Paul E. Sluby, Sr., Historic Burial Grounds Preservation Program Grant RFA

The Paul E. Sluby, Sr. Historic Burial Grounds Preservation Program Grant RFA aims to protect and restore historic burial grounds in Washington, DC, particularly those significant to African American history, established before 1955. With only four intact burial sites remaining, the program encourages applicants to propose activities starting in Fall 2025 to document, research, and enhance these culturally important locations, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Paul E. Sluby, Sr., Historic Burial Grounds Preservation Program Grant RFA
The Council of the District of Columbia enacted the Historic African American Burial Grounds Preservation Fund Amendment Act of 2025 to establish the Paul E. Sluby, Sr. Historic Burial Grounds Preservation Program to facilitate the protection of historic burial grounds in the District.
There are only four intact historically African American burial grounds remaining in the District today: the Mount Zion and Female Union Band Society cemeteries in Georgetown, the Union Burial Society of Georgetown Cemetery in Palisades, and Woodlawn Cemetery in Benning Ridge. There are also less intact sites, such as the Mount Pleasant Plains Cemetery at Walter Pierce Park, and dozens of smaller burial grounds that have disappeared or been moved since the 19th century. OP seeks to protect and enhance the District’s historic heritage by recognizing these important sites, supporting long term stewardship, conducting research, and mapping these sacred spaces.
For the purpose of this grant, “historic burial ground” means a cemetery or any natural or prepared physical location, whether originally below, on, or above the surface of the earth, into which human remains are deposited as a part of the death rite or ceremony of a culture, and that was established in the District of Columbia prior to January 1, 1955, for interments of African Americans and is owned by a public body or qualified charitable organization.
Successful applicants will propose activities that begin in Fall 2025.
Goals
Preserve, research, and restore historic burial grounds in Washington, DC;Identify and document locations of historic burial grounds in Washington, DC.