The National Maritime Heritage Grants program, managed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration, supports projects aimed at preserving and promoting the maritime heritage of the United States. Through a 1-to-1 matching fund structure, these grants assist in the funding of projects in three primary categories: Historic Maritime Properties, Maritime Heritage Collections, and Traditional Maritime Skills. The current grant application cycle is open, with further information on the program's requirements and objectives available online. Applicants should refer to specific Notices of Funding on grants.gov for Preservation and Education Grants, which outline detailed application criteria and submission guidelines.

The purpose of the National Maritime Heritage Grant program is to preserve important maritime assets and to increase public awareness and education regarding America's maritime heritage. It funds projects that focus on historic maritime properties, including buildings, districts, and archaeological sites connected to seas or inland waters, as well as properties related to navigation or commerce. Additionally, grants support the preservation of maritime collections, which may include objects, documents, and artifacts essential for understanding the United States' maritime history. The program also emphasizes the preservation and transmission of traditional maritime skills, including arts, crafts, trades, and techniques connected to naval or navigational activities, which are generally passed down across generations.

The grants are available to State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which serve as prime recipients. SHPOs exist in each of the 50 states, five U.S. territories, the District of Columbia, and three Freely Associated States in Micronesia. Eligible entities are tasked with either conducting in-house preservation or educational projects or establishing and managing competitive subgrant programs focused on specific maritime preservation efforts. Prime recipients of these grants are responsible for setting the criteria, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements within their subgrant programs.

To apply, eligible applicants must describe their proposed project activities in detail, whether they are conducting in-house work or administering a subgrant program. Applications should clearly outline project goals, the type of maritime resource being preserved or studied, and how the project aligns with the program’s objectives. Applicants are required to demonstrate a 1-to-1 funding match, which can be sourced from cash or in-kind contributions. Detailed guidance on the application process, as well as answers to common questions, is available on the National Maritime Heritage Program's website.

Evaluation criteria for these grants include the historical significance of the project, its potential impact on maritime preservation, the educational value to the public, and the applicant’s ability to manage the project effectively. Additionally, proposals are assessed based on their adherence to program objectives, such as preserving traditional skills or ensuring that collections are accessible for public education and study. Each project should ideally contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. maritime heritage landscape, both past and present.

The timeline for submissions and specific deadlines are outlined in the respective Notices of Funding. For the current cycle, interested applicants should consult grants.gov for the most current information on deadlines and submission requirements.