The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) promotes historic preservation and areas of natural beauty, in order to stimulate economic development through tourism.

Non-capital Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) matching project grants of up to $50,000 are available through Four Rivers for planning, design, interpretation, and programming. Entities within Target Investment Zones are eligible for capital project grant funds of up to $100,000. MHAA grants and loans can support projects that include historical, cultural, and natural resources and have a heritage tourism component. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local jurisdictions within the heritage area. Proposed activities must address or complete a priority activity identified in and consistent with the goals, objectives, strategies, and actions outlined in the approved heritage area Management Plan (available on this website).

The deadline for applying for an FY10 MHAA project grant has now passed. If you are interested in applying for an MHAA project grant for FY11, please contact the heritage area staff at 410-222-1805. You may, however, still view the FY10 MHAA project grant application packages at www.mht.maryland.gov. The forms are available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.

NOTE: All potential applicants for MHAA project grants for FY11 must submit an “Intent to Apply” letter to Four Rivers Heritage Area by February 19th, 2010 at 5:00 pm. If funding allows for project grants in FY2011, MHAA applications will be due to Four Rivers by March 5th, 2010 at 5:00 pm. Please check this page for updates or changes to this information.

Please note, all applicants for MHAA grants for FY11 must complete a profile with the Maryland Cultural Data Project as part of the MHAA application.

FY10 MHAA awards were announced Summer 2009. The list of awardees is available by clicking here.