African American Heritage Preservation Program

The goal of the African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) is to identify and preserve buildings, communities and sites of historical and cultural importance to the African American experience in Maryland. This competitive program, offered once per year, is supported through an annual appropriation from the Maryland General Assembly, and is administered as a joint partnership of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) and the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT).

Starting this fiscal year (FY24), the AAHPP has a new annual appropriation of $5 million, up from $1 million annually. Grant awards can range from $10,000 to $250,000. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and local 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. Eligible projects include acquisition, construction, capital improvement, and certain predevelopment costs for African American heritage properties. In the eight years since its inception, the AAHPP has awarded 106 grants totaling $8 million.

Applications are now being accepted for the African American Heritage Preservation Program FY2024 grant round. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the grant guidelines, view a recorded webinar and to contact program staff with any questions, and to see if your project is eligible. All applications must be completed and submitted by 11:59 pm on July 17, 2023.

Program guidelines and grant applications may be obtained from MHT’s website.

FY2024 AAHPP Webinar Schedule:

AAHPP General Virtual Overview – Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
This overview will cover topics including applicant, project, and property eligibility; documentation required for the application; selection criteria; and Q&As.
Click HERE to register.

AAHPP General In-Person Overview – Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Maryland Historical Trust (100 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032)
This overview will cover topics including applicant, project, and property eligibility; documentation required for the application; selection criteria; and Q&As.
Click HERE to register.

Virtual Question and Answer (Q&A) workshops will also be offered on:

Friday, May 12, 2023 at 11:00 am
Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 11:00 am

Registration for webinars will close at noon the day before the event. An email link to virtual workshops will be emailed to registered attendees the evening before the workshop. Click HERE to register.

Report to the Governor and the General Assembly