Nonprofit cemetery grant application window opens
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing invites nearly 3,800 nonprofit cemeteries across the state to consider applying for available grant funding to be used for exceptional maintenance projects and other critical improvements.
Starting Tuesday, July 1, eligible cemeteries have one month to apply for grants of up to $2,500 through the Cemetery Grant Program. The application period will close on July 31, 2025. Approximately $104,000 in total funding is available to be awarded during the new fiscal year, which begins July 1.
“By prioritizing grants for special projects and urgent repairs beyond regular maintenance, we’re reinforcing our commitment to Ohio's cemeteries and the preservation of the extraordinary history they’re home to,” Division Superintendent Daphne Hawk said. “I urge every eligible cemetery in Ohio to apply for this funding so we can help ensure these cherished spaces are protected and cared for in the years to come.”
Nonprofit cemeteries registered with the Division are eligible to apply. Organizations who own fewer than five cemeteries are eligible to apply for funds every other year, while operators of five or more cemeteries may apply annually. All eligibility details, application requirements and scoring information are included in the instructions accompanying the grant application. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review these materials to improve their chances of receiving funding.
The Cemetery Grant Program supports costs associated with exceptional maintenance and the training of cemetery personnel. Routine maintenance performed during daily operations is not covered under the program, as outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 4767.09. Projects that are considered nonroutine and nonrepetitive qualify, while funding for land acquisitions or columbaria expansions do not. Funding for the grant program is supported by $1 of every $2.50 collected from burial permit fees.
The Division awarded grants to 45 cemeteries last year. Past grant recipients have used funding for a wide range of projects, including tree removal, cemetery mapping, software upgrades, equipment purchases, driveway improvements and monument repairs.
Last year, Bloom Township’s Woodlawn Cemetery in Seneca County received $2,500 to install a guardrail to keep cemetery visitors from accidentally driving into a drainage ditch due to poor visibility or icy conditions.
“We were thrilled to be accepted,” said Bloom Township Trustee Greg Smith. “This is the primary cemetery in Bloom Township, with this one being the largest and oldest. Like any other entity, we’re scraping for funds. We want to use taxpayers’ dollars wisely. With the grant funding, it’s enough that we can afford the remaining piece out of our budget on the township side.”
Eligible cemeteries can submit applications online at www.cemeterygrants.com.ohio.gov. For more information, review the FY 2026 Cemetery Grant Instruction Package or contact the Division at CemeteryGrants@com.ohio.gov.