The Maritime Heritage Grant Program, administered by Preservation Maryland in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides direct assistance to promote the preservation of Maryland’s irreplaceable maritime heritage. From fertile farmland to bountiful waters, Maryland’s history is intrinsically linked to the Chesapeake Bay and this unique and diverse maritime story deserves to be told in its entirety. A competitive grant open once a year, the Maritime Heritage Grant Program will provide much needed support to serve the historic preservation needs of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

The Maritime Heritage Grant Program is open to applications from non-profit organizations, and instrumentalities of the state, counties, and municipalities engaged in maritime heritage preservation, interpretation, and conservation. Private property owners are not eligible for funding. This grant program is intended to support education and preservation projects that advance the maritime heritage of Maryland. Funded activities include capital and non-capital projects. 

For FY25, the Maritime Heritage Grant Program will have $200,000 in funding available, supported by the Waterway Improvement Fund. Grants range from the minimum award of $10,000 to the maximum award of $50,000. As this is a competitive grant program, submitted applications do not guarantee full or partial funding approval.  

Preservation Maryland will host several virtual sessions to get more information about this new grant program. Click on the linked text to register.

Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – Virtual Information Session 

This will be a webinar presentation providing an overview of the program followed by Q&A. 

Friday, September 5, 2025, 12:00 PM – Virtual Office Hours 

Friday, September 26, 2025, 12:00 PM – Virtual Office Hours 

These will be unstructured, drop-in discussions and Q&A where attendees can ask specific questions about program eligibility and completing the application. 

Questions? Contact Christiana Limniatis 410-685-2886 x302 or CLimniatis@presmd.org