Heritage Community Grant Funding Available

 

The purpose of the MS Coast National Heritage Area program is to enhance, conserve, and provides connectivity to cultural resources of a unique and defined area through identification, interpretation, and promotion. These cultural resources of National Heritage Areas provide authentic experiences and serve as a source of pride and identity. Stakeholders in this effort benefit from increased awareness and appreciation of their environment, history, culture, traditions, and lifestyles. The

economic effects of heritage resources benefit the entire region and support the long-term enhancement and conservation of those qualities that make National Heritage Areas unique. The Mississippi Coast National Heritage Area (hereinafter referred to as MS Coast NHA), working through the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, administers the National Heritage Area program for the six counties that make up the MS Coast NHA. Your MS Coast NHA is a partnership of communities, businesses, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and individuals who value the region’s rich cultural and environmental diversity, history, natural beauty, and traditions. These partnerships tell the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s story of its national significance. Visitors experience the Heritage Area through a set of integrated themes that forefronts the Coast’s unique qualities and emphasizes the important role the region has played in history.

 

Total anticipated funding for all awards is $100,000, subject to the availability of funds. Grants likely will range from $500 to $50,000. Funds for the MS Coast National Heritage Area’s grants program are provided by the federal government through the National Park Service.

 

Entities that are eligible to apply include city, state and county governments, universities and non-profit groups. Along with recognized Gulf Coast Outpost Businesses.

There will be a conference call at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 18 for those who have questions about the applications. For call-in information, email heritage@dmr.ms.gov.

 

Applications are available at https://msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov/2020-Heritage-Community-Grants and the deadline for submissions is Monday, March 16, 2020.

 

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at dmr.ms.gov.