Grants Available for Historic Cemetery Projects
/File Photo, Linkville Cemetery (Brian Gailey)
The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries is offering grants for qualified historic cemeteries. The annual grants fund projects that preserve historic cemeteries. Projects funded in the past include marker repair workshops, fencing, signs, interpretive panels and brochures, security lighting, access improvements, records management, and more.
Awards typically range between $1,000 and $8,000, but have been higher. Anyone can apply for a grant, for projects on cemeteries listed on with the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. Recent projects include marker repair and workshops in several cemeteries, installations of signs and informational kiosks, a preservation plan, and fence replacement.
"Our goal is to preserve Oregon's historic cemeteries, so we try to make it easy for people to access funds to do that while ensuring the funds are appropriately used," said historic cemeteries program coordinator Kuri Gill.
While the grant applications are online, they are simple and there is plenty of support to complete them. Free grant workshops on project planning and grant writing and using the online grant application will be available. Workshops will be in Salem on March 8 and 13. Webinar workshops will be available on March 15 and 22.
State law established the seven-member historic cemeteries commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. To learn more about the grants or workshops visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.
Press release from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department