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Maryland Historical Trust

Maryland Heritage Areas Project Grants

A sailboat, the Wilma Lee, silhouetted against a sunset with reflective water and colorful sky.

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program awards approximately $3 million towards capital and non-capital project grants that highlight Maryland's diverse heritage, enhance local communities, and promote tourism and economic development within one or more of Maryland’s 13 heritage areas.  

Timeline

  • Grant round opens: December

  • Intent to apply due: January

  • Full application due: March

  • Awards announced: July 

Eligible applicants 

Eligible projects 

A solitary white cottage at night under a cloudy orange-lit sky, surrounded by bare trees and lush greenery, evokes a quiet, eerie atmosphere.
James Webb Cabin, Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area

Projects must take place within the boundaries of one or more certified heritage areas. 

Projects should create or enhance publicly accessible, place-based experiences or assets that preserve and promote Maryland’s unique stories and contribute to the well-being of local economies. 

Types of projects that can be funded include: 

  • Capital projects: Buying property, building, repairing, restoring, or planning for construction
  • Non-capital projects: Planning, programs, and interpretation 

Projects are reviewed by local and state grants review panels based on how well they support the Maryland Heritage Area Program’s strategic results.  

Available funding 

  • A 1:1 match is required (any combination of cash or in-kind)
  • Non-capital grants range from $5,000-$50,000
  • Capital grants range from $5,000-$100,000 

How to apply 

  1. Review the grant guidelines for projects in heritage areas.
  2. Check that your project is in a heritage area using the Medusa database. Click “Layers” and check “Other MHT Base Data.” Check “Maryland Heritage Areas to turn on heritage area layer.” Then, type an address in the search bar. Need more help? Watch our tutorial.
  3. Submit an Intent to Apply form by the deadline.
  4. Talk with your local heritage area staff about your project.
  5. Prepare your application materials, including:
    1. Project description and timeline
    2. Budget and supporting materials
    3. Letters of support (optional but helpful)
  6. Submit the application through the grants portal by the deadline. 

Guidelines & documents for applicants

Technical assistance

Resources for grantees

Emergency grants  

Emergency grant applications from eligible applicants outside of the regular grant cycle will be considered when sudden or emergency needs are caused by unexpected events.  

How to apply for an emergency grant

Before applying, please discuss your project with the executive director of the heritage area where the project will take place. 

To receive funding, applicants must: 

  • Show that the need was not known during the last grant cycle
  • Explain why the project cannot wait until the next round or show that something new has happened since the last round that makes the activity urgent
  • Support the program’s goal of creating or improving heritage-related places or experiences that the public can visit and enjoy 

For more information, read the MHAA Emergency Grant Policy.  

Explore previously funded projects 

View the most recent grant recipients or explore stories and highlights from past recipients in the most recent Maryland Heritage Areas Program Annual Report.