Community museums and archives in Manitoba can now set up heritage trusts and access provincial dollars that will match half of private donations.

After setting up a minimum of a $2,500 trust, eligible organizations can get up to $25,000 provincial dollars from the Manitoba Heritage Trust Program.

The program was announced late last year; a press conference was held today at St. Vital Museum to announce applications are now being accepted.

"The program will guarantee support of up to $5-million in matching grants, to provide one dollar for every two dollars raised for an organization's endowment fund, up to a maximum of $25,000 for organizations that raise $50,000," said Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton.

The province has entered a three-year agreement with the Winnipeg Foundation, which will administer the program in partnership with Manitoba's other 54 community foundations. The Winnipeg Foundation's Rick Frost said at a press conference today the program speaks not only to Manitoba's pioneering heritage but also to its strong traditions of philanthropy.

"Working closely with others across the province, we are looking forward to building long-term, sustainable support to support Manitoba's heritage organizations," said Frost.

The Winnipeg Foundation will be hosting an introductory information session for eligible organizations on April 19 in Winnipeg at the Viscount Gort Hotel.