FY25 Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) Grants

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) is a grant initiative administered by the Rural Maryland Council, a state agency dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in rural areas through targeted investments and collaboration. MAERDAF supports rural-serving nonprofit organizations and community colleges that are actively engaged in regional and statewide planning, economic and community development, as well as agricultural and forestry education. This program aims to bolster the operational capacity of these organizations, helping them address diverse rural development challenges and forge new public-private partnerships to secure non-state funding. MAERDAF’s primary purpose is to strengthen nonprofit and educational infrastructure in Maryland’s rural communities. It achieves this by funding initiatives that align with long-term economic and community development goals. Funds are used to support planning, education, and technical assistance programs that foster sustainable development and business growth in agriculture and related sectors. The grant encourages organizations to enhance their capabilities in training, outreach, and service delivery to rural populations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that serve rural areas and focus on key areas such as planning, economic development, and agricultural or forestry education. Community colleges that provide workforce training and technical assistance targeted toward agricultural enterprises and small businesses are also encouraged to apply. These institutions must demonstrate a strong alignment with the program’s goals and a commitment to supporting rural communities. The MAERDAF application process is conducted in two phases. For the Fiscal Year 2026 cycle, the process opened on April 21, 2025. Phase I, requiring a Letter of Intent (LOI), closed on May 16, 2025. Applicants selected in Phase I were invited to submit a full application by July 11, 2025. Final awards will be announced during the week of August 18, 2025. All deadlines are tentative and subject to change, and applicants are advised to follow announcements by the Rural Maryland Council. Though the program details total funding allocated by the Maryland General Assembly—$6,000,000 for rural grants in Fiscal Year 2026—the exact award amounts per recipient or the number of awards is not disclosed. There is also no stated requirement for cost sharing or matching funds. Application forms, budget templates, and evaluation criteria were made available through the Rural Maryland Council’s website. The grant cycle is annual, with similar deadlines anticipated in early 2026. Applicants seeking guidance or additional information are directed to contact Megan D’Arcy at megan.darcy@maryland.gov or by phone at 410.841.2744 (office) or 667.458.9101 (cell). To stay informed about future opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to become members of the Rural Maryland Council and monitor updates through official channels.

Re-clean once more details are announced in early 2029