How to Apply for a Grant
Grants portal
Apply for, monitor and manage grants in one easy-to-access spot.
Open funding opportunities
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Step 1: See if you qualify
Before starting your application, carefully read the guidelines and requirements for the grant program you’re interested in. Requirements vary, but you may need to consider:
- Do you represent a qualifying applicant organization?
- Is your property historic?
- Does your project meet the goals of the program?
- Can you complete your project within the grant timeframe?
If you have questions about guidelines and requirements, please contact the staff person listed on the grant program web page, which can be found in the sidebar.
Step 2: Create (or update) your portal account
All applicants – new and returning – must create an account in the new grants portal.
If you use other Blackbaud products, you may use the same Blackbaud ID. See the Quick-start guide - PDF 598.7 KB for help creating an account.
Step 3: Prepare your materials
Before starting your application, gather the following materials (requirements vary by program):
- Project summary and goals
- Work plan, budget and timeline
- Photos, maps, or drawings (if applicable)
- Proof of eligibility (for example, National Register status, nonprofit status, site control – as required by your program
- Partner letters or match documentation (if required)
See your program’s current guidelines for exact requirements.
Step 4: Complete & submit your application
- Log in to the grants portal.
- Select the correct program and start a new application – this may include an Intent to Apply stage before the application, so check each program’s requirements.
- Complete all required fields and upload attachments.
- Save your work often. The portal autosaves, but it’s best to be careful.
- Submit your application before your program’s posted deadline. Many programs have fixed open and close dates, but others accept rolling submissions.
Step 5: After you apply
- You’ll receive emails from the grants system about status and any requests for changes.
- If you receive a grant, you’ll complete required reports and submit any necessary documentation in the same portal account.
Frequently asked questions
Grants portal account & access
Yes. All applicants need an account in the new grants portal.
Yes. If you already use products like Raiser’s Edge, you can use the same Blackbaud ID.
Click “Forgot password?” on the login screen. You’ll receive a code to reset it.
Passwords must be at least 12 characters and include at least three of these: lowercase letter, uppercase letter, number, special character.
Use Chrome, Firefox or Edge. The portal is mobile-friendly, supports screen readers, autosaves drafts, and can translate text into multiple languages.
You can upload files up to 29 MB (.pdf, .jpg, .xls, .docx, etc.). The portal will tell you which format is needed for each question.
Applying for a grant
Go to the “Open Funding Opportunities” section of this page, select the program you want, and click “Apply Now.” This opens the application in your portal. Links to program applications can also be found on the program webpages.
Yes. The portal autosaves your work, and drafts are stored under “My Applications.” You can also add other registered users – like team members or consultants – to help complete the application. For longer answers, it’s a good idea to draft responses in Microsoft Word or another document first, then paste them into the portal.
Yes. You can download a draft or final submitted version for your records.
Managing grant awards & reports
Log in to the portal and find your award under “My Awards.” Any required reports will be listed there with links to open and complete them.
All programs that MHT administers use this portal to process grant requests, including the:
Maryland Heritage Areas Program (overseen by the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority)
African American Heritage Preservation Program (in partnership with the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture)
Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program
Historic Preservation Non-Capital Grant Program