Community Development Grants

The Community Parks and Playgrounds Program (CPP), administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides funding to assist Maryland’s incorporated municipalities and Baltimore City in developing and enhancing public parks and green spaces. This initiative is grounded in the state’s commitment to improving access to outdoor recreational areas, particularly for children and underserved communities. Funded primarily through Maryland’s State General Obligation Bonds, the program supports both the revitalization of existing parks and the creation of new public recreation spaces. These investments aim to promote community well-being, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to recreational infrastructure. The CPP program accepts project proposals from incorporated municipalities and Baltimore City for a broad range of eligible activities. These include the development of new parks, rehabilitation or expansion of existing park infrastructure, installation of playground equipment, creation of nature-oriented recreational features, development of trails and water access points, and acquisition of land intended for new parks. While land acquisition projects are eligible, the program prioritizes capital investments directly tied to park development and improvement. In addition, inclusive playground projects are encouraged and should follow guidance issued by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and Department of Disabilities. Applicants must meet several requirements to be considered eligible. Projects must comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws, be publicly accessible, and remain open without discrimination. The applicant must have legal rights to develop the proposed site, demonstrate readiness to proceed promptly following state approval, and ensure the project's longevity—development projects must remain functional for at least 20 years. Furthermore, applicants must show capacity for long-term project maintenance. For projects involving land acquisition, two independent appraisals are required, and properties acquired must remain in public recreational use in perpetuity. The proposal review and selection process is competitive. DNR staff evaluate each application based on alignment with program goals, compliance with eligibility requirements, and prior grant performance. Projects recommended by the DNR are submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for possible inclusion in the Governor’s budget proposal. Upon legislative approval, the projects proceed to the Board of Public Works and the State Clearinghouse for final authorization. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, although in some cases, advance payment may be considered after state approval. Applications for FY 2027 are due by Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Submissions must be sent via email to laplocalgrants.dnr@maryland.gov, and applicants are encouraged to consult with their assigned Program Administrator before submission to ensure eligibility and completeness. DNR staff will also host two virtual grant workshops via Google Meet to support applicants—on June 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and July 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Award notifications are expected to be issued in May or June 2026, contingent upon state budget approval. Contact information is provided for three regional program administrators: Tiffany DePaoli (tiffanyr.depaoli@maryland.gov | 667-270-0786), Katelyn Mayberry (kate.mayberry@maryland.gov | 443-883-5800), and Michael McQuarrie (michael.mcquarrie@maryland.gov | 410-279-8147). Each administrator is responsible for specific counties and applicants are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate contact for support. Further information and updates are available on the program’s official website.

This funding opportunity supports local and state agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations in southeastern Michigan, to implement evidence-based mental health services for adults aged 22 and older.

This initiative provides $50,000 financial gifts to Black individuals in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota who are descendants of enslaved Africans, aimed at fostering intergenerational wealth and self-determined prosperity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that enhance recreational access and visitor experiences on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, targeting state and local governments, Tribal organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community-based groups across the U.S. to create significant positive impacts in areas like education, health, arts, and social services.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Hawaii for programs that enhance community well-being in areas such as health, education, and the arts, with a focus on projects that directly benefit residents.

This grant provides $45,000 to a nonprofit organization in New Mexico that has a proven track record of impactful community service, specifically benefiting the Greater Albuquerque Metro Area.

This funding opportunity supports Philadelphia-based organizations and community groups with innovative strategies to protect urban gardens from development, particularly in neighborhoods facing poverty and racial inequity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts and culture organizations in the Philadelphia region to improve their facilities, making them more accessible and inclusive for historically marginalized communities.

This grant provides financial support for innovative projects that assist individuals with disabilities or address charitable needs within Newaygo County, Michigan.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Philadelphia that aim to improve civic engagement and strengthen the relationship between residents and local government.

This program provides competitive funding to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and individuals for the preservation and enhancement of sites significant to the African American experience in Maryland.

This program provides funding and support to small business owners across the U.S. to help them grow and strengthen their operations through a virtual accelerator and grant opportunities.

This funding opportunity is designed for small marketing firms in Northeastern Pennsylvania to develop and implement communication strategies that promote free mental health services for underserved communities.

This funding opportunity supports BIPOC leaders and organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington that focus on advancing equity, health, and justice for disabled, neurodivergent, and d/Deaf communities.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve the health, well-being, and social engagement of older adults in Newaygo County, Michigan, through intergenerational initiatives and community involvement.

This funding opportunity supports licensed child care centers in four Georgia counties to implement farm-to-early care practices, enhancing nutrition and agricultural education for children aged 0 to 5.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community-based groups in King County, Washington, to help families access culturally responsive services for children from prenatal to age five, particularly those facing systemic barriers.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Philadelphia and Camden to develop and implement plans that increase and improve green spaces in underserved urban neighborhoods, prioritizing local resident engagement and addressing environmental disparities.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Philadelphia and Camden that create outdoor programs to engage communities in parks, trails, and waterways, promoting physical activity and environmental stewardship.