MARYLAND HERITAGE AREA AUTHORITY GRANTS
December 19, 2025: FY27 Grant round opens
February 2, 2026: Letters of Intent due
March 31, 2026: Final applications due
April - June, 2026: Applications reviewed at the local and state levels
July 9, 2026: Awards announced
February 2, 2026: Letters of Intent due
March 31, 2026: Final applications due
April - June, 2026: Applications reviewed at the local and state levels
July 9, 2026: Awards announced
The Maryland Heritage Area Authority (MHAA) grants support heritage tourism-related projects involving historical, cultural, or natural resources, events, or properties. Applicants must submit their grant proposals directly to the Beach to Bay Heritage Area for consideration through an initial letter of intent with dates set by MHAA. Applicants will meet with the executive director to discuss potential projects prior to submitting an application.
The FY27 Maryland Heritage Areas Program Project Grant round is open as of December 19, 2025. A full webinar is available here to learn more about this opportunity. All applicants are required to submit an initial Intent to Apply (ITA) form which is due by 11:59pm on February 2, 2026. Click here to begin your ITA. Full applications are due in the grants portal by 11:59pm on March 31, 2026.
Instructions on how to set up an account in the grants portal and answers to frequently asked questions can be found here.
To continue an existing saved application, access the grants portal here.
More information can be found here or at the bottom of this page.
The FY27 Maryland Heritage Areas Program Project Grant round is open as of December 19, 2025. A full webinar is available here to learn more about this opportunity. All applicants are required to submit an initial Intent to Apply (ITA) form which is due by 11:59pm on February 2, 2026. Click here to begin your ITA. Full applications are due in the grants portal by 11:59pm on March 31, 2026.
Instructions on how to set up an account in the grants portal and answers to frequently asked questions can be found here.
To continue an existing saved application, access the grants portal here.
More information can be found here or at the bottom of this page.
Grant Workshop Opportunity:
There will be a grant workshop in Easton on January 13th at 10am. Please RSVP here.
Join the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Heritage Areas Program for a grant information session and workshop on Tuesday, January 13 from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Hosted by the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area, Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area, and Beach to Bay Heritage Area, this free event, sponsored by the Waterfowl Festival, is an opportunity to learn more about two state-level grant programs and hone your skills as a grant writer.
Agenda:
10:00 am - 12:00 pm: presentations from the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Heritage Areas Program about financial assistance opportunities
12:00 - 1:00 pm: lunch & networking (please RSVP)
1:00 - 3:00 pm: grant writing workshop and technical assistance
Join the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Heritage Areas Program for a grant information session and workshop on Tuesday, January 13 from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Hosted by the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area, Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area, and Beach to Bay Heritage Area, this free event, sponsored by the Waterfowl Festival, is an opportunity to learn more about two state-level grant programs and hone your skills as a grant writer.
Agenda:
10:00 am - 12:00 pm: presentations from the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Heritage Areas Program about financial assistance opportunities
12:00 - 1:00 pm: lunch & networking (please RSVP)
1:00 - 3:00 pm: grant writing workshop and technical assistance
Grant Information:
Non-Capital Projects
The Maryland Heritage Authority funds non-capital projects that support and create heritage tourism resources and experiences within the thirteen certified heritage areas. Our non-capital projects often fall into the broad categories of planning, interpretation, programming, digital resources and research. Awards can range from $5,000 to $50,000.
Examples of non-capital projects include interpretation; feasibility and planning studies; research; interpretive exhibits, websites or brochures; pedestrian wayfinding signage, educational programs and materials; seminars and conferences; commemorations; performances; and festivals.
Capital Projects
MHAA funds capital projects that support and create heritage tourism infrastructure within the thirteen certified heritage areas. Broadly, types of capital projects funded include acquisition, development (construction), rehabilitation and restoration of real properties. MHAA also funds
pre-development planning for capital projects as part of the MHAA Capital Grants program. A capital project must have exceptionally significant heritage tourism impact and meet MHAA's target investment project criteria. Awards range from $5,000 to $100,000.
Examples of capital projects include acquisition; development; repair or alteration of an existing building, structure, or site that preserves features significant to its historical, architectural, and cultural value; new construction for heritage tourism purposes; trail construction; rehabilitation; restoration; and pre-development.
Complete details on all requirements, letter of intent workshops and the application process are available through the Maryland Historical Trust website!
The Maryland Heritage Authority funds non-capital projects that support and create heritage tourism resources and experiences within the thirteen certified heritage areas. Our non-capital projects often fall into the broad categories of planning, interpretation, programming, digital resources and research. Awards can range from $5,000 to $50,000.
Examples of non-capital projects include interpretation; feasibility and planning studies; research; interpretive exhibits, websites or brochures; pedestrian wayfinding signage, educational programs and materials; seminars and conferences; commemorations; performances; and festivals.
Capital Projects
MHAA funds capital projects that support and create heritage tourism infrastructure within the thirteen certified heritage areas. Broadly, types of capital projects funded include acquisition, development (construction), rehabilitation and restoration of real properties. MHAA also funds
pre-development planning for capital projects as part of the MHAA Capital Grants program. A capital project must have exceptionally significant heritage tourism impact and meet MHAA's target investment project criteria. Awards range from $5,000 to $100,000.
Examples of capital projects include acquisition; development; repair or alteration of an existing building, structure, or site that preserves features significant to its historical, architectural, and cultural value; new construction for heritage tourism purposes; trail construction; rehabilitation; restoration; and pre-development.
Complete details on all requirements, letter of intent workshops and the application process are available through the Maryland Historical Trust website!
