Marker Design and Text Guidelines 

The colors of this program’s markers are blue with yellow highlighted lettering and border. Markers are 18” x 32” cast aluminum with a 7’ aluminum pole. 

The title line allows 15 characters and the five body lines can have 27 characters each, including spaces and punctuation.

Please review our marker inscription style guide as you prepare your application:  Marker Style Guide

Historical Accuracy

Primary source documentation is required to verify historical accuracy. The applying agency is responsible for providing photocopies of sources and specific statements used to verify historical facts. If selected, the strength of supporting materials substantially decreases the time-frame between acceptance and funding. If the William G. Pomeroy Foundation cannot substantiate the historical accuracy based on the supporting documentation provided, the opportunity for approval is limited.

NOTE: Images provided with applications may be uploaded. Please underline, highlight or otherwise indicate relevant text.

Check out the Foundation’s downloadable PDF guide:  Proving NYS Marker Inscriptions with Primary Sources

Grant Application Deadline

Applications are accepted annually based on APHNYS region within New York State. Please see our Regional Grant Schedule page for details.

*Please note, student-led applications for NYS markers will be accepted on a rolling basis through our National Education Program. Educators may complete the LOI with their students at any time. Go to our education program page or contact zach@wgpfoundation.org for more information.

Application Procedure

The required LOI (Letter of Intent) and application are only accepted online. The LOI allows Foundation staff to determine if additional primary sources are required and if the proposed marker text fits Foundation criteria before the applicant completes a full grant application. Once submitted, an emailed response is provided in approximately one week.

LOIs must include the following:

• list of primary sources
• proposed inscription for marker

Applications must include the following:

• proposed installation location in specific detail (including GPS coordinates)
• brief description and historical significance of what is being commemorated
• proposed inscription for marker
• letter from the landowner granting permission for the marker to be installed
• primary source documents verifying proposed inscription

To create an account to initiate the LOI/application process, click this button:

Additional Details

Marker grants are fully funded and include the marker, pole and shipping costs. If approved, the Foundation will mail a check for the total amount made payable to the applying agency upon receipt of signed Acceptance Letter. Instructions for ordering the marker will accompany the grant check. The grant recipient is responsible for installation of the marker.

Marker Placement

Please carefully consider the location where the marker is to be installed.

• Markers should not be placed on high-traffic roadways or roadways where vehicles are traveling at a high rate of speed if there is no place for a vehicle to safely pull over out of traffic.
• Markers should not be placed where the visitor must intrude on private property to read it.

Before installing your marker, please be sure you are following all of your state’s guidelines around digging and excavation.