Not long ago, I announced that I was shifting from a monthly to a quarterly schedule for my grants program – the reason being that I hoped to award larger amounts to deserving groups and individuals. Well, wouldn’t you know it? Right after I did that, I started getting irresistible applications for modest amounts, so last quarter, I wound up giving three grants. And it turns out that’s what I’m doing this quarter, too.  So I’m sticking to my quarterly schedule, but will decide each time whether there’s one awardee or multiple.

With that said, let me introduce you to the first of this quarter’s recipients. Edwina St. Rose of The Preservers of the Daughters of Zion Cemetery told me of the organization’s goal to restore and preserve a historic African American burial ground (listed on both the Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places) that was purchased in 1873 by a women’s charity. In addition to their restoration work, the group is researching those buried there in order to help descendants learn more about their ancestors. The funding from this grant will be used to assist in repairing a damaged grave marker.

To apply for a Seton Shields grant, fill out and submit the form here. You can see examples of past grant awards here.