State Trust Opens Historic Preservation Grant Round | The Locally Times
The Maryland Historical Trust announced a new capital grant program and $5 million for African American heritage sites, creating new funding opportunities for local preservation projects.
The Maryland Historical Trust has opened its Fiscal Year 2026 Historic Preservation Capital Grant Round, making state funds available for local preservation projects. The announcement, included in a March 19, 2026, notice from the agency, invites organizations to apply for a new cycle of funding intended to protect and restore significant properties across the state. The new grant round presents a tangible opportunity for local governments, non-profits, and community groups to secure the capital needed for restoration, rehabilitation, and acquisition of historic structures. While the March 19 notice confirms the application period is open, it does not specify the total funding available for the general capital grant program or provide a deadline for submissions. ## $5 Million Dedicated to African American Heritage Concurrent with the opening of the general grant round, the Maryland Historical Trust announced $5 million in grants through its African American Heritage Preservation Program. According to the same March 19 notice, the Trust has also identified the awardees for the FY2026 cycle of this program. This dedicated funding stream aims to support the preservation of sites central to the history and culture of African American communities in Maryland. This investment provides a resource for projects that have often faced significant funding challenges. The state’s focus on these sites allows for the protection of landmarks, from historic churches and schools to community centers and archaeological sites. Public records do not yet contain the list of the specific FY2026 awardees or detail the projects that will receive a share of the $5 million. Local organizations seeking to apply for future rounds will be watching for the publication of these awards to better understand the program's priorities. ## Trust Schedules Preservation and Archaeology Events The grant announcements coincide with a period of increased activity at the state preservation agency. The agency has also scheduled an Architectural Fieldwork Symposium for March 26, 2026, an event aimed at professionals and advocates involved in the documentation and study of historic structures. Furthermore, a recent blog post from the Trust, titled 'The Historic Preservation Fund: Quietly Powerful (and Why It Needs Our Voice),' suggests an ongoing effort to build public support for preservation funding. A job posting for an Assistant State Underwater Archaeologist also indicates the agency is expanding its capacity for specialized preservation work. These activities paint a picture of a state-level commitment to identifying, studying, and funding the preservation of Maryland’s diverse historical assets. For local groups, the immediate next step is to monitor the Maryland Historical Trust for the release of detailed application guidelines, eligibility requirements, and deadlines for the FY26 Historic Preservation Capital Grant Round. The availability of these documents will clarify how local projects can compete for this new round of state support.