Maryland Community Development Grants

This funding program provides financial support to organizations in Prince George's County that assist domestic violence survivors with housing, legal services, workforce development, and mental health support.

The Mini Grants program, offered by the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, is designed to bolster arts programming delivered by nonprofits or community organizations. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support the arts by addressing community needs and benefiting underserved audiences within Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The program acts as a critical resource for local organizations, fostering cultural engagement and artistic expression across the region. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are underserved audiences and communities within Anne Arundel County who will benefit from increased access to arts programming. The program aims to empower local nonprofits and community organizations to produce or present public arts programming that might otherwise be unfeasible due to funding constraints. The impact goal is to enrich the cultural landscape of Anne Arundel County by ensuring a diverse range of artistic activities are available and accessible to its residents, particularly those who are often overlooked. A key priority of the Mini Grants program is to encourage partnerships among organizations, with a 1:1 cash match requirement underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts and shared investment in arts initiatives. The program focuses on organizations incorporated as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or those with a significant physical presence in Anne Arundel County, ensuring that funding directly supports local entities dedicated to the arts. Eligibility criteria further emphasize a history of operation and a clear focus on arts activities within the county, ensuring that grant funds are allocated to established and committed organizations. The expected outcomes of the Mini Grants program include an increase in the quantity and quality of arts programming available to Anne Arundel County residents, particularly for underserved groups. Measurable results could include the number of unique arts programs supported, the size of the audiences reached, and the number of organizational partnerships fostered. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on local impact and community engagement through the arts. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial support and encouraging partnerships, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County can stimulate a more vibrant, inclusive, and accessible arts ecosystem that benefits the entire community.

The Catonsville Women’s Giving Circle (CWGC) is dedicated to enhancing philanthropy to support a thriving and equitable Catonsville community. This mission alignment is evident in their grant program, which specifically targets organizations located in and serving citizens of the greater Catonsville area. The giving circle's strategic priority is to foster local community well-being through direct financial support to eligible non-profit entities. The target beneficiaries of the CWGC's grants are the citizens of the greater Catonsville area, with an emphasis on creating a more equitable community. The impact goal is to strengthen the local social fabric by empowering organizations that directly address community needs. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the implicit expected outcome is an improved quality of life and increased community resources within Catonsville, driven by the funded projects. The primary focus and priority of the CWGC grant program is geographical, ensuring that all funding directly benefits the Catonsville area. Eligibility criteria reinforce this, requiring grant applicants to be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations either physically located in or actively serving the citizens of Catonsville. This localized approach is central to their theory of change, which posits that targeted philanthropic investment within a specific community can lead to significant positive change and increased equity. In essence, the CWGC operates on a strategic priority of community-centric giving. By focusing on local non-profits and the Catonsville community, they aim to create a ripple effect where each grant contributes to a more vibrant and equitable local environment. While the grant size and duration are not specified, the clear guidelines for applicant eligibility and service area underscore a well-defined approach to achieving their philanthropic goals within their chosen community.

The ODAC Grant Program, part of the SFY 2025 initiative by the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, is designed to decrease the number of fatal and non-fatal overdoses stemming from substance use. The program emphasizes the coordination of law enforcement and public health efforts to combat the substance abuse epidemic through enhanced investigative strategies, data sharing, and community outreach. The ODAC initiative aligns with the state's goals to improve public health and safety by addressing the root causes of drug abuse and facilitating access to treatment and support services.

This program provides funding to various organizations and community groups in Maryland to plant and maintain trees, improving urban environments and combating climate change.

This grant provides Maryland counties and municipalities with resources and incentives to promote economic growth and cultural development through the establishment of designated arts and entertainment districts.

The SFY 2024 PSNM Grant aims to support local law enforcement and partnering agencies in developing, implementing, and supporting anti-gang and violent crime enforcement strategies across Maryland. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to enhance public safety by fostering partnerships among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community leaders to develop comprehensive solutions for violent crime problems.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides the Main Street Improvement Program (MIP) Grant, designed to bolster community revitalization and economic development in Maryland's designated and affiliate Main Street communities, as well as Baltimore City's designated Main Street neighborhoods. This program aligns with the DHCD's broader mission of fostering sustainable communities throughout the state by building local capacity and supporting initiatives that contribute to economic growth and community well-being. The grants aim to empower these communities to achieve their strategic goals, as outlined in their annual work plans, directly contributing to the transformation strategies of these areas. The target beneficiaries of the MIP Grant are the 34 designated and 9 affiliate Main Street Maryland communities, along with 8 Baltimore City's designated Main Street neighborhoods. The impact goals are centered on improving business districts, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the overall vitality of these communities. By providing financial assistance, the program seeks to facilitate a range of activities that will lead to tangible improvements and sustainable growth within these designated areas. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting established Main Street programs, recognizing their proven framework for community development. The program prioritizes activities that have been identified in the applicant's work plans as key to their Main Street efforts. Eligible activities are broad and include staff and consultant services, general operating expenses, market and business recruitment strategies, street furniture, advertising, and façade improvements. This flexibility ensures that communities can address their unique needs and challenges. The grants are intended to directly support the goals and outcomes of annual work plans and contribute to the community's transformation strategy. All projects and activities funded are expected to be completed within one year, encouraging timely and efficient implementation. Expected outcomes include enhanced business districts, increased economic activity, improved community aesthetics, and strengthened organizational capacity within the Main Street programs. While specific measurable results like job creation numbers or increased sales figures are not explicitly detailed as requirements for this summary, the allocation of funds to specific Main Street categories ($25,000 for Designated Main Street Maryland Communities, $10,000 for Main Street Maryland Affiliates, and $8,000 for Baltimore City Main Street Neighborhoods) provides a clear framework for resource distribution. The absence of a funding match requirement further facilitates access for eligible communities, simplifying the application and implementation process and accelerating their progress towards revitalization goals.

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant, under the City of Greenbelt Micro Grant program, supports projects aimed at improving neighborhood quality of life. This includes beautification projects, clean-ups, gardening projects, minor park improvements, tree planting, public art, and other similar activities. The goal is to encourage community collaboration and enhance neighborhood environments. Grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, with a maximum of $1,000 per project. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2024, with funds disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Eligible applicants include community and neighborhood organizations registered with SAM.gov. Applications are due by August 30, 2024, at 4:55 pm. Organizations awarded grants in Fiscal Year 2024 are not eligible to apply.

The Recovery Friendly Workplace Pilot Program, launched by the Maryland Department of Labor, aims to create a supportive environment for employees recovering from substance use disorders. The program encourages employers to adopt workplace policies that assist in employee recovery, provides stigma-reducing education, and facilitates research on recovery-friendly practices. It seeks to promote workplace well-being and recovery for employees and their families while fostering community awareness.

Grant Opportunity: Community Foundation of Frederick County Rolling Grants Funding Organization: The Community Foundation of Frederick County Contact Information: For questions, email community.impact@FrederickCountyGives.org or call 301.695.7660. Award Details: The Rolling Grant program provides grants for any purpose, including a wide range of field of interest and special purpose funds, and support for individuals served by nonprofits or government agencies. The minimum grant request is $500, and the maximum request varies by fund. Grants must provide direct benefits to Frederick County, Maryland residents unless otherwise noted in the fund description. Eligibility: Eligible organizations include already existing nonprofit 501c3 organizations in good standing with the IRS, government/quasi-governmental agencies applying for extraordinary projects not funded by tax revenue, religious organizations requesting funding for non-sectarian activities, and civic groups that are not 501c3 organizations requesting funding for a community cause. All applicants must meet Maryland's nonprofit requirements. Application Process: Organizations can submit grant applications through Foundant, the online grants management system used by The Community Foundation. Multiple applications are permitted, with one application per fund to which the organization is applying. Additional Information: Applications can be modified until the application deadline. Grant funds are generally disbursed in full during the first month of the grant period, except for civic organizations that receive reimbursement based on proof of expense and addressing the approved community cause. Variance requests to modify budget or program services can be made before the end of the grant period but require approval from the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees. Multi-year funding is not provided at this time. For more information and to access the application portal, visit this link: [https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?ReturnUrl=%2fProcess%2fShortLinkApply%3fprocessGuid%3ddf0970bb-29dc-4f89-a69a-b5e2e780c6dd%26UrlKey%3dfrederickcounty&processGuid=df0970bb-29dc-4f89-a69a-b5e2e780c6dd&UrlKey=frederickcounty]

ACCESS GRANTED is a grant initiative aimed at supporting and empowering small minority and/or women-owned businesses in Frederick, Maryland. The program targets both start-ups and established businesses needing capital for specific projects that will promote business growth. The City of Frederick has allocated $400,000 for these grants, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act's State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA-SLFRF). Eligible businesses can apply for up to $40,000 to cover project costs such as equipment, renovations, inventory, professional services, marketing, and more. The goal is to enhance revenue, profitability, and business opportunities without replacing lost revenues. The application process for ACCESS GRANTED opens on July 15, 2024, and closes on August 12, 2024. Applications will be reviewed competitively, with awards distributed by early fall 2024. To be eligible, businesses must be registered for-profit entities in Maryland, in good standing, and have no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees. Preferences will be given to minority and women-owned businesses located within The City of Frederick. Award recipients must submit interim and final reports on the project's impact.

The Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants program, overseen by the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, is designed to stimulate community revitalization and economic growth within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of enriching cultural tourism and improving community economic health through the thoughtful reinvestment in and preservation of historic downtown commercial properties. By fostering renewed interest in shopping, working, and living downtown, the program seeks to leverage historic preservation practices as a catalyst for local economic vitality. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property owners or tenants of commercially-zoned properties within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. The program specifically targets buildings that are at least 50 years old and contribute to the significance of the local Main Street district, with some exceptions for newer buildings meeting National Register criteria for exceptional significance. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical and economic health of these historic districts, ensuring the preservation of their architectural heritage while simultaneously promoting a vibrant commercial environment. The grant prioritizes exterior improvements that visually and economically contribute to revitalization, such as restoring or replicating original interior architectural features. It also supports the installation or repair of fire suppression systems for commercial ground-floor spaces or new upper-story income-producing residential developments in historic commercial buildings. A unique focus includes parapet lighting, utilizing commercial-grade white or color LED lights to create a festive atmosphere across adjoining buildings for at least one block, and the restoration of historically significant signage or theater marquees. New commercial signage is explicitly not supported. Expected outcomes include enhanced aesthetic appeal and functionality of historic commercial properties, increased community engagement and interest in downtown areas, and ultimately, a stronger local economy. Measurable results could include the number of properties restored, the amount of private investment leveraged by grant funds, an increase in foot traffic or commercial activity, and the sustained use of historic buildings. The program’s strategic approach centers on utilizing historic preservation as a core economic development tool, reflecting a theory of change that posits by investing in the physical fabric of historic downtowns, communities can unlock broader economic and cultural benefits, making these areas more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

The SFY 2025 Adult Day Reporting Center Grant Program (DRCE), funded by the State of Maryland through the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, aims to support local jurisdictions in implementing or enhancing Adult Day Reporting Centers. These centers provide community-based services and treatment to individuals under pretrial or probation supervision or those sentenced directly to a Day Reporting Center. The primary goal is to reduce recidivism, jail and prison populations, and corrections-related costs by offering a comprehensive range of services, including counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, drug treatment, educational remediation, job training, and intensive supervision. The program targets non-violent individuals and focuses on addressing criminogenic needs such as substance use, anger management, employment, education, and life skills. The Governor's Office anticipates awarding up to three grants, ranging between $90,000 to $270,000, to support these efforts.

Seeking to foster deeper connections with nature among a range of constituencies, the Foundation invests in environmental programs that focus on education and/or stewardship. In the environmental education area, the Foundation’s emphasis is on high quality programs that promote hands-on experiential activities in formal and informal K-12 educational settings to increase time spent outside in nature for youth. In the environmental stewardship area, the Foundation seeks to support the maintenance and expansion of green spaces, including parks and farms, in under-resourced neighborhoods. The Foundation’s environmental grantmaking is limited to the Baltimore metropolitan region. The Foundation typically provides funding for general operations and/or programming, but not capital needs.

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) provides grants to rural-serving nonprofit organizations, as well as rural community colleges, that promote statewide and regional planning, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education. The core mission of this program is to increase the overall capacity of these organizations and community colleges to address a wide array of rural development challenges. A key aspect of the fund's strategy is to help these entities establish new public/private partnerships, which are crucial for leveraging non-state sources of funding and ensuring long-term sustainability. The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) serves as the administrative agency for this grant, managing applications and disbursing funds. The target beneficiaries of MAERDAF are rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges. These entities work with communities across Maryland's state-determined rural counties, including Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen rural Maryland through enhanced education, economic opportunities, and community development. By supporting organizations that directly serve these areas, MAERDAF aims to foster a more resilient and prosperous rural landscape. For Fiscal Year 2025, the RMC has outlined several key priority areas for applications. These include Agriculture & Forestry (Agricultural Education, Regional Food System Development, Forest Industry Development), Energy (Combined Heat Power, Energy Efficiency, Biomass), Rural Broadband (Rural Broadband Expansion Efforts, Digital Inclusion Programs), Youth Engagement & Leadership Development (Career Technology Centers, Youth Enrichment Programs), Economic Development (Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development, Education & Workforce Development, Regional Marketing Efforts & Tourism Projects), and Community Development (Rural Transportation, Housing repairs, Housing counseling, Poverty Alleviation Efforts). These focus areas reflect the most pressing needs and strategic opportunities for rural growth and improvement in Maryland. The expected outcomes and measurable results from MAERDAF grants are multifaceted, aiming for tangible improvements in rural areas. Projects are expected to contribute to the growth of agricultural and forestry sectors, increase energy efficiency, expand rural broadband access, and enhance youth engagement and leadership. In economic development, anticipated outcomes include the creation of entrepreneurship ecosystems, improved workforce development, and increased regional tourism. Community development efforts are designed to result in better rural transportation, improved housing conditions, and a reduction in poverty. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on these clear outcome areas indicates an expectation of measurable progress in each. MAERDAF's strategic priorities are deeply aligned with a theory of change that posits that by empowering and funding rural-serving organizations and community colleges, a ripple effect of positive development will occur. The funding, budgeted at $878,964 for Fiscal Year 2025 with a maximum grant amount of $45,000, is intended to build the capacity of these local entities. The encouragement of new public/private partnerships further demonstrates a belief that diversified funding and collaborative efforts are essential for long-term impact. The emphasis on a broad range of development areas reflects a holistic approach to rural well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of agriculture, education, economy, and community health.

The SFY 2025 Community Grant Program Fund (CGPF), managed by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (previously the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention Youth and Victim Services), aims to support local law enforcement and local government agencies in Maryland in developing community outreach and violence intervention programs. This initiative is designed to enhance public safety by fostering improved relationships between law enforcement and community members, particularly the youth. The CGPF seeks proposals for programs that offer recreational or athletic opportunities, improve resident-law enforcement relations, or otherwise benefit the community. Eligible activities may include police/community events, programs for School Resource Officers, partnerships with community groups, mentorship programs, and established community programs provided by outside organizations. The grant anticipates awarding 15-25 grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, with the total funding up to $500,000.

This program provides funding for community tree planting projects in areas affected by transportation developments, aimed at enhancing urban forestry and environmental quality.

The SFY 2025 Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Grant, funded by the State of Maryland through the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, aims to support the investigation and prosecution of internet crimes against children. The grant also assists in the operations of the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. These efforts are part of the Office's broader objective to reduce victimization of Maryland's children by protecting them from abuse or neglect, addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and mitigating the impact of childhood trauma. Additionally, the grant promotes coordinated criminal justice strategies at the State and local levels, enhancing collaboration among local law enforcement agencies and Child Advocacy Centers with the Maryland ICAC Task Force.