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Maryland Historical Trust

Certified Local Government Grants

Historic two-story brick house with white trim, columned front porch, tall windows, twin chimneys, and mature trees surrounding the property.

Each year, the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) provides funding for historic preservation projects and programs carried out by local governments that participate in the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program. Funding for these grants comes from MHT’s Historic Preservation Fund allocation from the National Park Service. 

CLG grants help communities strengthen preservation programs, document historic resources and promote education and outreach.  

Timeline: 

  • Application opens: early February
  • Application deadline: end of February
  • Awards announced: May 

Eligible applicants 

Only CLGs are eligible to apply for these grants. To check certification status, or to learn more about the program requirements, visit the CLG Program page. 

Eligible projects 

CLG grants can fund commissioner and staff training, as well as a variety of non-capital projects that support local preservation efforts. Commissioner and staff training grants are non-competitive, up to an amount specified in the grant guidelines each year. 

Project grants are competitive. Typical projects include: 

  • Historic property surveys and inventories
  • National Register of Historic Places nominations
  • Design guidelines for historic districts
  • Training for local preservation commission members
  • Preservation plans or planning studies
  • Public education and outreach about preservation topics 

Available funding 

All grants are subject to available federal funding through the Historic Preservation Fund. 

  • Maximum grant request for projects: $25,000
  • Match requirement: none, but a 15% match is encouraged. 

How to apply 

Links to the education and training application and the project application, as well as the grant guidelines, are emailed directly to CLG contacts when the application round opens. When you receive this information: 

  1. Review the grant guidelines.
  2. Confirm project eligibility and consult with MHT staff as needed. (Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact MHT staff early in the planning process for guidance.)
  3. Submit a completed application(s) through the MHT grants portal before the posted deadline.  

Guidelines & documents for applicants