African American Heritage Preservation Program and Grant Fund - Noncapital Grants and Donations

HB 1010 modifies Maryland's African American Heritage Preservation Program to allow funding for noncapital projects, such as cultural preservation and education initiatives, rather than capital projects like building construction. The bill establishes that the AAHP Grant Fund may accept grants and donations, requires an annual $5 million state appropriation, and limits individual or organizational grants to $500,000. It directs the Trust and Commission to competitively review applications for projects that preserve or share African American history and culture, considering factors like public urgency and geographic diversity. This change directly affects nonprofits, local governments, and community groups seeking funding for cultural programs, not physical infrastructure. The bill does not alter the program's existing administration by the Trust and Commission.