Benefits of Heritage Area Certification

Non-profit organizations, governments, property owners, businesses, and Certified Heritage Area managers may qualify for financial and other benefits if they are located with a Maryland Certified Heritage Area.  The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) offers grants, loans, and tax credits to projects within a Certified Heritage Area that support heritage tourism and conservation of the special historical, natural, or cultural sites, structures, and traditions that help to define each heritage area’s distinctive sense of place.

For more information, email or call Richard Hughes, MHAA Administrator , or (410) 514-7685.

Benefits for Property Owners

Private property owners and businesses may be eligible to apply for MHAA loans and Maryland tax credits.  To be eligible, for a MHAA loan or tax credit for a non-listed, non-designated historic structure or non-historic structure(see below for additional information), the project must provide heritage tourism benefits, such as improving visitor amenities or services, or contribute to the conservation of significant historical, natural, or cultural resources that contribute to the significance of the Certified Heritage Area.

Loans

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) may award loans to assist with the preservation of heritage resources and the enhancement of heritage attractions and visitor services located within Certified Heritage Area (CHA) Target Investment Zones.  Only projects located in CHA Target Investment Zones are eligible for loan funding.

Tax Credits

Listed or designated historic structures throughout Maryland, including those located within CHA Target Investment Zones, are eligible for the Heritage Preservation Tax Credit.  Those structures include structures a) listed in the National Register of Historic Places; b) designated as a historic property under local law; or c) located in a National Register listed or locally designated historic district and certified by the Director of the Maryland Historical Trust as contributing to the significance of the district.

In addition, a historic structure that is not listed National Register, designated as a historic property under local law; or located in a National Register listed or locally designated historic district (a “non-listed, non-designated historic structure”), as well as non-historic structures located within CHA Target Investment Zones are eligible for the tax credit if the structure has been certified by MHAA as contributing to the significance of the CHA.  For additional information see the information sheet “Certified Heritage Areas (CHA) and the Heritage Preservation Tax Credit.”

Benefits for Non-Profit Heritage Area Partner Organizations

Non-profit organization are eligible to apply for MHAA grants, loans, and tax credits.

Grants

Non-profits are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants are available for non-capital projects located within a Certified Heritage Area  (CHA) and capital grants for projects within a CHA Target Investment Zone (*a capital project located outside of a Target Investment Zone may be eligible for a grant if the MHAA determines the project is essential to the success of the management plan approved for the Certified Heritage Area).  Eligible projects must have a heritage tourism component,.  Maximum funding for Capital projects is $100,000; for Non-Capital projects the maximum is $50,000.  See Link to Grants for more information).

Loans

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) may award loans to assist with the preservation of heritage resources and the enhancement of heritage attractions and visitor services located within Certified Heritage Area (CHA) Target Investment Zones.  Only projects located in CHA Target Investment Zones are eligible for loan funding.

Tax Credits

Listed or designated historic structures throughout Maryland, including those located within CHA Target Investment Zones, are eligible for the Heritage Preservation Tax Credit.  Those structures include structures a) listed in the National Register of Historic Places; b) designated as a historic property under local law; or c) located in a National Register listed or locally designated historic district and certified by the Director of the Maryland Historical Trust as contributing to the significance of the district.

In addition, a historic structure that is not listed National Register, designated as a historic property under local law; or located in a National Register listed or locally designated historic district (a “non-listed, non-designated historic structure”), as well as non-historic structures located within CHA Target Investment Zones are eligible for the tax credit if the structure has been certified by MHAA as contributing to the significance of the CHA.

Benefits for Governments

Government entities, including local jurisdictions, State , and federal agencies or programs may apply for heritage tourism-related matching grants and loans for projects and activities within a Certified Heritage Area.

Grants

Government entities are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants are available for non-capital projects located within a Certified Heritage Area  (CHA) and capital projects within a CHA Target Investment Zone (*a capital project located outside of a Target Investment Zone may be eligible for a grant if the MHAA determines the project is essential to the success of the management plan approved for the Certified Heritage Area).  Eligible projects must have a heritage tourism component,.  Maximum funding for Capital projects is $100,000; for Non-Capital projects the maximum is $50,000.  See Link to Grants for more information).

Loans

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) may award loans to assist with the preservation of heritage resources and the enhancement of heritage attractions and visitor services located within Certified Heritage Area (CHA) Target Investment Zones.  Only projects located in CHA Target Investment Zones are eligible for loan funding.

Benefits for Heritage Area Management Entitites

Grants

In addition to being eligible to receive grants for capital and non-capital projects, Certified Heritage Area management entities may also receive MHAA grant funding to support the operation and management of the heritage area, and for heritage area-wide marketing.