Embedded Files
The Unity Cemetery Preservation Fund (hereafter the Fund) provides support for the preservation of historic African American cemeteries. The Fund defines "historic cemeteries" as cemeteries with multiple graves dating from approximately 1800 to 1942. Our focus is on the southeastern United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Virginia. Funds can be used for projects that include any of the following: mapping, site assessment, and other data collection; conservation treatments for grave markers and other funerary features; landscape stabilization; public outreach. An annual award of up to $50,000 will be given to a group that has identified a cemetery in need of such attention and agrees to shepherd the project through the multi-year process.
The Unity Fund maintains funding applications for a 3-year cycle. Candidates are encouraged to reapply if they have a significant change in their needs. Applicants are also asked to stay in contact if group leadership changes.
The Application is available via this Google Form, application materials will be accepted until February 28th, 2027.
Please clearly name/ label all submitted supporting documentation with the cemetery name.
Please make sure budgets are specific to the scope of work, using real bids from providers where available.
When listing community partners, please be clear about what the partners listed are doing to support the efforts of the scope of work.
Funding will be available at the time the award is granted.
The grantee organization has eighteen (18) months to complete the project.
How are the applications assessed?
How are the applications assessed?
Applications will be evaluated by a committee of professionals in the fields of historic cemetery preservation, archaeology, and the humanities.
How are funds distributed?
How are funds distributed?
Funds are available immediately following the grantee award. Depending on the budget and timeline of actions submitted by the applicant, funds will be distributed in two or three payments directly to the Fund awardee or its agent. These payments will be made to allow for upfront budgeted deposits and final payments to vendors. The Fund strongly encourages organizations to either establish a separate bank account to manage project funding or partner with a larger organization that can effectively manage the flow of funds. Itemized documentation of expenditures is required.
How can funds be used?
How can funds be used?
All Fund monies will go directly to services that support conservation and preservation efforts of the cemetery. No funds can be used for salaries or general landscape maintenance.
Are matching funds or in-kind services required?
Are matching funds or in-kind services required?
There is no match requirement. However, organizations applying are strongly encouraged to reach out to partners within the community who can help them. Local municipalities, universities and colleges, historical or genealogical societies, and other public and private organizations make excellent partners. Many partners may be positioned to offer in-kind or pro bono services that will allow Fund monies to go further. Strong partnerships result in broader support of your project and promote project sustainability.
What kind of reporting is required?
What kind of reporting is required?
Awardees will submit a mid-project report and final report, including activities undertaken. Examples include a draft preservation plan mid-project, site documentation efforts, conservation specialist and monument company report if applicable, landscape stabilization details, expenditure documentation, and such.
Grantees will agree to photograph project activities during the project and submit these images along with local media coverage to the Fund for use in promoting African American cemetery preservation. Grantees will also commit to a public event to highlight efforts at their cemetery. Examples of low to no-cost events will be provided.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse