The FY2025 Small Capital Grant Program, managed by the Baltimore National Heritage Area (BNHA), offers grants up to $20,000 to support capital projects promoting heritage tourism within Baltimore City. Eligible projects include acquisition, development, preservation, restoration, and public murals, provided they align with BNHA’s Management Plan and the National Trust for Historic Preservation standards. The grant requires a one-to-one match in cash or in-kind services from non-city funding sources. Applications are due online by January 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Eligible applicants are Baltimore City-based nonprofits in good standing with Maryland’s Department of Assessments and Taxation. Projects must occur between March 1, 2025, and March 1, 2027, and cannot begin before the grant period. Ineligible entities include government units, individuals, and those requesting funds for projects already supported by the city's Cultural Spaces Capital Support Fund. Required documentation includes property owner letters, contractor estimates, and photos.
The selection process evaluates clarity, consistency with BNHA goals, community support, readiness, and heritage tourism value. Applicants must demonstrate how their project enhances Baltimore’s historic and cultural fabric and attracts visitors. Half the grant is disbursed upon approval, with the remainder reimbursed after project completion and submission of a final report.
The grant application must be completed through the BNHA portal, including a mandatory budget template. Assistance with technical and project-specific questions is available from BNHA staff. Notifications of awards will be issued in late February 2025, with funds disbursed starting March 2025. For more details, applicants can visit the BNHA website or contact the program manager.
