African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP)

African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) is sponsored by Maryland Historical Trust and Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (jointly administered). The AAHPP provides grants to assist in the preservation of buildings, sites, and communities significant to African American history and culture in Maryland.

African American Heritage Preservation Program Grants | Maryland Historical Trust African American Heritage Preservation Program Grants Applications now open for FY27 grant round! Applicants should review grant guidelines, watch a general overview webinar, and contact program staff with questions. Start a new application as an individual or an organization .

Please note, clicking these links will start a new application each time. For help creating a new account, visit the How to Apply for a Grant page. Access or continue an existing application by logging into your grant portal account.

Applications close on July 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend program webinars and workshops. For full details, visit our Upcoming Events webpage.

The African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) provides $5 million in grants to assist in the preservation of buildings, sites, and communities significant to African American history and culture in Maryland. The program is jointly administered by the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC).

Application opens: early April Application deadline: July 1 Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact MHT or MCAAHC staff early in project planning for guidance.

Demonstrate a clear, direct connection to African American history, culture, or heritage AAHPP provides capital grants to: Preserve or acquire buildings, sites, or structures significant to African American history Restore or rehabilitate historic sites Develop new facilities to interpret or celebrate African American history Stabilize endangered properties Develop plans and specifications, and architectural, engineering, or other special services directly related to pre-construction work Grant funds cannot pay for routine maintenance, fundraising expenses, research, exhibits, or work that has already started or been finished.

See the grant guidelines for a longer list of eligible and ineligible costs. Projects must comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties (26 CFR 68). MHT will review project progress to ensure compliance.

The property or the proposed use of the property must have an association with African American heritage and should benefit the public to be competitive. Property owner permission must be provided as part of the grant application. Religious properties: Grants can generally only fund structural or exterior work, not work on interior worship spaces or elements bearing religious imagery.

Cemeteries: May qualify for assistance, but the applicant must demonstrate clear property ownership. Properties individually listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register may be subject to a historic preservation easement held by MHT. Applicants may request up to $250,000 in funding.

A match is not required . Review the current grant guidelines and sample materials. Confirm applicant and project eligibility.

Attend pre-application workshop or webinar. Prepare required attachments such as cost estimates, photographs, letters of support, and proof of ownership or site control. Submit a completed application through the grants portal before the posted deadline.

Guidelines & documents for applicants Owner consent letter template Explore previously funded projects Explore stories and highlights from past AAHPP grant recipients on MHT's Our History, Our Heritage blog. capital grant contact list Capital Programs Administrator Capital Grants and Loans Administrator