Maryland Heritage Areas Grant Program

Grant Opportunities for Management Entities

Only organizations that administer a Certified Heritage Area (“CHA  management entities”) are eligible to apply for the following types of grants:

• Operating Assistance
• Marketing
• Management Plan Updates

CHA  management entities may also apply for non-capital and capital Project  Grants

Recognized Heritage Areas Management Entities

Becoming a Maryland Certified Heritage Area is a two-step process.  The first step is to be designated a Recognized Heritage Area.  Recognized Heritage Areas may receive matching MHAA grant funds for the development of a Heritage Area Management Plan.  An approved  Management Plan is required before a Heritage Area may be certified by MHAA.

Project Grants

Heritage Area management entities may apply for project grants for both capital and non-capital projects. Project grants may also be used for projects that involve two or more Heritage Areas, such as driving tours, signage, or other collaborative efforts.

Management Plan Grants

Heritage Area management entities (including Recognized Heritage Areas) may receive matching MHAA grant funds for the development or updating of Heritage Area Management Plans.  An approved  Management Plan is required before a Heritage Area may be certified by MHAA.

Marketing Grants

Heritage Area management entities or a marketing partners designated by the management entity such as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO),(usually the County Office of Tourism, ) recognized by the Maryland Office of Tourism may receive matching MHAA grant funds for marketing activities.

Management Grants

CHA management entities or non-profits and local jurisdictions to which management responsibilities have been delegated by a CHA management entity may receive MHAA matching funding for support of their operations.