Description
Help strengthen Maryland’s historical and cultural museums and preserve the stories that connect our communities
Carroll County Farm Museum
The Maryland Historical Trust is still accepting applications for FY26 Museum Assistance Program grants. These grants will provide operational support to Maryland’s historical and cultural museums, helping them strengthen the day-to-day activities that keep museums stable, sustainable, and ready to serve their communities.
Key Details
- Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
- Award Amounts: Up to $20,000 (most awards between $10,000–$15,000)
- Match Requirement: None
- Eligibility: Maryland nonprofits and local governments operating museums for at least three years
Applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines for complete eligibility requirements, application instructions, and scoring criteria. All of this and complete program details can be found on the program webpage.
Eligible Activities
Applicants may apply for operational grants of up to $20,000. Individual awards typically range from $10,000 – $15,000. There is no match requirement. Funds may be used for day-to-day operational support, such as:
- Staff salaries
- Training and professional development for staff and volunteers
- Administrative costs (accounting, reporting, insurance)
- Environmental monitoring (humidity/temperature control, pest management)
- Security and safety systems
For more examples of eligible activities, see the Grant Guidelines.
Other Requirements
Additional information regarding evaluation criteria and grantee responsibilities is provided in the Grant Guidelines.
For general information about the Museum Assistance Program, contact Nell Ziehl, Chief, Office of Planning, Education and Outreach at nell.ziehl@maryland.gov.