Nashville, TN - There are several historic sites in this area that have a connection with the Civil War. The Tennessee Wars Commission has announced the opening of this year’s grant cycle for the Civil War Sites Preservation Fund (CWSPF), beginning August 11, 2025. With $3.2 million in funding available, this program supports the preservation of properties tied to Tennessee’s most important Civil War sites, as well as Underground Railroad locations that may qualify for national recognition.

This opportunity is open to all 501(c)(3) non-profit groups—including non-profit Civil War-related museums, historic homes, or battlefield organizations. The grant provides a 50/50 match, meaning recipients must supply half of the project funds from non-state sources.

Since its launch in 2013, the CWSPF has awarded more than $20 million to save nearly 1,000 acres of historic battlefield land across Tennessee, including green spaces in cities like Nashville and Murfreesboro. Last year alone, the Wars Commission granted nearly $2 million to help protect over 80 acres at sites such as Wauhatchie, Shiloh, Spring Hill, Franklin, Chattanooga, and Nashville.

Applications are handled entirely online and must be submitted by October 31, 2025. Interested groups should create an account and apply at https://tdec.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp.

For questions, email Nina Scall, Program Director of the Tennessee Wars Commission, at Nina.Scall@tn.gov.