Regional Infrastructure 2026

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund is administered by the Rural Maryland Council, a state-level entity responsible for advancing economic development, infrastructure, and quality of life across rural regions of Maryland. The Council operates as a coordinating body that manages grant intake, facilitates application review, and distributes funding in alignment with statewide rural investment priorities. Final funding decisions are made by the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund Grant Review Board, which includes leadership from multiple state departments such as agriculture, commerce, health, housing, and natural resources. This cross-agency governance structure ensures that awards reflect a balanced and comprehensive evaluation of rural development needs. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to strengthen the organizational capacity of nonprofit entities, community colleges, and regional partners that serve rural populations. The program emphasizes the creation of public and private partnerships that leverage additional funding sources beyond state contributions. Supported initiatives are expected to address key rural challenges, including economic development, workforce training, agricultural and forestry education, infrastructure expansion, broadband access, housing development, and energy innovation. Projects must demonstrate measurable impact and align with strategic priorities such as entrepreneurship support, poverty reduction, transportation access, and community revitalization. Funding for this cycle totals 599735 dollars, with individual grant awards capped at 45000 dollars. While no explicit minimum award is defined, applicants are expected to propose scalable projects within this maximum threshold. Allowable expenditures include construction and renovation activities, consultant services, equipment and vehicle purchases or rentals, and certain operational costs such as meeting expenses when justified. Indirect costs are permitted but may not exceed 15 percent of the total award. The program prohibits use of funds for fundraising activities, lobbying, land acquisition, live animal purchases, commodity purchases, or redistribution as sub-awards. Eligibility is restricted to organizations that hold a 501(c)(3) designation or equivalent and serve rural communities on a regional or statewide basis. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community colleges, career and technical education centers, regional councils, and libraries. Applicants must be in good standing with the State of Maryland and must provide required documentation such as a W-9 form and proof of registration where applicable. Projects must serve more than one rural county and fall within the defined performance period of 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 by May 15, 2026. Applicants selected through this initial screening will be invited to submit a full application by July 10, 2026. All submissions must be completed electronically through the designated grant platform. Required application materials include a detailed project budget, measurable objectives, organizational documentation, proof of eligibility, and supporting evidence of partnerships and need. The review process evaluates applications based on criteria such as demonstrated community need, clarity of project scope, organizational capacity, measurable outcomes, and alignment with program priorities. Key dates for the funding cycle include the opening of the application process on April 20, 2026, notification of Letter of Intent decisions during the week of June 8, 2026, and final award announcements during the week of August 17, 2026. Successful applicants must execute a grant agreement within ninety days of issuance. Grantees are required to maintain detailed records and submit interim and final reports documenting progress and expenditures. Any unused funds must be returned by July 15, 2027. This program is offered annually, providing recurring opportunities for eligible organizations to support long-term rural development goals. For administrative questions, applicants may contact the Rural Maryland Council Executive Director at charlotte.davis@maryland.gov or by phone at 410 841 5772.

Strongly emphasize measurable outcomes, multi county impact, and partnerships; demonstrate alignment with rural priorities and include matching funds where possible