Upper Shore Micro Agricultural Grant Program

The Upper Shore Micro Agricultural Grant Program, currently in its fifth round, is a collaborative initiative by Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development in partnership with the Upper Shore Regional Council. The program is designed to strengthen and sustain agricultural businesses in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. Its goal is to provide targeted financial assistance that supports the expansion, diversification, and modernization of agricultural enterprises, contributing to a robust rural economy. This grant opportunity supports a wide range of project types. Eligible uses of funding include strategic marketing efforts, technology innovation or implementation, climate resiliency initiatives, business startup and expansion capital improvements, value-added production, agricultural research, animal welfare upgrades, and agritourism development. Projects must fall within these scopes to be considered for funding. Eligibility is limited to agricultural businesses located in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. Applicants must be actively engaged in the local farming community and demonstrate involvement in one or more categories such as crop or livestock production (including equine), agricultural product processing, agricultural education or support, agricultural cooperatives, timber production or processing, agritourism, or aquaculture. This focus ensures funds are directed toward stakeholders with an immediate and direct impact on the local agricultural economy. The total funding pool for fiscal year 2025 is approximately $64,000. Applicants may request between $2,500 and $10,000, and awards will be made on a competitive basis. The grant operates as a cost-reimbursable program, meaning applicants must first incur approved expenses and then submit documentation for reimbursement. Retroactive reimbursement is allowed for expenses incurred from October 2024 onward. Awardees must submit a final grant report by June 15, 2025. To apply, applicants must complete and submit an online application by 12:00 p.m. noon on February 10, 2025. Required documentation includes a project budget, proof of financial need (e.g., quotes, invoices, receipts), and organizational governance documents such as Articles of Incorporation or Operating Agreements. All submissions are reviewed by a committee during February 2025. Applicants will receive confirmation of submission and follow-up communications via email, including funding decisions. For questions or technical assistance, applicants can contact Rebecca Clark, Economic Development Administrator, at rclark@qac.org or call 410-604-2100. Technical assistance is available via email until January 20, 2025. The program does not specify if it will recur annually, so applicants are encouraged to adhere strictly to the current cycle timeline.

Submit before deadline; ensure accuracy of documentation; reimbursement only on approved costs; technical assistance available until Jan 20, 2025.