The 2022 application period has closed with a deadline for submissions of Friday, February 25, 2022.   

The Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area is seeking applicants for its 2022 Heritage Community Grants program.  

The purpose of the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area program (hereinafter referred to as MS Coast NHA) is to enhance, conserve, and provides connectivity to cultural resources of a unique and defined area through identification, interpretation, and promotion. 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 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. 

The range for each grants application request starts at $500 and may not exceed $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 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2022 11 a.m. Monday, January 31, 2022 for those who have questions about the applications. For call-in information, email heritage@dmr.ms.gov.

Applications are available at dmr.ms.gov and msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 25, 2022.   

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.