Grant Funding Available for Heritage Tourism Projects Across Maryland

Maryland Heritage Areas Program Encourages Economic Development Through Heritage Tourism Grants

(January 5, 2021) Crownsville, MD - The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) is currently accepting applications for FY22 grants as part of the  Maryland Heritage Areas Grant Program. This grant program assists and encourages the preservation of historical, archaeological, natural, and cultural resources, while supporting economic development through heritage tourism across Maryland. Eligible projects must take place within the boundaries of one of the thirteen certified heritage areas. 

Eligible applicants for MHAA funding include non-profit organizations and local, state, and federal government entities. Businesses and individuals are not eligible to participate. MHAA grants can fund both capital (acquisition, new construction, and historic preservation) and non-capital (planning, education, interpretation, and events) projects that support heritage tourism and education.  

Applicants must submit an Intent to Apply form through MHAA’s online portal by January 29, 2021, and full applications are due this spring (each local heritage area has a separate deadline).  Grant awards will be announced in July 2021, ranging from $5,000 - $50,000 for non-capital projects and from $5,000 - $100,000 for capital projects.  A dollar-for-dollar match is required for all grant awards, which may be any combination of cash and in-kind contributions.

MHAA recorded a webinar and will host a series of virtual events in January 2021 to assist potential applicants.  The full list of opportunities is available here:  https://mht.maryland.gov/documents/PDF/grants/Grants_MHAA_Workshops.pdf 

Interested applicants should contact Jennifer Ruffner, Maryland Heritage Areas Program Administrator, at (410) 697-9586 or jen.ruffner@maryland.gov, with any questions.  Copies of the grant guidelines and the link to start an application are available at: https://mht.maryland.gov/heritageareas_partners.shtml.

MHAA is an independent state entity under the Maryland Department of Planning.