The Commonwealth History Fund Grant

The Commonwealth History Fund, established by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, aims to enhance history education and preservation projects across Virginia. With annual grants of approximately $400,000, totaling nearly $2 million in its first five years, the Fund supports diverse initiatives that focus on underserved communities and significant historical narratives. Managed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, it emphasizes project urgency, community impact, and the qualifications of applicants.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture
For use in its state history museum and its renowned research library, the historical society cares for a collection of more than nine million items representing the ever evolving story of Virginia.
The Commonwealth History Fund (Fund) was established by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture to support and encourage meaningful history education and preservation projects throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Made possible by generous funding from Dominion Energy and others, the Fund is designed to provide grants of approximately $400,000 per year and nearly $2,000,000 overall in its first five years of operation.
The Commonwealth History Fund is a restricted fund owned and managed by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and is facilitated in partnership with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR).
Grant Criteria
Preliminary grant criteria include, but are not limited to:
The significance of the project or resource and its impact on the community and Commonwealth.The project’s focus on underserved people, communities, narratives, etc.The need for funding and the urgency of the project.The project’s budget, how funds will be allocated, and the applicant’s proven ability to secure all necessary funds.The project’s timeline, scope, scale, and level of professionalism.The qualifications of the key personnel, volunteers, consultants, etc. and theirproven ability to complete similar projects.The applicant’s history of support via the Fund, and the proximity to other Fund supported projects (multi-year grants are not given; but applications over consecutive years are allowed).The applicant’s ability to secure matching funds via other grants or various forms of in-kind support (not required, but encouraged).

Eligibility

Eligible ApplicantsEligible grantees include Virginia nonprofit, tax exempt organizations 501(c)(3), state and federally recognized American Indian tribes, and local government agencies.Eligible projects/activities include, but are not limited to:Restoration, rehabilitation and other related building and construction projects,Preservation projects, Research and documentation, Publications, Acquisition of property, land, and objects, Conservation, Landscape or infrastructure improvements,Project planning, educational programs and outreach, Digitization and website projects.The project must begin within 6 months of the awarding of the grant.

Ineligibility

Political/partisan organizations or projects for religious purposes or lobbying are not eligible.Ineligible projects/activities include, but are not limited to:Endowment support, general operating support, and advertising/promotion (however, some of these expenses may be eligible if part of a larger eligible project/activity).