PVHA Mini-Grant Program

PVHA Mini-Grant Program

Funder: Patapsco Heritage Greenway (PHG), administered through Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) block grants

Geographic Scope: Patapsco Valley Heritage Area (PVHA), including Baltimore County and Howard County, Maryland

Program Purpose: Designed to assist heritage-related sites, organizations and municipalities to develop new and innovative programs, partnerships, exhibits, tours, events, and other initiatives consistent with the regional goals and objectives stated within the state and county approved Management Plan.

Focus Areas:

Collaborative partnerships

Heritage preservation and enhancement

Stewardship of natural resources

Heritage tourism promotion

Community cultural and historical programming

Environmental conservation and trail improvements

Interpretive signage and wayfinding

Educational programs and exhibits

Community engagement and public events

Eligibility:

Heritage-related nonprofit organizations

Local municipalities

Community groups within the PVHA

Organizations with operating budgets (micro-grant option for organizations under $100,000)

Match Requirements:

All PVHA mini-grants require a 1:1 match (dollar-for-dollar)

Match can be any combination of cash or in-kind contributions

Micro-grant option available: Organizations with operating budget below $100,000 and program budget below $1,000 can have 75% of cash match covered by PHG

Historical requirement: 75% cash match (relaxed in recent years)

What They Fund:

Program development and implementation

Exhibits and interpretive materials

Trail improvements and wayfinding signage

Educational initiatives

Community events and festivals

Preservation projects

Environmental restoration and habitat work

What They Don't Fund:

Not explicitly stated in provided materials

Contact Information:

Email: director@patapsco.org or info@patapsco.org

Phone: 410.696.1328

Website: https://patapsco.org/about-us/pvha-mini-grant/

Executive Director: Aaron Shapiro

Funding Source & History:

Funded through Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) block grants to PHG

Typical annual block grant to PHG: $25,000

Application window typically opens in summer

Awardees selected through competitive process

Historical funding levels: FY2019 ($20,000 available), FY2020-FY2022+ ($25,000 available)

Recent Award Examples (FY2022):

Awards ranged from $950 to $5,000

10 organizations funded

Total distributed: ~$28,000

Program Notes:

Encourages inter-organizational collaboration

Emphasizes accessibility to wide range of partners including smaller organizations

Micro-grant program launched to support smaller organizations with limited cash match capacity