Greenspace Equity Program Appraisal Grant

The Greenspace Equity Program Appraisal Grant is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources through its Land Acquisition and Planning division as part of the broader Greenspace Equity Program established by state legislation. The program is designed to improve public health and livability in overburdened and underserved communities by supporting the development and preservation of public greenspace. This specific grant round focuses on providing funding for preliminary activities necessary to support future land acquisition projects, particularly the completion of independent real estate appraisals. The purpose of the appraisal grant is to assist eligible applicants in obtaining professional, independent appraisals for properties they intend to acquire under a future Greenspace Equity Program acquisition grant round. These appraisals are a required preparatory step for applicants seeking funding in the subsequent fiscal year acquisition grant cycle. The program supports appraisal activities for properties that will ultimately be used for public greenspace purposes such as parks, community gardens, trails, urban farms, and other open space amenities that benefit underserved communities. Funding for this grant round is limited and competitive, with a total of up to one hundred thousand dollars available. Applicants may request funds to cover the costs associated with up to two independent appraisals conducted by certified general real estate appraisers. The appraisals must meet recognized professional standards, including compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Funds may only be used for appraisal-related expenses, and any unused funds must be returned to the program. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients are reimbursed for eligible costs after proper documentation is submitted. Eligible applicants include county governments, municipal governments, and qualifying land trusts that are located in or serve overburdened or underserved communities. Land trusts must meet specific criteria, such as qualifying under applicable federal tax provisions or maintaining agreements with recognized conservation entities. Projects must be located within eligible communities or in adjacent census tracts and must result in publicly accessible greenspace. Applicants are expected to demonstrate the capacity to manage, implement, and maintain the proposed project and to complete appraisal activities within the required timeline. Applications for this grant round opened in early April 2026 and are due on May 13, 2026. Applicants are required to submit a complete application and project agreement along with all supporting documentation via email. Following submission, applications undergo a competitive review process conducted by Department of Natural Resources staff, with input from the Greenspace Equity Advisory Board. Final funding decisions are subject to approval by the Maryland Board of Public Works. The program follows a structured timeline, with proposal review and advisory board presentations occurring between May and June, and final approval anticipated in July. Award notifications are issued after approval, and successful applicants are expected to complete appraisal work promptly in preparation for the subsequent acquisition grant cycle. The program anticipates a relatively short window between appraisal grant approval and the next acquisition grant application deadline, requiring applicants to be prepared to proceed quickly. Evaluation criteria include the extent to which the proposed acquisition will benefit overburdened or underserved communities, the conservation value of the property, and the applicant’s ability to maintain the land in perpetuity for public use. Awardees must use appraisal results to submit an acquisition application in the following grant round, ensuring continuity between planning and implementation phases within the Greenspace Equity Program.