the Neighborhood Design Center

Stories

February 20, 2026

African American Preservation Grants in Maryland

Preservation doesn’t happen by accident - it happens through investment.

Funding is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect the places, stories, and cultural landmarks that define our communities.

We’ve seen firsthand how critical funding can be in sustaining Black history through projects like the restoration of the Parren Mitchell House and the ongoing support of Arch Social Club.

These opportunities, from national preservation funds to Maryland-based and community-centered foundations, exist to ensure that Black history is not erased, but preserved, stewarded, and shared for generations to come.

Whether you’re a nonprofit, cultural institution, or community advocate, these resources can help safeguard the stories rooted in the places we share.

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National preservation funding

    • African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (via National Trust)

    • Mellon Foundation – Presidential Initiatives

    • National Trust for Historic Preservation

    • Main Street America

    • National Park Service - Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program

Maryland & regional support

    • Maryland Heritage Areas Authority

    • Maryland Historical Trust (African American Heritage Preservation Program)

    • MD Humanities Council

Community-centered preservation

    • African American Heritage Preservation Foundation

    • The Abell Foundation

    • France-Merrick Foundation

    • Zeller Family Foundation