The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) has awarded more than $600,000 to heritage tourism nonprofits across the state.

MHAA has awarded 59 matching grants totaling $600,440 to nonprofits in Maryland’s 13 Certified Heritage Areas. The funds are intended to keep the organizations operational during the pandemic. “As we gradually begin to open carefully across Maryland during this pandemic, it is critical that we support struggling nonprofits to help maintain the state’s heritage tourism economy,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “These grant awards will assist in keeping Maryland’s great heritage available to all during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Heritage tourism revenue has taken a hit from the pandemic as admission and event charges are not viable options for income during the crisis. MHAA says they received 114 applications requesting over $1.8 million to continue paying utility bills and salaries.

From the press release:

MHAA’s FY20 emergency grant funds have now been distributed due to the significant need demonstrated by the requests. However, applications for COVID-19 MHAA Emergency Grants are still being accepted on a rolling basis. Those applications that did not receive funding in the initial round due to lack of funds and any new applications received will be considered if and when additional funding becomes available in FY21, which begins July 1, 2020.

For more information, visit MHAA’s website.