Best Preservation Grants in Maryland

Sustainable Communities

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Sustainable Communities Program (“the Program”) designates Maryland communities that are striving for sustainable revitalization. The Program supports sustainable revitalization by facilitating revitalization and sustainability planning, and providing a toolkit of community development programs, technical assistance, and public investment incentives. Its goal is to arm local governments with the resources they need to revitalize their older communities through environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable projects and programs.

Sustainable Communities Act of 2010

The Sustainable Communities Act of 2010 created a shared geographic designation to promote the efficient use of State resources. This designation requires the development of local sustainability and revitalization strategies.

The Sustainable Communities Program combines resources for:

• Infrastructure improvements
• Historic preservation
• Housing production and rehabilitation
• Vacancy reduction
• Multimodal transportation improvements
• Economic development programs

The Program understands Sustainable Communities as communities where public and private stakeholders work together to achieve:

• A healthy local economy
• Preservation and appreciation of historic and cultural resources
• A mix of land uses
• Affordable and sustainable housing and employment options
• Growth and development practices that:
• Protect the environment
• Conserve air, water and energy resources
• Encourage walkability and recreational opportunities
• Improve access to transit where feasible

Historic preservation and related nonprofit organizations in Maryland can use this grant to support archival work, structural restoration, and historical programming. Grants from Delaplaine Foundation help Maryland preservation groups, museums, and community nonprofits, especially those serving Frederick County, that also advance cultural arts, education, health, human services, or spiritual enrichment. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) or 509(a) public charities.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Maryland can access Community Investment Tax Credits to support local revitalization projects, including historic preservation, housing, youth services, and community development. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development provides up to US $10,000 in tax credit allocations that help nonprofits attract larger donations from individuals and businesses for eligible Priority Funding Area projects.

Nonprofit organizations, local governments, and other eligible property stewards in Maryland can apply for the Maryland Historical Trust’s capital grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $100,000 for urgent historic preservation projects. Properties must be listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and non-nonprofit applicants must provide a 1:1 cash match.

Historic preservation organizations in Maryland can seek funding to preserve buildings, sites, and communities significant to African American history and culture through the African American Heritage Preservation Program, offering up to US $250,000. Focused on historic preservation, Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture jointly administer these grants.

Nonprofit and public heritage organizations in Maryland can seek funding for non-capital projects that advance historic preservation, interpretation, and heritage tourism, with awards from US $5,000 - US $50,000. Focused on community heritage and tourism, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority invites projects in the state’s 13 heritage areas that enhance culture, sustainability, and local economic development.

Nonprofit and public entities planning capital projects that support heritage tourism infrastructure in Maryland’s 13 heritage areas can apply for Maryland Heritage Areas Authority grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $100,000. Funding supports projects that highlight Maryland’s diverse heritage, enhance historic preservation, and promote tourism, sustainability, and economic development.

Maryland preservation organizations and local governments can seek funding for research, survey, planning, documentation, and educational projects involving historic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural resources in Maryland. Maryland groups can access funding through Maryland Historical Trust, with awards up to US $75,000 and priority for broad surveys, climate impact projects, and in-depth studies.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning one-time, project-based work such as historic preservation, capital improvements, or other capacity-building initiatives can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants over More than US $50,000. Funding concentrates on organizations in the Greater Baltimore area with strong financial stability and clear plans to sustain completed projects and community impact.

Historic preservation nonprofits and organizations in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic can seek funding for planning, education, and outreach projects that protect natural and cultural resources. The National Trust for Historic Preservation offers up to US $7,500 for activities like preservation planning, feasibility studies, community forums, and innovative public education reaching new audiences.

The Preserving Black Churches Grant Program, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to support the preservation of historic Black churches. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and fund various projects, including restoration, capacity building, and community engagement. The program encourages applications from active and non-active congregations, nonprofits, and public agencies, emphasizing the importance of these churches in their communities. This initiative seeks to strengthen heritage and foster cultural connections.

The Moe Family Fund for Statewide and Local Partners Grant Program, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, offers grants of up to $10,000 to dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network. This program focuses on strengthening preservation organizations and addressing key issues, including advocacy, capacity building, and climate change initiatives. Eligible projects should demonstrate innovation, potential impact, and a clear budget, while adhering to preservation standards and timelines.

Individual engineers, architects, and related design professionals in Maryland can seek up to US $15,000 to develop innovative proposals in historic preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment. The James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation’s Robert Silman Award supports U.S.-based projects that advance preservation practice and share results with the wider preservation community.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland preserving modern buildings by Black architects can seek US $150,000 for planning-focused historic preservation projects. Focused on conserving Black modernist architecture, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund supports research, feasibility studies, conservation management plans, and limited capital improvements for significant 20th-century sites.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Maryland seeking funding for historic preservation planning, education, or bricks-and-mortar projects can apply for the Johanna Favrot Fund, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $15,000. With a mission to preserve historic environments, the National Trust for Historic Preservation requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match from applicants.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Maryland preserving historic interiors can apply for the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund, which awards US $2,500 - US $15,000 for planning, education, and bricks-and-mortar interior projects. Individuals and for-profits may be eligible when working with a National Historic Landmark, with a required dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Nonprofit organizations and public agencies preserving historic landmarks on Maryland’s Eastern Shore can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 to support acquisition, maintenance, and restoration projects. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation help Maryland preservation groups fund bricks-and-mortar work, easements, technical assistance, and related educational or interpretive activities, with a required one-to-one match.

Public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Maryland towns with populations of 10,000 or less can seek funding for historic preservation planning and education projects. Focused on local preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation offers US $2,500 - US $15,000 to hire consultants, develop plans, and create outreach materials that engage communities and new audiences.

Maryland congregations with historic houses of worship planning major preservation or accessibility capital projects can access funding through the National Fund for Sacred Places; awards US $50,000 - US $500,000 for building repairs and upgrades. Administered by Partners for Sacred Places, this national program supports community-serving, historically significant sacred sites engaged in local outreach.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, Tucker Community Foundation provides Maryland preservation and community-focused organizations with small grants up to US $500. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, government entities, and charitable groups in Garrett County working on historic preservation, parks, libraries, or related community projects may benefit from this opportunity.

Nonprofits and other charitable programs working on historic preservation and related community projects in Maryland can apply for flexible funding to support their work. Tucker Community Foundation supports historic preservation and broader community initiatives in Maryland and nearby counties, with general grants available through a single application and no formal cap on request size, though larger requests require detailed tracking.

North American not-for-profit organizations responsible for cultural property and collections can apply for the Ross Merrill Award, which honors exemplary, long-term preservation and conservation efforts. While the award has no monetary component, recognition from the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation may benefit Maryland institutions engaged in historic preservation, museums, and collections care.

The Impact100 Global Veterans Awards empower women to make a significant difference by awarding grants up to $100,000 to nonprofits that serve veterans. Focus areas include art and culture, education, health and wellness, environment, and family initiatives, promoting the well-being and support of veterans across the United States. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including tax-exempt status, and are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize funds effectively within two years.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.