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.

2026 Key Dates

• Mon August 3 – Application Opens
• Wed August 19 – Virtual Info Session (register here)
• Fri September 4 – Office Hours 1 (register here)
• Tue September 15 – Office Hours 2 (register here)
• Friday October 2 – Application Deadline
• Last week of November – Awardees Annouced

Are you a previous awardee and are now ready to close out your grant? Click the button below to submit your Disbursement Form.