American Battlefield Protection Program Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants
American Battlefield Protection Program Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants support Virginia nonprofit sponsors in acquiring battlefield land or easements to preserve historic sites permanently and provide public access.
Funder: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due Dates: September 30, 2026 (notice closing date) | December 30, 2026 (final electronic submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: $17.4 million estimated total program funding; grants typically run three years
Summary: Grants support acquisition of land or easements to permanently protect eligible Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefields.
Key Information: Each grant requires a dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match.
Description
The National Park Service (NPS) American Battlefield Protection Program awards competitive Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants using Land and Water Conservation Fund resources. Grants support fee-simple purchases or less-than-fee interests, including easements, in eligible Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield lands. The program aims to preserve these places permanently while providing for public access and enjoyment consistent with preservation goals.
In Virginia, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) can serve as applicant and pass-through grant recipient for a nonprofit project sponsor. DCR’s Division of Planning and Recreation Resources administers that partnership; the nonprofit acquires the property interest and carries out the delegated grant requirements.
