Rocket Grants (Mini-Grant Program)

A mini-grant program designed to provide essential funding for innovative exhibits, tours, planning, art programs, historic preservation, marketing, conservation, and projects.

Geographic Scope: State-certified Anacostia Trails Heritage Area boundary (Maryland)

Focus Areas:

• Trails: Cycling, pedestrian, and trail amenities supporting local and tourist use; trail clean-ups, bike parking, wayfinding, bike repair stations, bottle fill stations, placemaking along trails, connecting trails to towns
• History: Research and interpretation of historical themes and persons; walking tour brochures or websites, event promotion, exhibits, oral histories, podcasts, research, interpretive signage (NPS standards required), digitization projects, printing. Special consideration for projects illuminating underrepresented stories and perspectives
• Education: Educational programs connecting students of all ages to history, art, and culture; museum-in-a-box creation, traveling programs, educational planning, program implementation, field trip bus costs
• Arts: Arts, culture, performance, and cultural endeavors including murals, public performances, intangible history, and related marketing/outreach

What is NOT Funded: Capital projects; bricks-and-mortar projects; repairs

Eligibility:

• Non-profits and municipalities in the state-certified Anacostia Trails Heritage Area boundary
• Other government agencies, individuals, and for-profit businesses may partner with eligible organizations
• Upon request, must provide: IRS letter of determination, bylaws, articles of incorporation (nonprofits), municipal charter (government agencies), latest financial statement

Match Requirements:

• 1:1 match with non-state funding (cash) or in-kind contributions
• Up to 100% of matching funds can be in-kind
• In-kind funds can be documented pro bono services, staff time, or volunteer hours (current state volunteer rate: $32.82/hour as established by Independent Sector)

Award Timeline: Applications are first-come, first-served. Staff reviews for eligibility, completeness, relevance, and impact within 2 weeks. If selected, awards made within 1 month.

Application Process

Submission Methods:

1. Complete application online (link provided on website), OR
2. Email complete application to info@anacostiatrails.org with subject line: ORGANIZATION NAME – ROCKET GRANT

Timeline:

• Applications accepted, reviewed, and awarded on rolling basis starting July 1 each year
• Staff review for eligibility, completeness, relevance, and impact within 2 weeks
• Awards made within 1 month of selection

Required Materials:

• Grant Application (form available on website)
• Grant Budget (example provided on website)
• Proof of eligibility upon request (IRS letter of determination, bylaws, articles of incorporation, municipal charter, financial statement)

Evaluation Criteria:

• Consistent with existing interpretive themes and/or programs, projects, and activities in the heritage area
• Includes collaborative partnerships
• Enhances visitor experience by tourists and/or residents
• Leverages other funding (match should be in-hand or committed)
• Demonstrates ability to initiate, administer, and complete project within proposed timeframe
• Past record of success

Fund Release:

• Portion (typically 50%-75%) released upon completion of grant agreement
• Additional portions can be released at agreed-upon intervals and/or at project conclusion
• Final report filing required to receive final grant remainder