This grant program intends to support history programs and projects and to preserve significant historical and cultural resources.
Grant Guide
Overview
Application & Review Process
Small Grants Deadlines: Jan. 14, Apr. 8, July 9, Oct. 8
Large Grants Deadline: July 23
Small grants (less than $10,0000) are awarded quarterly and large grants (greater than $10,000) are awarded once per year. A pre-application is required for large grants. MNHS may provide feedback to applicants before final decisions are made.
Funding Amount
Small grants: <$10,000
Large grants: >$10,000
Applicants can apply for small grants under $10,000 or large grants greater than $10,000. Matching funds are encouraged, but not required.
Eligibility
Projects
Oral history; research and writing; interpretive programs and public education; collections care and management; digital conversion and reproduction; national register and local designation; historic preservation planning.
People/Engagement
Applicants
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government entities, federally recognized tribes, and educational institutions are eligible.
Government Entity
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Land Type & Geography
Projects happening within Minnesota are eligible. While this grant program is not specific to parks and trails, park and trail historical projects may be eligible.
State 
Regional
Local
Parks 
Trails
Statistics & Examples
Funding History
| Year | Funds Awarded | # Projects | Average Award |
| FY19 | $6,500,000 | 205 | $31,707 |
| FY18 | $5,200,000 | 219 | $23,744 |
| FY17 | $6,100,000 | 253 | $24,111 |
| FY16 | $4,500,000 | 214 | $21,028 |
| FY15 | Not available | 275 | — |
Past Award Examples
| Amount | Recipient | Project |
| $10,000 | Dodge County Historical Society | Conditions assessment and treatment plan for the Bourdon House |
| $10,000 | City of Northfield | Narrative for history of Northfield Hospital |
| $10,000 | Hmong American Farmers Association | Oral history of Hmong farmers in Minnesota |
| $25,000 | City of Duluth | Hire qualified archaeologist to conduct a survey of a park |
| $220,000 | City of St. Paul | Repair the Como streetcar pedestrian bridge |