Historic Preservation Non-Capital Grant

The Historic Preservation Non-Capital Grant Program is administered by the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), an agency of the Maryland Department of Planning dedicated to preserving and interpreting Maryland's architectural, archaeological, and cultural heritage. The program supports efforts that research, document, preserve, interpret, and educate the public about Maryland's historic resources. For Fiscal Year 2027, the program is funded through the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Financing Fund, with a total allocation of $300,000 available for competitive awards. The program specifically funds non-construction preservation activities and is intended to strengthen statewide historic preservation planning, documentation, and educational outreach. The grant program complements the separate Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program, which funds acquisition, rehabilitation, and restoration projects. The program supports a broad range of eligible non-capital activities involving historic, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources. Eligible projects include comprehensive surveys of historic buildings and archaeological sites, National Register of Historic Places nominations, historic structure reports, oral history documentation, thematic research, preservation planning, feasibility studies, preservation components of local growth management plans, design guidelines for historic districts, and public education initiatives related to Maryland history and archaeology. Additional eligible activities include improving archaeological collections, documenting cultural heritage in underserved communities, and projects supporting emergency preparedness and climate resilience planning for historic resources. Educational outreach products such as publications, multimedia presentations, and public engagement programs are also eligible when directly tied to historic preservation objectives. The program does not fund building acquisition, construction, major rehabilitation, fundraising activities, social events, legal fees, insurance premiums, food and beverage costs unrelated to approved travel reimbursement, or work completed prior to grant approval. Archival projects focused solely on cataloging or conserving general historic collections are ineligible, although archaeological collections related to approved fieldwork may qualify. Projects involving only a single historic resource must concern properties already listed in or determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Applicants must also ensure that all architectural and archaeological work complies with Maryland Historical Trust standards and federal professional qualification standards. Archaeological projects recovering artifacts must identify appropriate conservation and curation facilities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local governments within Maryland. Nonprofit organizations must be qualified to conduct business in Maryland and remain in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Local jurisdictions are required to provide a one-to-one cash or in-kind match for awarded funds, while nonprofit organizations are exempt from matching requirements for FY 2027, although additional contributed funds are strongly encouraged and may strengthen competitiveness. Individual grant awards generally range from $5,000 to $75,000, with $75,000 representing the maximum request amount. Nonprofit organizations may also include an indirect cost line item of up to 15 percent of the grant request amount in accordance with Maryland law, provided the project can still be completed within the approved budget. Applications are submitted entirely online through the Maryland Historical Trust grants portal. The FY 2027 grant round officially opens in May 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with MHT staff before submitting proposals and may attend informational workshops and roadshow events hosted by the agency. The application process requires an Intent to Apply submission by June 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Submission of the Intent to Apply unlocks access to the full application within the grants portal. Complete applications, including project narratives, detailed budgets, resumes of project personnel, proof of nonprofit status where applicable, organizational documents, and any supporting letters, must be submitted by July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Letters of support are encouraged but cannot be submitted after the application deadline. Applications are evaluated competitively based on significance, urgency, project design, protective value, educational outreach, innovation, project impact, professional capability, budget realism, administrative capacity, project readiness, matching or contributing funds, geographic distribution, and alignment with FY 2027 special funding priorities. Special priority is given to projects involving comprehensive surveys in under-documented areas, climate change and disaster impact assessment projects, and in-depth thematic architectural or archaeological studies focused on underrepresented communities or poorly documented historic themes. Projects are reviewed by MHT staff and presented to the MHT Board of Trustees, which makes recommendations to the Secretary of Planning for final approval. Award announcements and the earliest possible project start dates are expected in November 2026, and funded projects generally must be completed within twenty-four months of the executed grant agreement. Applicants seeking technical guidance are encouraged to contact program staff directly. Architectural project inquiries should be directed to Heather Barrett at heather.barrett@maryland.gov or 410-697-9536, while archaeology-related projects should be directed to Matthew McKnight at matthew.mcknight@maryland.gov or 410-697-9572. The program is recurring on an annual basis, with applications typically opening each May and awards announced each November. Applicants may also review webinar recordings, sample budgets, grant manuals, and previously funded project examples through the Maryland Historical Trust website to better understand competitive proposal expectations and administrative requirements.

Contact Maryland Historical Trust staff early to discuss project scope and eligibility. Projects addressing under-documented communities, climate impacts, or comprehensive surveys receive special consideration. Budgets should clearly justify all costs and align directly with project methodology. Strong applications demonstrate public value, realistic implementation timelines, and professional qualifications of project personnel.