Cultural and Historical Support Grant

The Cultural and Historical Support Grant is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, a state agency responsible for preserving and promoting the Commonwealth’s historical heritage and museum community. This program is funded through allocations in the state legislature’s operating budget and is specifically restricted to supporting eligible museums and official county historical societies. The program is designed to strengthen institutional capacity across Pennsylvania by providing general operating support to organizations that are not otherwise funded through other state agency programs. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide unrestricted operating support that enables organizations to address their most pressing institutional needs. Unlike project-based funding, this program allows recipients to determine how best to allocate funds across operational categories such as staffing, insurance, marketing, and administrative functions. The program also aims to achieve a balanced geographic distribution of funding across the state, ensuring that cultural and historical institutions in diverse regions benefit from financial assistance. Funding is calculated differently depending on the applicant type. Museums receive awards based on a percentage of their most recently completed fiscal year operating budget, typically ranging from one to two percent depending on available funds and applicant volume. Official county historical societies may receive awards up to a fixed maximum amount. Funds may be used for a wide range of operational expenses, including salaries, benefits, insurance, professional development, and communications, but cannot be used for capital projects, endowments, acquisitions, or lobbying activities. All funded activities must begin only after a fully executed grant agreement is in place. Eligibility requirements are clearly defined and vary by applicant type. Museums must be nonprofit or government entities located in Pennsylvania, have an operating budget exceeding one hundred thousand dollars, maintain at least one full time professional staff member, and have been publicly operating for at least two years. Official county historical societies must meet additional criteria such as maintaining membership thresholds, holding public meetings, and operating accessible facilities. Certain entities, including art museums, performing arts venues, and institutions operated by state or federal agencies, are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The application process is conducted entirely through the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application for Assistance system. Applicants must register for a Keystone Login if they are first time users and then create a new application by selecting the appropriate program under the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. No physical submission of materials is required. Applicants are also encouraged to demonstrate adherence to recognized museum best practices, although participation in such programs is not mandatory for funding eligibility. The program operates on an annual cycle, with applications typically opening in early July and closing near the end of August. Specific dates may vary each year and are announced through official agency communications. Award determinations are prepared by agency staff and submitted to the Commission for approval. While exact notification timelines are not specified, awards are contingent upon the availability of state funds and may be adjusted based on allocation caps within counties. For additional information or to confirm eligibility, applicants may contact program representatives through designated email addresses or by phone. Technical assistance for the application system is also available through a dedicated support center. Overall, the Cultural and Historical Support Grant program serves as a critical source of operational funding for Pennsylvania’s museum and historical society sector, enabling organizations to sustain their mission and continue serving the public.

Applicants are encouraged to follow and disclose AAM best practices including the Pledge of Excellence and Accreditation.