Maryland Community Development Grants

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Baltimore area for immediate needs that help them effectively serve their communities.

The Chesapeake Oyster Innovation Award Program, offered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and supported by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, aims to increase knowledge of the value of oysters, advance technologies for increasing oyster populations or aquaculture production, and improve oyster population monitoring techniques. This program supports projects in Maryland and Virginia and welcomes requests from members of the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance, including community organizations and both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The grant awards up to $10,000, with applications due by September 19, 2024. Match is encouraged but not required.

The Transportation Alternative and Recreational Use FY25 Grant, administered by the Maryland State Highway Administration, aims to fund transportation alternative and recreational use projects within the state. This federal grant offers 80% reimbursable funds, requiring a 20% match from project sponsors. Projects should enhance the intermodal transportation system or support recreational trails and amenities. Approximately 60% of the funds are allocated to projects within the jurisdictions of three Maryland Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs): The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, National Capitol Region Transportation Planning Board, and Wilmington Area Planning Council. Eligible sponsors include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource and public land agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and 501c(3) non-profit agencies. Project sponsors are responsible for all aspects of their project, including design, management, construction, and maintenance.

This grant provides financial support to cultural organizations in the greater Baltimore area to enhance artistic excellence and foster community engagement through innovative arts programming.

Mini-grants are offered on a rolling monthly basis to support programmatic needs in various impact areas. These grants are aimed at local nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and government programs in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. The grants cover expenses such as technical assistance, capacity building, equipment purchases, and direct aid like pharmaceutical and food assistance. First-time applicants are limited to awards under $1,000 and may require additional vetting processes such as site visits. Grant renewed every year.

The City of Greenbelt Micro Grant is a resident-led, one-time, matching, reimbursable grant designed to foster community building and engage new individuals across neighborhoods. This initiative is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, aiming to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen connections within Greenbelt's diverse neighborhoods. The program's core objective is to create welcoming and inclusive opportunities for neighbors to connect, cultivate volunteerism, increase civic participation, and encourage lasting community engagement. The grant aligns with a broader strategic priority of empowering residents to take responsibility for building connections and addressing community needs, thereby strengthening the social fabric of Greenbelt. Target beneficiaries for the Micro Grant include incorporated neighborhood and community organizations, such as Homeowner Associations, Condominium Associations, GHI Co-ops, Apartment Complexes, and Community Coalitions, that are actively involved in improving or developing programs and activities for their local residential communities. The impact goals are centered around fostering stronger relationships between Greenbelt residents, increasing civic participation, and celebrating community spirit. Through resident-led projects, the grant seeks to create tangible improvements and social cohesion at the neighborhood level. The program prioritizes projects and activities that build community, encourage new or stronger relationships among residents, and foster authentic, inclusive connections. Key focuses include supporting social events, enhancing neighborhood communication, and improving the quality of life through community enhancement projects. Funding amounts vary by grant type: Community Event Grants are eligible for up to $500, Neighborhood Communication Grants for up to $750, and Community Enhancement Grants for up to $1,000. All projects require a minimum of five neighborhood residents to be involved and must provide a public benefit, be free to participate, and abide by City ordinances. The neighborhood's match must be 25% of the requested grant amount. Expected outcomes include a more connected and engaged Greenbelt community, an increase in volunteerism, and tangible improvements in neighborhood aesthetics and functionality. Measurable results would involve the number of residents participating in projects, the types and frequency of community events, the reach of communication efforts, and the completion of neighborhood improvement projects. The theory of change posits that by empowering residents with resources and supporting their initiatives, the grant will directly lead to a more vibrant, cohesive, and resilient community, capable of addressing its own needs and celebrating its unique character. This approach reinforces the city's commitment to resident-led development and sustained community well-being.

The City of Cumberland’s Community Development Department has launched a new Home Rehabilitation Grant program as part of its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. This program directly aligns with a foundational mission to reduce blight within the city limits. The initiative seeks to improve the overall quality of life and appearance of neighborhoods by addressing uninhabitable properties and fostering community development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are property owners within the city limits of Cumberland whose properties are currently uninhabitable. The program aims to encourage residents to rehabilitate these properties, thereby contributing to the broader goal of neighborhood revitalization. The impact goals are centered on reducing the number of blighted properties and enhancing the structural integrity and liveability of homes in the area. The program's priorities and focuses include providing 50% matching funds, up to $25,000, for eligible improvements. A key focus is on properties with an assessed value under $100,000, ensuring that the grants support a specific segment of the housing market that is often most in need of rehabilitation. The application process emphasizes a clear documentation of the property's current vacant and uninhabitable state, a detailed renovation plan, and proof of available matching funds. Expected outcomes include the successful rehabilitation of numerous properties, leading to a visible reduction in blight and an increase in safe, habitable homes. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of properties rehabilitated, the total investment leveraged by the matching funds, and the overall improvement in property values and neighborhood aesthetics. The program also encourages a timeline to completion, indicating an expectation of timely project execution.

This grant provides funding to state and local governments, non-profits, educational institutions, and local courts in Maryland to improve safety, permanency, and well-being for children in the foster care system.

The SFY 2025 Domestic Violence Unit Pilot Program (DVUP), funded by the State of Maryland through the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, aims to significantly reduce or minimize the time between the issuance of interim and temporary protective orders and their entry into the Maryland Electronic Telecommunications Enforcement Resource System/National Crime Information Center (METERS/NCIC). This initiative supports the office's objective of enhancing the availability and speed of information to support data-driven approaches to criminal justice issues in Maryland. The program has been institutionalized by the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy and continues to offer grants to local law enforcement agencies to enhance service efforts and ensure compliance with Family Law Article sections. The program anticipates making no more than 10 awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for the fiscal year 2025.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Grant, facilitated by the Rural Maryland Council, is accepting applications for its 2025 Regional Planning and Development Councils initiative. The overarching mission of RMPIF is to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to meet or exceed statewide benchmarks by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural lifestyle. This grant program is a strategic investment designed to bolster economic and community development, foster regional and intergovernmental cooperation, and enable local and nonprofit organizations to attract additional non-state resources for sustainable rural development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the five established regional planning and development councils: the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, and Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Additionally, multi-county efforts serving rural communities not covered by these councils are also eligible. The impact goals are broad, aiming to increase entrepreneurial activity, reduce unemployment and underemployment, retain valuable farm and forest land, and generally enhance the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunities, and general welfare of rural residents. The program prioritizes several key areas: encouraging a balanced economy, promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public/private partnerships, enhancing infrastructure for housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications, and supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The grant specifically provides funding for projects and activities undertaken by the regional councils and other multi-county initiatives, with approved grant agreements reflecting strategic needs identified within the rural communities. Expected outcomes include stronger and more effective rural regions, the creation of economic development strategies, preservation and assistance for agricultural and resource-based industries, successful acquisition of federal funding for infrastructure, coordinated regional transportation projects (including public transit), and the development of support for diverse public policy initiatives. Each regional council is eligible to receive $600,000 in FY2025 for rural regional planning and development assistance, providing measurable financial support to achieve these objectives. The Rural Maryland Council's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that by investing in regional cooperation and targeted development, rural areas can achieve sustainable growth and a higher quality of life, ultimately benefiting the entire state.

The City of Greenbelt's Tree Canopy grant program offers one-time, reimbursable grants to homeowners and community organizations for the purchase and planting or replacement of trees. This initiative directly aligns with the City's mission to enhance its iconic tree canopy, addressing issues caused by storm damage, disease, and invasive insects. While not explicitly stating a "foundation mission," the grant's purpose of increasing density and resiliency of the tree canopy reflects a strategic priority for urban environmental health and sustainability within the City of Greenbelt. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are civic, neighborhood, community, and homeowner organizations, as well as apartment complexes and Greenbelt residential homeowners. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including mitigating the effects of environmental damage on trees, promoting green infrastructure, and enhancing the overall aesthetic and ecological value of the urban landscape. By supporting the planting and replacement of trees, the grant contributes to a healthier environment for residents and a more robust ecosystem. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to the increase of the City's tree canopy density and resiliency. Funding, provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), can be used for purchasing, installing, staking, and mulching trees. This focus indicates a strategic priority on practical and tangible tree-planting efforts. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial assistance for tree acquisition and installation, the City can incentivize and empower its residents and organizations to actively participate in strengthening the local tree canopy. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of healthy trees across Greenbelt, particularly in areas affected by damage or disease. Measurable results will likely include the number of trees planted or replaced, the types of trees planted, and the number of participating organizations and homeowners. Applicants are required to provide a written cost estimate for trees with a one-year guarantee, a maintenance and survivability plan, and a project budget, which suggests an emphasis on the long-term success and accountability of the planting initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports tree planting projects in urban, underserved communities in Maryland, aiming to improve livability and address climate change, with eligible applicants including nonprofits, schools, and local governments.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to or beyond statewide averages by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural way of life. The fund, overseen by the Rural Maryland Council, provides targeted investments in economic and community development programs. This aligns with a broader mission to encourage entrepreneurial activity, foster a balanced economy, and relieve unemployment and underemployment in rural areas, ultimately promoting the overall health and welfare of rural residents across the State. RMPIF targets all rural counties in Maryland, benefiting local governments, higher education institutions, regional councils, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving rural constituencies. The core impact goal is to facilitate sustainable rural development by enabling these organizations to leverage additional non-state resources. Key priorities include the retention of valuable farm and forest land, promotion of intergovernmental and public-private partnerships, enhancement of essential infrastructure (housing, transportation, water, wastewater, broadband), and support for rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The program's expected outcomes include increased entrepreneurial activity and commerce, a reduction in unemployment and underemployment, the productive use of farm and forest land, and improved infrastructure and services in rural areas. Measurable results for Fiscal Year 2025 include a State budget of $1,500,000 in General Funds specifically allocated for the entrepreneurship portion of the RMPIF program. The fund's theory of change posits that strategic investments and collaborative efforts will lead to a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for rural Maryland, directly contributing to the well-being and economic stability of its residents. Eligible expenditures for RMPIF include salaries and wages, administrative costs (construction, leasing, renovation of buildings, purchase/rental of vehicles, equipment), and reasonable meal costs with justification. Administrative expenses, however, are capped at 25% of the grant request, and indirect administrative costs at 10%. Acquisition of land is not an eligible expense. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a statement on sustainability for future years, ensuring the long-term impact and viability of the funded initiatives.

The Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program is a funding initiative by the Chesapeake Bay Trust that supports projects by various organizations to address environmental and public health issues through education, small-scale greening, and large-scale restoration in specific areas affected by wastewater treatment plants and energy companies.

The Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Initiative aims to strengthen regional economies by investing in energy resilience through research and planning grants, and implementation grants. The initiative focuses on establishing a regional energy hub for natural gas and natural gas liquids, including hydrogen production. Eligible applicants include local development districts, Indian Tribes, states, counties, cities, and higher education institutions, among others. The total funding available is $5 million, with a grant proposal due by July 24, 2024.

This program provides financial assistance to qualified homeowners in Mount Rainier, Maryland, for essential home repairs and improvements to enhance safety and comfort.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential health, education, and financial stability services to residents of Kent County, Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Chesapeake & Coastal Service (CCS) offers grants to support the sustainable development and use of Maryland waterways. Funded by the Waterway Improvement Fund (WIF), the program supports projects that improve and promote the recreational and commercial capabilities, conditions, and safety of Maryland’s waterways. Eligible applicants, including county, town, or city governments and state or federal agencies, can apply for projects such as constructing or maintaining public boating facilities, dredging channels, and purchasing fire/rescue vessels. Applications are due by September 18, 2024, with funding available starting July 1, 2025.

Name of Funding Organization: Cecil County, Maryland Contact Information: Not provided in the input Grant Program: FY24 Cecil County Route 40 Revitalization Grant Program Intent: The grant aims to assist businesses and organizations located along the Route 40 corridor in Cecil County, Maryland to improve their exterior visual appearance and function. The goal is to enhance the overall visual appearance and increase utilization of these businesses and organizations. Award Details: The maximum award per grant application is $25,000. Grant funds are intended to be used for exterior improvement projects visible from Route 40. Up to 20% of the grant funds may be used for specified interior improvements with prior approval. All funding is contingent upon funding from the State of Maryland and approval of Cecil County Council. Eligibility: Businesses and organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, located within Cecil County along the Route 40 corridor with a Route 40/Pulaski Highway address are eligible to apply. Applicants must be in good standing with the IRS, State of Maryland, and Cecil County. Other Relevant Information: - Applicants must match the funds they are applying for. - Project designs must be approved by Cecil County Government. - Demolition of derelict structures visible from Route 40 will be considered. - Disbursement of grant funding will only be made on a reimbursement basis. - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting January 1, 2024. - Grant funds must be expended by June 30, 2024. Eligible Activities: Signage, Lighting, Roofing, Siding, Painting, Entrance, Porch/Deck, Fencing, Landscaping/Hardscaping, Sidewalks, Driveway, Parking, ADA Ramp, Demolition Ineligible Activities: Improvements to primary residence, Interior renovations, Improvements not visible from Route 40, Trash Removal Project Evaluation: The Grant Review Committee will evaluate applications based on criteria such as completeness, enhanced visual appearance from Route 40, stability of business/organization, positive impact on the business and community, clear explanation of how grant funds will be used, adherence to maximum limit of $25,000, identification of matching funds sources, preference