Cemeteries are cultural landmarks that preserve the history of communities. Unfortunately, many of these sites are abandoned or neglected, making preservation a challenge. Mapping and documenting cemeteries is essential for safeguarding heritage, but these projects often require a significant investment.
The good news? Grants can make it possible. By leveraging federal, state, and private funding, organizations can implement advanced solutions, such as CIMS (Cemetery Information Management System), to digitize records, create interactive maps, and ensure long-term preservation.
Top Federal Grant Opportunities
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Save America’s Treasures (NPS/IMLS): Preserves nationally significant historic sites, including cemeteries.
- Award: $25K-$500K (1:1 match required)
- Best Fit: Projects demonstrating national significance and feasibility
- Preservation Planning Grants (NPS ABPP): Funds research, GIS mapping, and documentation for historic battlefields and cemeteries.
- Award: $20K-$200K
- Best Fit: Battlefield-related cemeteries needing detailed mapping
- NEH Public Humanities Projects (Historic Places Track): Supports digital interpretation and community outreach.
- Award: Up to $400K
- Best Fit: Projects combining mapping with public education
- Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) State Grants: Supports survey, planning, and restoration efforts for cemeteries listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Award: 40-60% matching grants via State HPF Ofices
- Best Fit: Cemeteries on the National Register managed by nonprofits or local/state governments
- Community Development Block Grants (HUD): Funds infrastructure improvements for disadvantaged communities, including cemeteries
- Award: Varies
- Best Fit: Local governments looking to enhance cemeteries for public access and community benefit
Private & Nonprofit Funding
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Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Grants: Supports the preservation of historic sites/records, including cemetery markers
- Award: Up to $10K
- Best Fit: Historic cemeteries looking to locate, map, and identify unmarked graves
- The Unity Cemetery Preservation Fund: Funds the preservation of historic African American cemeteries
- Award: Varies
- Best Fit: Mapping and documentation projects
State-Level Grant Opportunities
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Ancestral Resting Place Conservation Historic Cemetery Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin: Provides essential support to nonprofit organizations committed to the preservation and conservation of ancestral resting places
- Award: Up to $50K
- Best Fit: Nonprofit organizations looking to repair, restore, and maintain historic cemeteries in Wisoconsin
- Illinois Cemetery Relief Grant: Funds the cleanup and restoration of abandoned or neglected cemeteries
- Award: Up to $20K
- Best Fit: Illinois-based nonprofit cemetery associations, local governments
- Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants: Provides financial support for projects focused on preserving Minnesota's history and culture
- Award: Varies
- Best Fit: Minnesota cemeteries looking to digitize historical records and make them available to the public
- Ohio Department of Commerce Cemetery Grant: Defrays the cost of cemetery maintenance and operations
- Award: Up to $2,500
- Best Fit: Ohio cemeteries
- Florida Abandoned African American Cemeteries Grant: Assists state and local government and private stakeholders with efforts to preserve abandoned African American cemeteries
- Award: Up to $50K
- Best Fit: Local governments and qualified nonprofit organizations looking to repair, restore, and/or maintain abandoned African American cemeteries
- Washington State Historic Cemetery Grants: Dedicated to preserving outstanding examples of the state’s historical heritage, enabling historic cemeteries to continue to serve their communities, and honoring the military veterans buried within them
- Award: Up to $50K
- Best Fit: Cemeteries in the state of Washington with five or more burials and at least one burial more than 50 years old
- Utah Cemetery Grant: Supports surveying, GIS mapping, digitization, and historic preservation efforts
- Award: Up to $20K for GIS mapping and digitization
- Best Fit: Cemeteries in Utah
- Georgia Heritage Grant: Supports the preservation of historic properties, including cemeteries
- Award: Varies; requires ≥40% local match
- Best Fit: Georgia-based nonprofit organizations and local governments
- Connecticut Neglected Cemetery Account Grant: Supports mapping and documentation of neglected and ancient burial grounds
- Award: Up to $20K, match required
- Best Fit: Municipal cemeteries located in Connecticut
Many states offer similar programs—check eligibility for your location.
Why Choose CIMS for Grant-Funded Projects?
CIMS simplifies cemetery management by offering:
- Comprehensive mapping tools
- Secure digital recordkeeping
- Customizable reporting for grant Compliance
- A public-facing Burial Search database
By leveraging grants, cemeteries can implement CIMS without straining the budget, preserving history while embracing modern technology.
Historic cemeteries deserve care and attention, and grants make that possible. With CIMS, you can transform preservation projects into efficient, sustainable initiatives that honor heritage and serve communities for generations.
Ready to get started? Explore available grants today and contact us to see how CIMS can help you map, document, and protect your cemetery's legacy.