Maryland Heritage Area Authority Grants

MHAA Grant Program Basics

MHAA provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for capital and non-capital projects located within Maryland’s 13 certified heritage areas. Non-profit organizations, local jurisdictions, state agencies, and federal agencies are all eligible to apply.

Non-capital MHAA grants are awarded for up to $50,000 per project, while capital MHAA grants are awarded for up to $100,000 per project. Projects seeking less than $5,000 in grant funding are not eligible for MHAA project grants. MHAA requires that both capital and non-capital projects support heritage tourism related activities or infrastructure.

Match Policy

Applicants may propose any combination of cash and in-kind match. This means a project might be matched entirely by volunteer time spent on the project, if that makes sense for the application budget. More information can be found in the FY2026 Grant Guidelines.

Intent To Apply

The first step in the application process is to submit a simple online questionnaire called an “Intent to Apply” form. The online form for FY2026 is due February 2, 2026.

We are here to help you ensure your project is competitive and that it complies with our adopted the Five-Year Plan and Interpretive Framework.

If you have plans to write an application in the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area, or any questions about developing your project, please send an email to Grants@ChesapeakeCrossroads.org to schedule a call with the Executive Director at your convenience. Thank you!

Writing the Grant Application

Applicants should download and read the Grant Guidelines document, speak with the CCHA Executive Director, and attend at least one Q & A workshop (see below).

**Note: There are several new procedures this year, including a new State grants portal. PLEASE consider attending one of the Q & A sessions so you are up to speed on these changes.**

Grants will NOT have a preliminary review period as in years past. The full applications are due to the MHAA by Monday, March 31, 2026. The CCHA review team strongly encourages all applicants to stay in contact with us and share a substantially completed application as soon as possible- but no later than Tuesday March 10, 2026 for feedback and comment.

Q&A Sessions:

MHAA staff will be hosting Q&A sessions to review the new Grants Portal, the online application process, offer grant writing tips, discuss the application requirements, and more: