The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) is an initiative of the Rural Maryland Council, aimed at elevating the quality of life in Maryland’s rural communities to match or exceed statewide standards by 2030. It supports comprehensive economic and community development through substantial investment in targeted sectors including health care, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship. The fund is designed to foster regional and intergovernmental cooperation, enabling public and nonprofit entities to attract additional resources while addressing long-term rural development goals. The FY2026 funding cycle allocated $981,250 in General Funds specifically for rural health initiatives, with future rounds expected to open in early 2026.
The RMPIF program targets projects that enhance access to healthcare services in rural areas, which often suffer from provider shortages and long travel distances for residents. Eligible health projects include telemedicine expansion, recruitment and retention of health professionals, behavioral and mental health services, chronic disease management, oral health initiatives, and maternal and child health programming. Projects must be regional (covering two or more counties), statewide, or intergovernmental in nature, and should be completed between August 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Applicants must be either local governments, regional councils, institutes of higher education, or nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) or similar designation serving rural constituencies. Eligibility extends to federally qualified health centers, area health education centers, and similar rural-serving entities, including those not physically located in rural areas. A minimum 50% cash match from non-state sources is mandatory. Administrative and capital costs are allowable with caps, while advocacy, fundraising, and supplanting existing funding are strictly prohibited.
The two-phase application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI), which was due May 16, 2025. Selected applicants were invited to submit a full proposal by July 11, 2025, with award notifications released the week of August 18, 2025. The RMPIF does not permit late submissions. All applications must be submitted via the online portal at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ruralmaryland. Required documentation includes an IRS W-9 form, a status screenshot from Maryland Business Express showing the organization’s good standing, and letters of support.
Award determinations are made by the independent MAERDAF Grant Review Board, consisting of representatives from several state departments and the Rural Maryland Council. The evaluation criteria include program need, feasibility, regional impact, measurable goals, organizational capacity, and community support. Reporting is required mid-cycle and at closeout, and grantees must acknowledge RMC support in all related communications. Projects may be adjusted slightly post-award but must adhere to the original intent and scope unless explicitly approved.
Re-clean once more details are announced in early 2028
