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Maryland Historical Trust

Historic Preservation Non-Capital Grant Program

Two preservationists kneel inside a distressed building to inspect a white-washed wooden wall next to a vaulted ceiling with exposed lath.

The Historic Preservation Non-Capital Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), funds research, survey, documentation, planning, and education projects related to Maryland’s historic, architectural, archaeological and cultural resources. These grants do not support preservation-related activities that involve building construction or major rehabilitation.   

Timeline

  • Application opens: May

  • ITA: June

  • Application deadline: August

  • Awards announced: November 

Eligible applicants 

  • Nonprofit organizations (state and federal agencies may apply as nonprofits)
  • Local governments  

Eligible projects 

People working at an archaeological dig site in a field under cloudy skies, with equipment and canopies.
  • Surveys and studies of historic buildings, archaeological sites and cultural resources
  • Reports on the history, condition and significance of historic properties
  • Oral history and cultural heritage documentation, especially in underserved communities
  • National Register of Historic Places nominations and historic contexts
  • Improvements to qualifying archaeological collections (not including curation)
  • Projects to identify and prioritize cultural resources for emergency planning
  • Educational materials, public programs, and publications about Maryland’s history and archaeology
  • Preservation plans, feasibility studies, and property assessments for properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register 

Projects are evaluated based on public value, readiness to proceed, diversity of project types and subject matter, and whether they support statewide preservation goals. 

Ineligible projects

  • Building acquisition, major construction or full rehabilitation projects (these are covered under the Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program)
  • Projects that focus mainly on fundraising, social or promotional events, or general administrative costs are not eligible unless they clearly benefit a specific historic resource
  • Work begun prior to grant approval 

Available funding 

  • Applicants may request up to $75,000 in funding.
  • Local governments must provide a 1:1 match (cash or in-kind).
  • Funds are awarded through a competitive process. 

How to apply 

  1. Review the current grant guidelines and manual - PDF 751.35 KB.
  2. Attend a virtual workshop.
  3. Submit an Intent to Apply form when the round opens.
  4. Prepare full application package, such as project description, budget, timeline, and explanation of the significance of the historic or cultural resources and need for the project.
  5. Submit your completed application through the grants portal before the posted deadline. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact MHT staff early in the planning process for guidance. 

Guidelines & documents for applicants

Technical assistance

Explore previously funded projects 

Explore stories and highlights from past program grant recipients on MHT's Our History, Our Heritage blog.