Genealogical Grants

What Do You Mean by "Genealogical Grants"?
Genealogical societies, local and specialized libraries, and avid genealogists are always short of the funds they need to buy appropriate books and CDs, acquire the necessary computers and peripherals, get collected information into print, and pursue other projects. I'd like to take a tiny step toward addressing this problem.

If you represent an organization which serves the genealogical community at large - or if you serve a smaller community (perhaps you produce a family newsletter, host a website, organize reunions or some such thing) -- and find yourself shy of necessary funds, please consider filling out the form below to apply for a small grant. I will review all submissions and periodically select one for a donation. My goal is one per month. Submissions will remain active candidates for six months from the date of receipt. Hint: I find myself drawn to innovative ideas that can serve as a model to others! Why not give it a go?

I'm just one person, so I can only give small amounts, but I'm operating on the optimistic principle that every little bit helps. For the few minutes it takes to complete this form, you may be able to buy that handful of books or that scanner that's been on your wish list for so long.

What's the Catch?
There is none. Honest. I have had so much fun with genealogy for three decades and have benefited from the help of countless other genealogists. Now it's my turn to give back to the genealogical community.

Want to Know a Little More?
Read Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens's article about this grant program entitled Honoring Our Ancestors Genealogical Grants. You might also enjoy visiting Liz's web site, Ancestor Detective. Another behind-the-scenes peek can be found here.

Current Grants Awarded

December 2011
I'm fortunate enough to live within a few blocks of The Historical Society of Haddonfield, the kind of organization I wish every locality had. Haddonfield is one of those cozy towns that's been here since colonial days and features many houses with small plaques noting the original owners. While none of my heritage is based here, I have lived in Haddonfield as long as I've lived anyplace else and benefited in multiple ways, including the society's generous permission for BBC to film here. This particular grant is in support of the conservation and preservation of Greenfield Hall, a building which the society aptly refers to as its "beautiful Grande Dame." The hall is used for a variety of purposes from hosting events to housing a library that makes me jealous of those with Haddonfield roots!

November 2011
Established in 1983, the Fayette and Raleigh County Genealogical Society is a small, yet very active organization. Some of their current projects include reading and recording all of the cemeteries in Fayette and Raleigh counties, publishing a quarterly newsletter, converting records from microfilm to DVD, updating previously published census records to include slave records, and developing a Research Guide which will be made available at the Courthouse and Visitors' Centers. They have also published seven Fayette County cemetery books to-date. But like so many genealogical societies and libraries, they are struggling to cope with the impact of a down economy. They recently lost storage space in the local county library due to space constraints, and have been required to move all materials to a storage unit until a new space is made available. The grant award will help alleviate the financial burden of paying for temporary storage so they Society can continue their good work.

October 2011
Cemeteries are an important part of genealogical research, and Helen Sharpe understands that as well as anyone involved in genealogy. She has spent the last year locating, photographing and researching cemeteries in Nash County, NC. In fact, she has personally researched 234 cemeteries. The information she has gathered is being used to trace ancestors of both the American Revolution and the Civil War. She is working on developing two books, one on her cemetery research and one on Civil War veteran gravesites, for use in the Braswell Memorial Library. The grant award will help fund the printing and binding of the books, and other costs associated with compiling and preserving Helen's research.

Apply for a Grant

To review all awards from the past decade, please mouse-over the 'Grants' option in the menu at the top of the page.