Capacity Building Projects

The Miller History Fund is administered by the Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC), the state’s oldest continuously operating cultural institution, founded in 1844. MCHC manages this program to bolster the long-term sustainability and public impact of historical collections stewards across Maryland, including museums, libraries, historical societies, and other similar organizations. Renamed in 2021 to honor Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr., the fund originates from an annually recurring allocation to MCHC from the state’s Preservation of Cultural Arts Fund, legislated in 2018. The fund supports non-capital capacity building projects that enhance an organization’s ability to manage and share its historical collections. This includes initiatives such as marketing outreach to new audiences, digitization projects, staff and volunteer professional development, strategic planning, and collections-care policy development. Although the grant does not fund capital construction or building maintenance, up to 25% of an award may support indirect or staffing costs. Projects must focus on long-term organizational growth and community relevance, with successful proposals showing clear alignment with the fund’s goals of stewardship, accessibility, and impact. Eligible applicants must be incorporated nonprofits or government agencies based in Maryland, in operation for at least one year, and primarily focused on managing historical collections. Annual operating budgets must fall below $2 million, although exceptions may apply for distinct sub-units within larger institutions. The fund encourages collaboration, and proposals may include partnerships with faith-based or community organizations, provided the lead applicant is an eligible heritage-focused nonprofit. For the FY2025 cycle, applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by November 8, 2024, via the Submittable platform. Full applications are due by December 6, 2024. Optional support sessions are offered in mid-November. Awards will be announced in February 2025, with the grant period beginning April 1, 2025. The grant term spans two years, concluding in April 2027, with interim and final reports due in April 2026 and May 2027, respectively. Applications are evaluated by an independent panel of experts using six core criteria: heritage value, clarity, relevancy, impact, expertise, and sustainability. Bonus points may be awarded for geographic diversity or contributions to Maryland’s 2026 Semiquincentennial commemoration. Successful applicants will receive feedback to strengthen future submissions. The program is expected to make 10–12 awards per year, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, without any matching requirement. Program questions can be directed to Karen Gasior, Grants Officer, at grants@mdhistory.org or (410) 685-3750 x325. Applicants are encouraged to review past grantee lists and attend the applicant workshop for guidance on capacity-building strategies and evaluation expectations.

Projects with clear long-term sustainability, expert involvement, and alignment with heritage value are prioritized; partnership with underrepresented regions and Semiquincentennial relevance may earn bonus points.