Funding Available for Local Heritage Projects

The Lower Mississippi Delta Region is the cradle of rich multi-cultural traditions, brimming with stories and sites that testify to both our nation’s diversity and to its struggles. Helping preserve the region’s historic and cultural treasures is the focus of the Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative (LMDI).

Last year’s grants supported 12 projects throughout the Delta Region, including the creation of an exhibit that brings to light the role of women in the Ozark Frontier between 1800 and World War II; restoration of the Beulah Cemetery, a final resting place for members of Vicksburg, MS, African American community; and a film featuring Duncan Morgan, a brick mason from Natchez, MS, who has worked for decades to preserve historic structures in his community.

Now, LMDI is proud to announce its latest round of Local Heritage Grants for small-scale cultural heritage projects in the Delta Region. Beginning April 15, 2024, applicants are invited to apply for grants of $25,000 or less. Appropriated by Congress, these funds are provided through the National Park Service with the aim of protecting, preserving and interpreting the irreplaceable cultural assets of local communities, especially those that highlight the legacy of historically underrepresented populations.

Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2024. Eligible recipients include not-for-profit organizations that are exempt from federal income tax, including:

• Organizations with preservation, conservation, cultural, historical, or archeological missions
• Tribal groups, organizations, and institutions
• Historically Black colleges and universities

For details on projects and additional organization types that are eligible for funding, please download LMDI’s 2024 Call for Proposals.

To learn more about the Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative, including examples of the 240+ projects that have been funded so far, click here.

For additional information about this grant opportunity, register here to join an optional webinar on April 24 at 10 AM CDT.  Registrants will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the call in advance of that date.