Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Grants - Regional Planning and Development Councils

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) is a statewide initiative administered by the Rural Maryland Council (RMC) in coordination with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The Fund is designed to elevate the quality of life in rural areas of Maryland to meet or surpass statewide socioeconomic benchmarks by the year 2030. It aims to preserve the distinctive rural culture while promoting sustainable development. The RMPIF supports regional and intergovernmental collaboration and targets impactful investments in economic development, infrastructure, and community enrichment. By leveraging state funds, the program enables local and regional entities to attract additional non-state resources to achieve long-term rural development goals. The grant specifically supports the activities of Maryland’s five rural Regional Planning and Development Councils, each serving a three-county region with similar geographical and socioeconomic profiles. These councils are critical conduits for localized economic strategies, infrastructure enhancements, and public-private partnerships. Eligible applicants for this funding include the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, as well as other multicounty efforts in rural communities not served by the existing councils. Funding for Fiscal Year 2026 includes a total of $1,925,000 in General Funds, with each regional council eligible for up to $385,000 in grants. Award amounts are contingent upon available funds and are intended for use within the performance period from August 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Grantees are expected to adhere to their originally approved scope of work with only minor permissible adjustments. All funds not utilized by July 15, 2026, must be returned to the Rural Maryland Council. Grant recipients must also enter into a formal grant agreement and comply with reporting requirements, including interim and final performance and financial reports. Applications were accepted on a rolling basis from April 21, 2025, to August 1, 2026, though as of November 28, 2025, the application period is considered closed for the current cycle. Submissions were required to go through the Regional Councils' grant portal, accessible with a special access code available from the RMC. Reporting is done via this portal, with deadlines for interim reports on January 31, 2026, and final reports on July 15, 2026. Evaluation of applications is conducted by the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund Grant Review Board, particularly for submissions from areas not served by the five regional councils. The program places a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes such as job creation, business development, infrastructure improvements, and effective leveraging of public and private investment. For questions and administrative assistance, applicants were advised to contact Charlotte Davis, Executive Director of the Rural Maryland Council, at charlotte.davis@maryland.gov or (410) 841-5772. The RMPIF is part of Maryland's broader commitment to rural equity, prosperity, and sustainability, with future funding rounds anticipated given its recurring nature. Applicants should revisit the portal in spring 2026 for the next expected cycle.

Re-clean once more details are announced in early 2026