ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 26, 2026) — The Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area (CCHA) has awarded $18,332 in mini-grants to six heritage-related nonprofit organizations in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to support projects that preserve and share the region’s history and cultural resources.
These awards represent the first round of FY27 mini-grant funding. By matching CCHA’s investment dollar-for-dollar through cash or in-kind contributions, our grantees are maximizing the impact of these awards. The $18,332 in CCHA funding, combined with recipient matches, supports $37,248 in total project costs—an excellent example of how small grants can leverage additional resources and create a greater impact for our region’s heritage and communities. Congratulations to our Round One grantees!
FY2027 CCHA Mini-Grant Awardees
- Annapolis Maritime Museum — Eastport Maritime Walking Tour Revitalization — $2,182
- Chesapeake Children’s Museum — Hello, Radio! — $1,900
- Historic Annapolis, Inc. — Historic Annapolis 75th Anniversary Commemoration Exhibit — $3,750
- Kunta Kinte Celebrations, Inc. — Roots 50th Anniversary Clips and Conversations — $3,500
- Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation — Voices of Asbury: Preserving the Stories of the Asbury Cemetery — $2,000
- Lost Towns Project, Inc. — The Crossroads before Contact: New Insights from Artifact Collections — $5,000
Andrew Webster, with the Lost Towns Project shared how “Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area mini-grant support makes a big impact in helping us preserve Indigenous history, and share archaeological discoveries with the public.”
Supported by the Maryland Heritage Area Authority (MHAA), CCHA’s mini-grant program helps local nonprofits develop programs, events, interpretive signage, and partnerships that advance three goals: Tourism Impact, by attracting visitors and promoting regional heritage; Community Engagement, by building connections through partnerships, education, and public participation; and Sustainability, by supporting preservation, stewardship, and lasting community benefits.
Projects reflect CCHA’s funding priorities, including participation in the annual Maryland Day Celebration in March 2027, commemorating significant events and anniversaries (such as the B&O Railroad bicentennial), and installing permanent historic markers or interpretive signs.
CCHA Executive Director C. Jane Cox notes that “CCHA’s mini-grants demonstrate how small investments can make a big impact, helping local heritage organizations launch creative programs that connect more people with the stories of our region. We’re proud to support our partners in developing engaging experiences for Maryland Day Celebration 2027 and that highlight the rich history and cultural resources of the Chesapeake Crossroads.”
A second round of FY27 funding is expected to open for applications in late December 2026, offering eligible heritage organizations yet another opportunity to seek support for their heritage and cultural programs and events. Visit the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area website for updates on the upcoming funding round.