Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Maryland

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Maryland can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help U.S. communities with initiatives like disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, and K–12 or higher education, which may benefit historic districts and preservation-focused neighborhoods.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning one-time, project-based work such as historic preservation, capital improvements, or other community initiatives can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants of more than US $50,000. Funding supports organizations with strong financial stability and administrative capacity, primarily in the greater Baltimore area, to enhance long-term impact in their communities.

Historic preservation nonprofits in Maryland can seek funding for archival projects, structural restoration, and related programming that protects cultural heritage. Focused on community enrichment, Delaplaine Foundation invites 501(c)(3) public charities and qualifying 509(a) institutions to apply, with priority for projects demonstrating long-term impact and strong support, especially in Frederick County and nearby areas.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Nonprofits, government or quasi-government agencies, religious organizations, and civic groups in Maryland can apply for the Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Impact Grants; awards more than US $500 for community-focused projects. Eligible work includes historic preservation along with health and human services, arts, agriculture, animal welfare, education, youth programs, and civic causes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, or veteran support in Maryland may be eligible for grants from Penn National Gaming. Eligible applicants must be physically located in a Maryland community where the company has a business interest, which currently includes Cecil County.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in Maryland (Annapolis only) can seek US $2,500 - US $5,000 for historic preservation planning and education projects, including capacity building and outreach. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports local efforts such as feasibility studies, design guidelines, community forums, and innovative programs introducing new audiences to preservation.

Maryland museums interpreting the state’s cultural heritage, history, natural history, or history of science and technology can receive funding to strengthen operations and long-term sustainability. Maryland Historical Trust’s Museum Assistance Program Grants offer up to US $20,000 to support museums and institutional collections, which may include organizations engaged in historic preservation work in Maryland.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Maryland 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits producing public programming in Anne Arundel County can receive up to US $2,500 for innovative, well-defined arts projects reaching new or underserved audiences. Arts Council of Anne Arundel County offers matching mini grants, which may support arts initiatives connected to historic preservation or cultural heritage in local communities.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties in Maryland can apply for Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $250,000 to support community-focused programs. Eligible work includes community development, equitable and affordable housing, youth development, education, environmental restoration, and health and wellness initiatives that benefit vulnerable and underserved residents.

Maryland historic preservation and heritage organizations can access funding for capital and non-capital projects that preserve and interpret the state’s past. Maryland groups working within the state’s 13 certified heritage areas may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $100,008 from the Maryland Historical Trust to enhance communities, tourism, sustainability, and economic development.

Nonprofit and public entities undertaking historic preservation and heritage tourism projects in Maryland can seek funding for non-capital work such as interpretation, programming, and planning. Maryland Historical Trust supports projects in the state’s 13 heritage areas that highlight Maryland’s diverse heritage, enhance communities, and promote tourism, sustainability, and economic development, with awards from US $5,000 - US $50,000.

Public and nonprofit-private Pre-K–12 schools in Maryland can apply for funding to integrate dance, history, music, theater, and arts-related projects into their curricula. Focused on arts education, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County invites schools, including those preserving local heritage, to host assemblies, performances, and artist residencies, with up to US $5,000 available per grant.

Organizations and property owners preserving historic sites in Maryland can receive capital funding for urgent preservation projects that benefit the public. Grants from Maryland Historical Trust help Maryland historic preservation efforts for properties listed in, or eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $100,000.

Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities seeking support for tangible items can apply for grants up to US $10,000 to strengthen arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and community programs. Grants from Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation may benefit organizations involved in historic preservation as part of broader cultural or community development efforts.

Nonprofit arts organizations providing public arts programming in Anne Arundel County can use this funding for general operating support and community arts activities. Grants from Arts Council of Anne Arundel County help Maryland historic preservation and cultural groups that emphasize artistic expression, community engagement, and arts access, with founding grants available up to US $2,500 for first-time recipients.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) and other nonprofit organizations preserving historic sites on Maryland’s Eastern Shore can apply for $5,000 - $25,000 to acquire, maintain, and protect historic landmarks and memorials. With a mission to advance historic preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation funds land and building acquisition, bricks-and-mortar work, easements, and related technical assistance in eligible Eastern Shore counties.

Historic preservation and conservation organizations in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic can seek funding for planning, education, and outreach projects that protect natural and cultural resources. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports initiatives like preservation planning, community forums, and public education, offering up to US $7,500 with a required dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Maryland historic preservation nonprofits and public agencies can seek funding for planning and education projects that protect battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures. Maryland historic preservation groups can access funding through National Trust for Historic Preservation to hire preservation professionals, build organizational capacity, or develop innovative public education and outreach initiatives, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000.

Historic preservation organizations in Maryland seeking to preserve buildings, sites, or communities significant to African American history and culture can apply for grants up to Up to US $250,000. The Maryland Historical Trust’s African American Heritage Preservation Program supports capital projects that protect and interpret African American heritage resources across the state.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Local governments and other eligible organizations in Maryland can apply for Maryland Historical Trust’s Historic Preservation Non-Capital grants, awarding up to US $75,000 for research, survey, planning, documentation, conservation, and educational activities. Projects may include preservation plans, historic resource surveys, outreach programs, and National Register nominations supporting historic preservation across the state.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with community revitalization, housing, education, arts, or historic preservation projects in Priority Funding Areas can apply for the Community Investment Tax Credits program, with awards up to US $10,000 in tax credit allocations. Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, this program helps leverage larger donations for local projects and services.