It’s time to begin planning heritage projects in Dorchester County. The deadline is approaching for Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) grants, which benefit nonprofit organizations and municipalities in the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area (HCCHA). For those interested in more information about applying for MHAA funding, virtual information sessions are scheduled throughout January.
MHAA’s Intent to Apply deadline is Jan. 31, 2023, for FY2024 grants. Following the Intent-to-Apply deadline, final grant applications from nonprofits and governmental organizations in the HCCHA are due March 6, 2023.
MHAA provides matching grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities up to $50,000 for non-capital projects and up to $100,000 for capital projects located within a Certified Heritage Area. Grants can support projects involving historical, cultural or natural resources, sites, events or facilities. Eligible projects must have a heritage tourism component or contribute to research that will directly inform a heritage tourism product.
MHAA has been hosting webinars and information sessions to answer questions about the grant process. A recording the first webinar is available for viewing any time on the MHAA YouTube channel (youtube.com/watch?v=tMcC84ixKDw). Virtual Q&A Sessions via Google Meet are scheduled for 5 p.m. on January 19; 3 p.m. on January 23; 10 a.m. on January 31; and noon on February 10.
Visit the MHAA website for information on how to log in to the information sessions,details about applying for MHAA grants, and access to the online grant application form: mht.maryland.gov/heritageareas_partners.shtml.