The newly formed Vicksburg Heritage Guild has received a $25,000 grant from a local donor to help acquire derelict homes in the city’s historic district and rehabilitate them, said Joyce Clingan, one of the organization’s founding members.

“Isn’t that wonderful? We’re excited,” she said.

She said $5,000 of the grant is for the guild’s discretionary use, with $20,000 going to purchase and rehab property. She said the donor asked to be anonymous, “And I am certainly going to respect that.”

No decision has been made on which properties will be targeted for rehabilitation, Clingan said, adding the grant will be discussed at the organization’s board meeting in January.

“We have several properties and several places, but we will have to do title searches and other research. And we’ll have to develop a plan,” she said.

Organized in April, the Vicksburg Heritage Guild is dedicated to preserving properties and historic places.

The organization’s initial project has involved repairing properties along Bowmar and Grove streets, where two city schools are located.

In July, the guild held an introductory meeting and presentation on their vision for the city was held at the Vicksburg Auditorium and attended by more than 100 people.