Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all applications must come from a nonprofit entity maintaining a 501 tax exempt status.

The Unity Cemetery Preservation Fund is organized in California with an EIN of 92-3467373. The Board is made of a team of liberal arts professionals with an interest in promoting cemetery preservation.

We do not supply copies of grant applications, we leave the sharing of successful grant applications to the discretion of those organizations who were awarded grants

Applications will be evaluated by a committee of professionals in the fields of historic cemetery preservation, archaeology, and the humanities. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.