State Highway Administration Grants
Under the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), the mission of the Maryland Scenic Byways Program is to enhance the quality of life and pride in local communities as well as the visitor appeal by identifying and promoting as well as encouraging the responsible management and preservation of the state's most scenic, cultural and historic roads and surrounding resources.
The Maryland Scenic Byways Grants Program funds the development of community-based corridor management plans (CMP), which make scenic byways eligible for additional grants, as well as a National Scenic Byway designation.
The SHA, on behalf of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), also sponsors the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The Recreational Trails Program provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Examples of trail uses include hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving or using other offroad motorized vehicles.
This program matches federal funds with local funds or in-kind contributions to implement trail projects. Projects can be sponsored by a county or municipal government, a nonprofit organization, a community group or an individual. (Non-governmental agencies must secure an appropriate government agency as a co-sponsor).
Federal funds administered by the SHA are available for up to 80% of the project cost, matched by at least 20% funding from the project sponsor. Matching funds must be committed and documented. A memorandum of understanding outlining funding and project implementation responsibilities will be prepared by SHA and signed by all parties before the project funds are released.
Learn more about recreational trails.
The Maryland Scenic Byways Grants Program funds the development of community-based corridor management plans (CMP), which make scenic byways eligible for additional grants, as well as a National Scenic Byway designation.
The SHA, on behalf of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), also sponsors the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The Recreational Trails Program provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Examples of trail uses include hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving or using other offroad motorized vehicles.
This program matches federal funds with local funds or in-kind contributions to implement trail projects. Projects can be sponsored by a county or municipal government, a nonprofit organization, a community group or an individual. (Non-governmental agencies must secure an appropriate government agency as a co-sponsor).
Federal funds administered by the SHA are available for up to 80% of the project cost, matched by at least 20% funding from the project sponsor. Matching funds must be committed and documented. A memorandum of understanding outlining funding and project implementation responsibilities will be prepared by SHA and signed by all parties before the project funds are released.
Learn more about recreational trails.
MHT Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program
The Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program promotes the acquisition, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic properties in Maryland. Eligible properties are limited to those which are listed in or determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a contributing structure within a district. As of 2026, the program receives an annual appropriation of $1,000,000 for grants per year. Applications for the Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program are typically available in February and due in mid-March, with decisions made by July every year.
The Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program provides grants of up to $100,000 to nonprofits, local governments, businesses, and individuals for eligible projects. All applicants except for nonprofit organizations are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match.
Maryland Historical Trust’s FY26 Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program round opens on February 2, 2026. Applications are due by March 16, 2026. The Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program webinars and workshops help applicants understand eligibility requirements for organizations, properties, and projects; documentation required for the application; selection criteria; easement requirements; and more.
The Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program provides grants of up to $100,000 to nonprofits, local governments, businesses, and individuals for eligible projects. All applicants except for nonprofit organizations are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match.
Maryland Historical Trust’s FY26 Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program round opens on February 2, 2026. Applications are due by March 16, 2026. The Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program webinars and workshops help applicants understand eligibility requirements for organizations, properties, and projects; documentation required for the application; selection criteria; easement requirements; and more.
February 2, 2026: Round opens
March 16, 2026: Applications due
March 16, 2026: Applications due
Maryland Two Fifty Grants
The Maryland Two Fifty Commission is pleased to share information on their own grants as well as other federal, state, local, and private grants to help organizations fund the commemoration of America's semiquincentennial!
CyArk Heritage Amplified Grant
January 23, 2026: Applications close at midnight PST
CyArk is accepting applications for their “Heritage Amplified Grants” which provide recipients with an opportunity to amplify place-based stories of cultural heritage through the development of a web-based 3D virtual experience. Grantees will receive CyArk services to design and build the experience with the final output hosted on CyArk’s Tapestry platform, which can be freely shared and embedded. The grant will support the facilitation and execution of all aspects of a CyArk project, including participation in a place-based story development process and CyArk’s high-resolution digital documentation of the selected site. Grant recipients will also receive a small cash grant to support their team during the project activities.
Unity Cemetery Preservation Fund
Notification to Apply: September 2025
February 28, 2026: Applications due
May 2026: Award notification
February 28, 2026: Applications due
May 2026: Award notification
The Unity Cemetery Preservation Fund provides support for the preservation of historic African American cemeteries. The Fund defines “historic cemeteries” as cemeteries with multiple graves dating from approximately 1800 to 1942. Funds can be used for projects that include any of the following: mapping, site assessment, and other data collection; conservation treatments for grave markers and other funerary features; landscape stabilization; public outreach. An annual award of up to $50,000 will be given to a group that has identified a cemetery in need of such attention and agrees to shepherd the project through the multi-year process. The application deadline is February 28, 2025.
Application process.
Application link.
Application process.
Application link.
Miller History Fund
December 1, 2025: FY26 guidelines published
December 15, 2025: Live webinar with Q&A session
January 9, 2025: Letters of Intent due
January 15-29, 2025: Optional customer service sessions available
February 6, 2026: Full application due
April 2026: Award announcements made
June 2026: Grant period begins
The Miller History Fund supports capacity building projects at museums, libraries, historical societies, and other stewards of historical collections throughout the State of Maryland. Capacity building in this context refers to non-capital projects that support the long-term sustainability of the applicant organization to steward its collection and engage the public.
For more information and updates: https://www.mdhistory.org/about/miller-history-fund
December 15, 2025: Live webinar with Q&A session
January 9, 2025: Letters of Intent due
January 15-29, 2025: Optional customer service sessions available
February 6, 2026: Full application due
April 2026: Award announcements made
June 2026: Grant period begins
The Miller History Fund supports capacity building projects at museums, libraries, historical societies, and other stewards of historical collections throughout the State of Maryland. Capacity building in this context refers to non-capital projects that support the long-term sustainability of the applicant organization to steward its collection and engage the public.
For more information and updates: https://www.mdhistory.org/about/miller-history-fund
