Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grant

The 2025 Historic Cemeteries Grant, offered by the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries through Oregon Heritage, supports projects that preserve and protect historic cemeteries in Oregon. Eligible projects span a wide range of activities including security and fencing, restoration of monuments, conservation of historic features, educational and interpretive initiatives, mapping, documentation, and landscaping. The grant is intended to honor and preserve burial grounds that contain at least one interment from 75 years prior to the current date, thereby supporting Oregon’s cultural and historical legacy. The goal of the grant is to enhance the long-term preservation and historical integrity of cemeteries through restoration, documentation, and community engagement. Priority is given to projects that utilize best practices in historic preservation, contribute to the visibility of marginalized histories, and are part of long-range plans. Projects are also evaluated based on clarity, readiness, community support, and cost feasibility. Applications must clearly articulate the condition, significance, and expected impact of the proposed work. Funding awards typically range from $1,000 to $8,000. Unlike many other programs, this grant does not require a match, but matching contributions—whether in-kind, cash, or volunteer labor—can make applications more competitive. All funding is issued on a reimbursement basis, and applicants are encouraged to provide cost estimates and bids for clarity and planning. Volunteer time is calculated using Oregon minimum wage unless a professional rate is justified with documentation. Administrative or indirect costs are capped at 6% of the award and cannot be duplicated across match and grant-funded categories. Applicants can include individual citizens, nonprofit organizations, local governments, schools, and other entities, so long as the project takes place at a qualifying cemetery site. Projects must be completed within the grant cycle, which runs from July 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. Applications are submitted via the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s online system, and a range of preparation resources—including tutorials and bulletins—are available to assist applicants. Applications are due by April 9, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of May 2025. Required documentation includes a project description, budget breakdown, photographs, site maps, and if applicable, support letters and expert qualifications. Evaluations are conducted through a combination of technical and committee review, with final decisions made by the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries in a public meeting. The application process also includes a detailed set of supplemental questions covering goals, community impact, historical significance, partnerships, and long-term value. Final reports and reimbursement requests must include photographs, time tracking, financial documentation, and a project impact survey. A strong emphasis is placed on transparency, public benefit, and preservation standards.