Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program
Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program supports state agencies and nonprofits in acquiring land or permanent protective interests to preserve Georgia battlefields and their historic character.
Funder: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: Annual funding cycles (first-come, first-served, subject to available funds)
Funding Amounts: No minimum or maximum award; up to 50% of appraised acquisition value, with at least a 1:1 match
Summary: Supports permanent protection of qualified Georgia battlefield lands through fee-simple acquisition or purchase of permanent protective interests.
Key Information: Acquisitions require a perpetual conservation easement granted to GADNR or another qualified holder.
Description
The Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Program is administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) to permanently protect qualified battlefield lands in Georgia. Established under Georgia Code § 12-3-710 et seq. and House Bill 454, it provides matching grants to eligible state agencies and nonprofit organizations. Funding solely supports fee-simple land acquisition or the purchase of permanent protective interests.
The program covers Georgia battlefields identified in the national reports on Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites. Its preservation priorities consider battlefield significance and integrity, proximity to other conserved lands, and threats to historic setting and character. Projects are also evaluated for their potential to support public access, education, recreation, research, or heritage tourism.
