MD Two Fifty Fellows Paid Internship Grant Program

The MD Two Fifty Fellows Paid Internship Grant Program is an initiative led by the MD Two Fifty Commission, a state entity organizing efforts around Maryland’s 250th anniversary. This program is designed to strengthen Maryland's cultural and historical sectors by funding paid internship opportunities at eligible organizations. These internships aim to connect undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates with professional experience in museums, heritage areas, and history-related nonprofits and public institutions across the state. The grant is positioned not only as a workforce development tool but also as a means of increasing diversity, engagement, and mentorship in historical organizations statewide. The grant program offers funding of up to $7,500 per intern. This amount is to be used primarily to pay the intern a wage of no less than $15.00 per hour, which is the State of Maryland's minimum wage as of January 1, 2024. An additional optional stipend of up to $1,000 may also be used to compensate a mentor involved in overseeing the intern's experience. No matching funds are required to receive the grant, making it accessible to organizations with limited financial capacity. Eligible applicants include museums, heritage areas, historical organizations and sites, other nonprofit organizations, and tribal, state, county, or municipal governments operating within the state of Maryland. The program is not available to organizations outside the state. Eligibility criteria require that applicants demonstrate their ability to host a meaningful internship experience under the guidance of a qualified mentor. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling monthly basis, and organizations can expect to hear back within 60 days of submission. Any delays in the review process will be communicated directly to the applicant. All applications must be submitted through the MD Two Fifty Commission’s official grant portal, accessible via their website (https://mdtwofifty.maryland.gov/grants-applications/). The application process requires all applicants to submit a resume or biography of the intern’s mentor. While the intern’s work plan is optional, it may strengthen the application. Nonprofit organizations must also include their Employer Identification Number (EIN), a list of board members and officers, the current organizational budget or financial statement, and either the most recent audit or IRS Form 990. There are no stated evaluation criteria beyond these documentation requirements, but alignment with the funding priorities—such as supporting inclusive, community-centered projects and mentorship in history-related work—will likely be important. For further guidance or questions, applicants may attend virtual office hours hosted by the Commission or reach out to Erin Bode via email at Erin.Bode@Maryland.gov. While no specific open or close dates are listed, the monthly review schedule and rolling intake format suggest that applicants can apply at any point in the calendar year, with decisions typically returned within two months.

Attend virtual office hours or email questions for clarification.