Grant Information

Grant Opportunities

With the support of the Maryland Heritage Area Authority (MHAA), an instrumentality of the State of Maryland, the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area (HCCHA) is able to offer two types of grant opportunities for organizations and jurisdictions within the boundaries of the HCCHA. In both cases, grant applications undergo review by the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area Local Management Board. All proposed projects must be related to heritage tourism and must be consistent with the goals, objectives and strategies outlined in the HCCHA Tourism Management Plan (2002).

Maryland Heritage Area Authority Project Grant

The first type is a Maryland Heritage Area Authority Project Grant which must be processed through the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area. Local nonprofit organizations and government jurisdictions within the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area are eligible to apply. The completed grant applications must undergo review by the Local Management Board which has the responsibility of approving and prioritizing them prior to submission to the Maryland Heritage Area Authority. Projects must be consistent with the goals, objectives and strategies outlined in the HCCHA Tourism Management Plan (2002).

The following types of non-capital activities may be assisted with MHAA grants:
  • Planning
  • Design
  • Interpretation
  • Programming

Grants for non-capital projects may not exceed $50,000 and must be matched in an amount at least equal to the grant (dollar for dollar match) by non-state sources. Capital project grants may not exceed $100,000 and have special requirements. For grant guidelines and application form, access the Maryland Historical Trust website by clicking on the following address:  www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net/haprojgr.doc. If applying, an additional HCCHA Project Summary form is required to be completed.

Contact HCCHA for application due dates and information about submitting a grant application at 410-228-1000.

Historic Resources Enrichment Fund (HREF) Mini Grant Program

The second type is the locally-based Historic Resources Enrichment Fund (HREF) Mini Grant Program. This program provides small, non-capital matching grants between $500 to $5000 for the enrichment of significant historic, natural and cultural resources within the HCCHA. The funds support the efforts of local museums, organizations, municipalities and individuals to advance the implementation of the HCCHA Tourism Management Plan. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by the HCCHA Local Management Board and endorsed by the Dorchester County Council.

The application must include proof of a cash match in an amount at least equal to the grant (dollar for dollar match). Please note that this is a reimbursement grant; award funds will not be released until copies of invoices and expenditure receipts for the entire project (matching and mini grant) are received as part of the completed Final Report.

Guidelines, Application, Progress Report and Final Report forms can be accessed below:

Please contact the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area at 410-228-1000 if you intend to apply or have any questions.