Funding Increased to $5 Million to Fund Capital Projects Important to the African American Experience in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced increased funding for the African American Heritage Preservation Program. Beginning in FY24, the program will have a new annual appropriation of $5 million, up from $1 million annually. 

"To build a stronger future, we need to recognize our past—and acknowledge the broad shoulders we stand on. The African American Heritage Preservation Program is one of the best tools we have to celebrate, study, and share the stories of the African American community in Maryland," said Gov. Wes Moore. "African American history is American history and Maryland history, and we have a solemn duty to preserve it." 

The African American Heritage Preservation Program provides grants to assist in the preservation of buildings, sites, or communities of historical and cultural importance to the African American experience in Maryland. The competitive program is funded through an appropriation from the Maryland General Assembly and is administered as a partnership between the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and the Maryland Historical Trust. 

Grant awards range from $10,000 to $250,000. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local government jurisdictions. Business entities and individuals may also apply for program grants when seeking funds for a preservation or development project that serves a high public purpose. There is no match requirement for program applicants. 

The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and the Maryland Historical Trust will hold an in-person workshop and three virtual sessions to inform interested parties about funding for capital grants available through the program. A virtual webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 19 from 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to discuss the overall program. Two Q&A workshops will also be offered on Friday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Thursday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

An in-person workshop will take place on Thursday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Maryland Historical Trust’s office, located at 100 Community Place in Crownsville.

The workshops are free but registration is required. Application information may be obtained from the program web page beginning April 17. 

Applicants in need of assistance with developing project purpose and scope, programming, and project prioritization may contact Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture Executive Director Chanel Johnson at chanel.compton@maryland.gov. 

Applicants in need of assistance with program eligibility and construction and technical preservation questions may contact Maryland Historical Trust Capital Grant Administrator Barbara Fisher at barbara.fisher@maryland.gov.