The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) (under “heritage areas”) 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. 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).

Applicants must discuss their proposal with heritage area staff prior to application submission. FY09 MHAA project grant application packages are available at www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net under “forms and documents.” The forms are available in both Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat PDF formats.

The completed application package with 15 copies must be received in the Four Rivers Heritage Area office in the Arundel Center, 44 Calvert Street, by close of business on March 7, 2008. A Four Rivers Heritage Area Grants Committee will review all applications for approval before forwarding them to the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority for consideration. MHAA awards will be announced in July 2008.