Grants & Funding
FY26 Heritage Area Grants Open
The MHAA FY26 grant round for capital and non-capital heritage projects is now open. This opportunity is for projects/phases/programs beginning in July 2025. Full applications are due on March 3, 2025.Β
Begin the required first step in the application process by filling out the required Intent to Apply form, due on January 27, 2025. If you cannot submit a Full Application without this first step but an Intent to Apply does not enburden you to submit a Full Application.Β
Non-profits in good standing with Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, local jurisdictions, state and federal agencies. Projects that take place within the boundaries of a Certified Heritage Area, and are consistent with the goals, objectives, strategies, and actions outlined in the heritage area's planning documents.
Pro-Tip: Contact your local Heritage Area director about your potential grant applications. They are an invaluable resource to help you craft an eligible and strong application.
State-Administered MHAA Grants
MHAA provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities for capital and non-capital projects located within a Heritage Area. Grants can support projects involving historical, cultural or natural resources, sites, events or facilities. Eligible projects must have a heritage tourism component or contribute to research that will directly inform a heritage tourism product.Β Β
Non-Capital Grants
Grants of up to $50,000 are available for non-capital projects, which can include Planning (research, field investigation, data recovery, feasibility and planning studies, design documents and other planning activities that support the heritage area); Interpretation (exhibits, signage, pedestrian wayfinding signage, interpretive brochures, educational programs and materials, other interpretive activities that support the heritage area); and Programming (seminars, conferences, performances, reenactments, commemorations, festivals).
Capital Grants
Grants of up to $100,000 are available for capital projects, which can include Acquisition (fee title of real property, interest other than fee title (i.e. easement) of real property); Development (repair or alteration of an existing building, structure or site, new construction for heritage tourism purposes); Rehabilitation (returning a property to a state of utility); Restoration (accurately depicting a property as it appeared at a particular period of time, removal of features from another time period, reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period); and Pre-Development (plans and specifications, fees for architectural design and engineering).Β
Grants from Heritage Areas
Many, but not all Heritage Areas also have grant programs. Identify and contact the Heritage Area near you, to find out their grantmaking offerings, guidelines, and deadlines.
Additional Funding Sources
Being located in a Heritage Area may also make your project or program eligible for other funding from the Maryland Historical Trust including loans and tax credit programs.Β