AARCH Society Secures $250K in Grants

Spring 2024 Grants for AARCH Society

The African American Resources, Cultural and Heritage Society (AARCH Society) is honored to announce three grants in 2024 that support our mission to educate, enlighten, and enrich current and future generations on the rich contributions of Frederick County’s African Americans.

Omnibus Spending Bill Grant

AARCH Society has received grant funding from the federal government to support efforts to provide community, national and global access to 200 years of African American life in Frederick County, Md., through digitizing portions of our historical collection. We are grateful for the support of Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) who supported the award of $162,000 through the fiscal year 2024 Omnibus Spending bill. Learn more here.

Reparations Grant

AARCH Society has secured a 2024 grant for $50,000 from the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland’s Reparations Program. We are honored to be one of five organizations chosen as this year’s recipients. The program is open to applicants within the Diocese’s region of service that “have a proven history of doing the work of restoring African American and Black communities.” Learn more here.

Equity and Inclusion Splash Grant

The City of Frederick has awarded AARCH Society $30,000 to support virtual exhibits and displays about civil rights and activism. These funds will support the AARCH Society’s plans and installations at the African American Heritage Center slated to open in 2025 at 125 All Saint’s Street in the historic district of Frederick, Md. The City of Frederick is a valued partner of the AARCH Society, and we are deeply appreciative of the numerous ways they have supported our Heritage Center efforts.

FirstEnergy Foundation Grant

AARCH Society was awarded $10,000 from the FirstEnergy Foundation. These grant funds support education initiatives and local and regional economic development in Frederick County, Md., including tourism. The Foundation’s vision is to invest in transformative organizations that enhance the vitality, sustainability and diversity of the communities it serves. AARCH Society is grateful for FirstEnergy Foundation’s continued support of our work to celebrate and educate others on the diverse cultures that have contributed to Frederick, Md., through the centuries.

Grants are an important way that AARCH Society is working toward opening the African American Heritage Center, Frederick County’s first museum and educational center dedicated to the history and contributions made by Black citizens of Frederick County, MD.