VOF opens $1.7 million grant round for open-space projects

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) is making $1.7 million available from its Preservation Trust Fund program for grants that protect open space.

Preservation Trust Fund grants for the fall FY2026 grant round may be used for projects that protect exceptional conservation values such as public access, water quality, historic and cultural resources, wildlife habitat, and high-quality farmland and forestland. A real estate interest must either be acquired by a local government or conveyed to VOF to be eligible for funding, and protection must meet the requirements of Virginia’s Open-Space Land Act. Land already protected through existing deed restrictions, such as an open-space easement, may not be eligible.

Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on July 28, 2025.

VOF will host a one-hour Preservation Trust Fund Grant Workshop on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. using Microsoft Teams. The workshop will address key program requirements and criteria, provide guidance on material to submit with the application and share tips on navigating the grant portal. Registration is required. Visit https://vof.org/ptf to register.

VOF encourages potential applicants to contact staff prior to applying to discuss eligibility and seek guidance on producing a successful application. Contact grants@vof.org or call (434) 282-7054 with questions or for information on how to apply. To discuss ideas at greater length, book a time to talk with grant program staff.

For more information, please visit https://vof.org/ptf.