FY2026 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) – Rural

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund is a state administered grant program managed by the Rural Maryland Council. The program is designed to strengthen rural communities across Maryland by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations and community colleges that serve rural populations. Its overarching mission is to build organizational capacity and address a wide range of rural development challenges, including economic growth, workforce development, and agricultural and forestry education. The fund also emphasizes fostering partnerships that leverage additional non state funding sources to expand the reach and sustainability of supported initiatives. The program supports projects that address key rural priorities such as agriculture and forestry, energy, rural broadband expansion, youth engagement and leadership development, economic development, and community development. Examples of supported activities include agricultural education programs, value added food systems, forest industry development, energy efficiency and biomass initiatives, broadband expansion efforts, youth enrichment programming, workforce development, and housing or transportation improvements. While the program highlights these priority areas, it maintains flexibility and will consider any eligible application that contributes to rural development outcomes. Funding for the program is appropriated annually by the State of Maryland. For the current cycle, a total of 599735 dollars has been allocated, with individual awards capped at 45000 dollars. The program is highly competitive due to demand exceeding available funding. Grant funds may be used for a variety of project related expenses including consultant services, construction and renovation, vehicle purchase or rental, and reasonable meal costs tied to program activities. However, restrictions apply, including prohibitions on funding ongoing staff positions beyond limited indirect costs, land acquisition, fundraising activities, lobbying, purchase of commodities, and acquisition of live animals. Eligibility is limited to organizations that hold a 501c3 designation or similar and serve a regional or statewide rural constituency. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community colleges, career technology centers, regional councils, and libraries. Applicants must demonstrate good standing with the State of Maryland and provide required documentation such as a W9 form and proof of registration where applicable. Projects must serve more than one rural county and fall within a defined performance period running from August 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Only one application per organization is permitted per funding cycle. The application process consists of two phases. The first phase requires submission of a letter of intent, which serves as an initial screening mechanism. Selected applicants are then invited to submit a full application in the second phase. Applications must be submitted electronically through the designated grant portal. Supporting materials include organizational documentation, project descriptions, budgets, and evidence of eligibility compliance. The review process is conducted by an independent grant review board composed of senior state officials, and their decisions are final. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including organizational eligibility, clarity and feasibility of the proposed project, alignment with program priorities, demonstrated need, measurable outcomes, and the applicant’s capacity to successfully execute the project. Additional consideration is given to applicants that secure matching funds from non state sources and those that demonstrate strong community support through partnerships and letters of support. Preference is also given to locally serving community based organizations. The program follows a structured timeline with the application process opening in April, followed by a letter of intent deadline in mid May, a full application deadline in July, and award announcements in August. Selected grantees must execute a grant agreement within ninety days and comply with reporting requirements, including interim and final reports. Any unused funds must be returned by mid July of the following year. For further assistance, applicants may contact the Rural Maryland Council directly for administrative guidance.

Prioritize securing matching funds demonstrate measurable outcomes align with rural priorities and include strong partnerships and letters of support