Arlington Announces New Historic Preservation Grant Opportunity

Arlington County has launched the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), a competitive grant program that will support community and individual projects related to Arlington’s history, built environment, and cultural heritage. The application period is now open. It closes on April 28, 2023.

In December 2022, the County Board approved the Historic Preservation Fund Grant Guidelines and authorized the County Manager to approve grants and disburse grant funds consistent with the guidelines.

“There are many civic groups and individuals that could maintain historic buildings and share Arlington’s history and culture with some help financially. The Historic Preservation Fund offers a competitive and transparent process for funding community-initiated projects that celebrate Arlington’s heritage and diversity,” County Manager Mark Schwartz said.

The fund provides a unique opportunity to invest in the future of preservation in Arlington County, including the repair of historic building materials, tours of historic neighborhoods, the creation of an economic strategic plan for a historic commercial area, or another idea that meets the adopted guidelines. The HPF will support projects that:

• Enhance the understanding of Arlington’s history and historic character 
• Have significant impact on the community and advance cultural equity in Arlington 
• Result in distinctive, high quality, and meaningful cultural experiences in Arlington
• Foster community partnerships and advance the vision and values of the Historic Preservation Master Plan
• Preserve the historic built environment

“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the Arlington community and think creatively about how to further the County’s historic preservation goals,” said Historic Preservation Section Supervisor Cynthia Liccese-Torres.

About the Grants

Eligible projects must align with the stated goals of the Historic Preservation Master Plan. There are two grant categories, and some projects may be eligible for both.

• Capital projects: Eligible properties for bricks-and-mortar grants include individual Local Historic Districts (LHDs), contributing properties to an LHD, properties that hold a recorded historic preservation easement, and properties eligible to become an LHD and/or hold a recorded easement.
• Non-capital projects: Examples of eligible projects could include historic research, oral histories, historic markers, nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, educational activities, and institutional planning.

A separate grant application will be required for each project proposal. The fund can be used only to support new projects and will not provide reimbursement for previously completed projects or prior expenses.

Grants awarded to capital projects can have a maximum support of up to $100,000 and will require a 100% match. Grants awarded to non-capital projects can have a maximum support of up to $25,000. Matching funds will not be required.

How to Apply

The grant application period is open through April 28, 2023. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of the proposed project, equity and inclusion, community impact, and managerial competence. Applicants must be at least one of the following:

• Any individual that has a physical property address in Arlington County (post office boxes are not eligible);
• An institution, community group, and/or organization that serves Arlingtonians and/or utilizes a historic property;
• A civic/citizen and/or homeowner’s association that serves Arlington County; or
• A 501(c)(3) organization in Arlington County.

The application process is digital. Applicants will need access to the internet, the latest version of Adobe Reader software, and their own email. The application and grant guidelines are available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, and Mongolian.

Historic Preservation Program staff and designees of the County Manager will consider applications and administer the funds. A formal HPF award letter will be sent to grant recipients by June 30, 2023.

For application assistance, email HistoricPreservationFund@arlingtonva.us or call the Historic Preservation Program office at 703-228-3549.

Media Contact

Rachel LaPiana
703-228-0059

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