effectiveness in preserving historical elements, project readiness, alignment with long-term plans, and attention to inclusive historical narratives. Grant awards will be announced by the end of May 2026. Selected applicants will then enter into a binding agreement with the state. Work may not begin until the agreement is fully executed and the work plan is approved. Interim and final reports, with documentation such as photographs and expenditure records, are required for reimbursement. All funded projects must acknowledge state support in their materials and public communications. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact Kuri Gill at [email protected] or 503-986-0685.

Submit detailed work plans, realistic cost estimates, and inclusive historical narratives for better scoring.