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Maryland Historical Trust

Maritime Heritage Grant Program

Close-up of thick black ropes, wooden deadeyes, and a complex rigging knot on a ship, with city buildings under a blue sky.

Now accepting applications for the inaugural grant cycle!

  • Applicants should review grant guidelines and contact program staff with questions. 

  • Application forms are available and are due by July 31 at 11:59 PM. 

  • For help creating a new account, visit the How to Apply for a Grant page. Access or continue an existing application by logging into your grant portal account. 

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) is offering approximately $389,000 in grants for education and preservation projects that preserve Maryland’s historic maritime resources and increase public understanding of the nation’s maritime heritage. The funding was awarded to MHT through the National Maritime Heritage Grant Program, administered by the National Park Service, and is being distributed through a competitive subgrant process. 

Timeline  

  • Grant round opens: June 15
  • Full application due: July 31
  • Awards announced: September 

Project timelines are very limited due to federal requirements. Grant-funded work cannot begin until a grant agreement is signed. Projects must be completed by December 15, 2028. No extensions will be approved. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact program staff early in the planning process for guidance.

Eligible applicants  

  • Tribal governments
  • State government agencies
  • Local governments
  • Nonprofit organizations, including colleges, universities, and qualified 501(c)(3) organizations 

Eligible projects  

Projects must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation and, where applicable, the Standards for Historic Vessel Preservation Projects - PDF. 

Projects must provide a clear public benefit to be competitive for funding. Eligible project activities include:

  • identifying historic maritime resources, including archaeological sites
  • repairing, rehabilitating, stabilizing, maintaining, or making other capital improvements to historic maritime resources (including limited reconstruction)
  • increasing public access to historic maritime resources
  • conducting research, documentation, planning (e.g., feasibility studies, architectural and engineering services), and other preservation activities focused on historic maritime resources

Priority will be given to projects that address the effects of flooding, erosion, and changing water conditions on maritime heritage resources while also providing public education. 

Available funding  

  • Grant awards range from $10,000 to $100,000.
  • A 1:1 non-federal match is required.
  • Total project costs must range from $20,000 to $200,000.  

How to apply  

  1. Review the grant guidelines and eligibility requirements.
  2. Prepare your application materials, including:
    1. Project description and scope of work
    2. Project schedule
    3. Budget and documentation of matching funds
    4. Supporting materials and information about the project team
  3. Submit a completed application through the grants portal before the posted deadline.     

Program guidelines & documents