Without a concerted effort, our state’s historic and cultural treasures are in danger of being lost to time, and the Minnesota Historical Society has announced that applications are now being accepted for the first round of Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants to support projects of enduring value for the cause of history and historic preservation across the state.
The grants are made possible by a 2009 appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund created with passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution in November 2008.
“This is a proud moment for the citizens of Minnesota. The Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants provide an unprecedented opportunity for nonprofit, government and educational organizations to modernize and revolutionize the way they preserve and share our history and cultural heritage,” said Britta Bloomberg, deputy state historic preservation officer, Minnesota Historical Society. “In this tough economy where many local history and historic preservation organizations are experiencing a decline in financial resources, these grants will provide new life for projects statewide and take them to the next level.”
For the past nine months, Society staff spent hundreds of hours meeting with partners in history and historic preservation to develop and fine-tune the grant application process. Their work has included the appointment of a 13-member panel to advise on policy and procedures as well as review applications and make award recommendations to the Society’s Executive Council.
The Society will award grants to nonprofit, tribes, educational and government organizations throughout Minnesota totaling $2.25 million for fiscal year 2010. The remaining $4.5 million will be awarded for fiscal year 2011.
Grant application deadlines vary according to the category and amount sought. Interested parties are encouraged to visit www.mnhs.org/legacy for complete details including the application and submission process.
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