Nonprofit Cemetery Grant Application Window Now Open, Closes July 31

COLUMBUS, Ohio- The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing invites eligible nonprofit cemeteries throughout the state to submit applications to receive funding for cemetery projects during fiscal year 2025 through the Cemetery Grant Program. The application window opened July 1, and applications will be accepted through July 31, 2024. During this grant cycle, $104,000 in funding is available to assist eligible Ohio cemeteries with costs related to upkeep and other exceptional operational expenses.

"By offering grants specifically for special projects and essential repairs beyond routine maintenance, we aim to support Ohio's cemeteries' efforts to preserve their rich history," said Daphne Hawk, superintendent of the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. "I urge all eligible Ohio cemeteries to take advantage of this opportunity to apply for this funding so we can make sure these sacred grounds remain safe and beautiful for future generations."

Registered nonprofit cemeteries can apply for a grant of up to $2,500, and applicants with fewer than five registered cemeteries may apply for grant funds every other year. All application requirements and scoring information for this grant cycle are included with the grant announcement and application. Applicants should read the grant instructions carefully to help maximize their chances of being awarded grant funding.

The Cemetery Grant Program is designed to help cover costs related to exceptional maintenance or the training of cemetery personnel in the maintenance and operation of cemeteries. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 4767.09, reasonable maintenance, which includes work completed during day-to-day operations, is not considered exceptional for purposes of awarding grants. In addition, the purchase of land for expansion or the purchase columbaria also are not considered to be exceptional projects. In general, exceptional maintenance is construed broadly to cover non-routine, non-repetitive maintenance items and projects.

"Each cemetery is unique in its operational requirements and budget, so types of eligible projects and what qualifies as exceptional needs can vary from cemetery to cemetery," Hawk said. "Part of the application process is for a cemetery to explain why a particular project should be considered exceptional to their particular situation."

Some projects that have been approved during previous grant award cycles include tree removal, upgrades to cemetery records software, cemetery survey and mapping, employee training on cemetery maintenance and preservation, driveway sealing, repair and/or replacement of fencing, purchasing equipment such as mowers and steel tripods, and monument repair work.

For example, St. Theodosius Orthodox Cemetery in Cleveland used grant funds to install bases under century-old headstones that had fallen or were at risk of falling due to lack of support. The cemetery identified the at-risk headstones, installed new bases, then reinstalled the headstones, allowing the line of headstones to be even and straight.

"The grant enabled us to show our desire and willingness to care for the loved ones that were entrusted to us a century ago," said Denise Pozderac, council president of the St. Theodosius Orthodox Christian Cathedral. "The most positive impact is that we know we did the right thing by all of the people buried here at St. Theodosius and the public sees that we really do care about their loved one's final resting places."

At York Cemetery in Medina, funds were used to fix footer issues.

"These issues were more than likely caused over time because of weather, poor foundations, and drainage," said Stephan Ibos, York Township Zoning Inspector and Township Administrator. "The issues that existed had put some of the monuments at risk of falling over and causing further damage. With our ability to fix the ones that we were able to in this round, largely due to the funds that were able to receive through the grant, have made a big difference in the appearance of the cemetery as well as avoiding future issues or damage to the monuments."

Eligible registered nonprofit cemeteries may apply for the grant by submitting applications online at https://cemeterygrants.com.ohio.gov. For additional information, review the divisions' FY 2025 Cemetery Grant Instruction package by clicking hereor contact the Division at [email protected].

The Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing is a state agency within the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at www.com.ohio.gov.

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