The Veterans' Heritage Grants Program, administered by the Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board (MA SHRAB), provides matching grants for projects that preserve, renovate, and enhance objects, sites, and collections related to the military experiences and history of veterans in Massachusetts. Eligible applicants include municipalities and nonprofit organizations that manage these historically significant sites or collections. The program aims to support the preservation of veteran-related markers, monuments, and documents and considers projects that include public access improvements and educational components.
Eligible projects include Planning Projects, such as feasibility studies and historical research, and Preservation Projects, like conservation of archival materials, physical structure stabilization, accessibility upgrades, and installation of new educational markers. Matching grants of up to $20,000 are available, covering up to 50% of the project costs. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, historical significance, and public support and provide in-kind or financial contributions to match the grant amount. Routine maintenance, private properties, and non-veteran-related projects are ineligible.
Applications must be submitted by December 8, 2024, with an optional draft submission by November 4, 2024, for feedback. Award notifications are anticipated in December 2024, with funding disbursed beginning January 2025. Successful applicants must comply with Massachusetts preservation standards, nondiscrimination laws, and accessibility requirements.
