State Grants

This program provides funding for paid internships at museums and historical organizations in Maryland, aimed at connecting students and recent graduates with professional experience while promoting diversity and mentorship in the cultural sector.

This funding opportunity provides $1,000 to Maryland public institutions to launch and implement citizen academies that promote civic education and community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-governmental organizations and private enterprises in the District of Columbia for replacing older diesel vehicles with zero-emission alternatives, aiming to reduce harmful air pollutants and improve public health.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to reduce lead exposure among children in high-risk communities in Washington, D.C., particularly targeting vulnerable populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and low-income residents.

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 program provides financial support to Massachusetts state agencies, higher education institutions, and quasi-public authorities for projects that reduce fossil fuel emissions and enhance renewable energy use in state-owned buildings.

This program provides financial assistance to irrigation districts and related entities in Idaho for repairing and improving aging water infrastructure to ensure sustainable water management and support the agricultural economy.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and local governments to promote education and outreach initiatives that reduce vessel sewage pollution in California's boating communities.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota to develop workforce training programs that help adults facing employment barriers secure jobs in the agriculture sector.

This funding opportunity supports the development and expansion of clinical training programs for health professionals in rural and underserved urban communities across Minnesota, aiming to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations delivering voluntary perinatal home visiting services in Indiana, helping them enhance their infrastructure to better serve expectant and new families.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations, hospitals, and health departments in Indiana to implement programs that review and address the causes of fetal and infant mortality, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for newborns.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to researchers at California public universities to study the impacts of cannabis legalization and inform public policy through academic research.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that advance the conservation of California's coastal waters, particularly benefiting local agencies, universities, nonprofits, and Native American tribes.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities in New York State for acquiring private forested land to create or expand community forests, enhancing public access and promoting environmental conservation.

This program provides funding to schools and local governments for tree planting projects that engage youth in environmental education and conservation efforts.

This funding opportunity is designed for not-for-profit organizations to provide support for individuals in New York State who are unable to make their own medical decisions and lack a legal surrogate, facilitating timely consent for medical treatment through a structured decision-making process.

This program provides funding to municipalities and non-profit organizations in New York that manage natural heritage collections, helping them enhance public education and maintain their living and preserved biological specimens.

This program provides funding to support the development and preservation of affordable housing in Hawaii County, targeting various income levels and housing types to increase accessibility for residents.