Maryland Local Grants

The Montgomery County FY 2024 Place-Based Management Grants Program, offered by the Community Engagement Cluster and the Office of Grants Management, seeks to foster economic growth and revitalization in the County's commercial corridors. This program is aligned with the broader mission of supporting local economies through "bottom-up" economic development, emphasizing community-driven strategies. The focus on Place-Based Management, particularly through the Main Street Approach, underscores a commitment to holistic and integrated community development that leverages existing assets and local engagement. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are businesses and residents within identified commercial corridors. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including retaining, expanding, and attracting neighborhood-serving retail and small businesses, as well as unifying and strengthening commercial corridors through events, promotion, marketing, maintenance, and diverse stakeholder engagements. All funded activities are required to actively involve residents, businesses, and the Montgomery County Government, ensuring a collaborative and community-centric approach to revitalization. Funding priorities are given to projects that address at least three of the four points of the Main Street Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. Economic Vitality focuses on financial tools, property development, and supporting entrepreneurs. Design enhances the physical and visual appeal of commercial districts. Promotion positions the district as a community and economic hub, creating a positive image. Organization builds a strong foundation through partnerships, community involvement, and resource cultivation. These priorities reflect the County's strategic emphasis on comprehensive revitalization, moving beyond simple economic aid to encompass broader community and aesthetic improvements. Montgomery County Government anticipates awarding $400,000 through approximately two to five awards, with each grant ranging from $25,000 to $200,000. The grant duration is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to three total years based on satisfactory performance and fund availability. Expected outcomes include enhanced economic activity, improved commercial corridor vitality, and increased stakeholder engagement, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. Eligible expenses primarily cover operating costs such as administrative expenses, community outreach, implementation of economic development activities, and neighborhood placemaking and management, all geared towards supporting the ongoing efforts of the projects.

This grant provides funding to property owners, agricultural businesses, and non-profits for the rehabilitation and preservation of historic properties in the unincorporated areas of Frederick County, Maryland.

The City of Takoma Park’s Food Insecurity Reduction Grants aim to provide financial support to programs, projects, and events that reduce or prevent food insecurity among Takoma Park residents. This grant aligns with a mission to ensure community well-being by addressing basic needs and promoting equitable access to food resources. The program's strategic priority is to leverage ARPA funding to create a tangible impact on food security within the city, reflecting a theory of change that direct financial support to local initiatives will effectively combat food insecurity at the community level. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are residents of Takoma Park who experience or are at risk of food insecurity. The program targets 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and 501(c)(6) business associations that serve these individuals. The impact goal is to significantly reduce or prevent food insecurity through targeted interventions, ensuring that vulnerable populations have reliable access to nutritious food. Individuals and for-profit enterprises are not eligible, focusing the grant's resources on established community-oriented organizations. The program prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate a clear strategy for preventing and reducing food insecurity. Funding for FY25 allocates $155,000 in ARPA funding, with individual grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 for a 15-month period, from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. This focus on specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives ensures that funded projects are well-defined and can demonstrate clear progress. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of Takoma Park residents with consistent access to food and a reduction in instances of food insecurity across the community. Measurable results will likely involve metrics such as the number of individuals served by grant-funded programs, the quantity of food distributed, and documented improvements in food access within Takoma Park. The grant duration of 2 years and the specific funding period allow for sustained efforts and the evaluation of long-term impact on food security.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers in Howard County, Maryland, who have suffered losses due to the extreme heat and drought conditions of 2024.

This grant provides financial support to arts and humanities organizations, individual artists, and scholars in Montgomery County, MD, to engage the Wheaton community through diverse cultural projects and activities.

The Business Development Grant Program, offered by the Town of Perryville, Maryland, is designed to stimulate economic development within the town's corporate limits. Its primary objectives are to foster new job opportunities, reduce the number of vacant storefronts, encourage business diversification, attract additional private sector investment, and promote in-fill business development. This program aligns with a strategic goal of local government to create a vibrant and sustainable economic environment, though specific "foundation mission alignment" beyond this general goal is not explicitly stated as this is a municipal program rather than a private foundation. The target beneficiaries of this program are new and existing small businesses located within the Town of Perryville. The program aims to support these businesses by providing funds necessary for operational needs, thereby ensuring their financial viability and encouraging growth. The ultimate impact goals include strengthening the local economy, increasing employment, and enhancing the overall business landscape of Perryville. The emphasis on filling vacant storefronts and encouraging diversification suggests a focus on revitalizing commercial areas and expanding the range of goods and services available to residents and visitors. The program prioritizes a broad range of eligible uses for funds, including building improvements, the purchase of machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, property acquisition or leasing, and advertising campaigns. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to support various aspects of business development and expansion. The eligibility criteria further refine the program's focus, requiring applicants to be in good standing with the Town, Cecil County, and the State of Maryland, and to operate within specific zoning districts (Neighborhood Business, Town Center, Highway Commercial, Residential Marine, Commercial Maritime, and for existing businesses, Residential districts). This indicates a deliberate strategy to concentrate development in designated commercial and mixed-use areas. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in new job creation, a reduction in the number of unoccupied commercial properties, a more diverse local business sector, and a rise in private sector investment. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the program's objectives inherently suggest these as key performance indicators. The "theory of change" underpinning this grant is that by providing financial assistance for operational needs and growth initiatives, the Town of Perryville can directly stimulate business activity, which in turn will lead to economic growth and community benefits. This proactive approach by the municipality serves as its strategic priority for economic development.

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 Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program in Maryland, offered by the City of Laurel, aims to support the success and growth of businesses in the Main Street business area while creating local job opportunities. To be eligible, applicants must have a pre-application meeting with a representative from the Department of Economic and Community Development. Once deemed eligible, applicants can submit a completed application along with preliminary plans that adhere to design guidelines and code requirements. It's important to note that any improvements made prior to application approval and agreement execution are not eligible for reimbursement.

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.

The City of College Park is currently accepting applications for its Needs-Based Student Housing Subsidy Pilot Program. This new pilot program provides a one-time grant of $1,250 for housing assistance to 60 eligible undergraduate and 60 eligible graduate students. The program aims to address housing insecurity among students, aligning with the City's broader mission to support its residents' well-being and foster a thriving community, which implicitly includes the student population within its boundaries. The grant size ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with individual one-time grants set at $1,250. The primary beneficiaries of this program are undergraduate and graduate students facing housing needs. Specifically, undergraduate students must be eligible for Pell grants, and graduate students must have an income below 60 percent of the HUD 2024 Adjusted Home Income Limits for the D.C. metropolitan area. These criteria target students with demonstrated financial need, ensuring the subsidy reaches those most vulnerable to housing instability. The program's impact goals are to alleviate housing burdens, enhance student retention and success, and contribute to the overall stability of the student population living within the City of College Park. The program prioritizes students who reside within the City of College Park and are enrolled full-time at an accredited post-secondary institution in the D.C. metropolitan area, such as the University of Maryland, Bowie State University, Howard University, or Prince George’s Community College. This focus ensures that the grant directly benefits students who are part of the College Park community and are contributing to the local educational landscape. The grant aims to provide critical financial support, allowing students to focus on their studies without the added stress of housing insecurity. Expected outcomes of the program include a measurable reduction in housing-related financial stress for participating students, improved academic performance due to increased stability, and enhanced student retention within local institutions. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the program's design, providing a fixed grant to a defined number of students based on clear eligibility, allows for tracking the number of students assisted and potentially gathering qualitative feedback on the program's impact on their housing stability and academic progress. The City's strategic priority is likely centered on community support and educational access, with this program acting as a direct intervention to achieve these goals by addressing a fundamental need.

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 City of Takoma Park’s Community Quality of Life Grants Program aims to enhance the well-being of its residents by supporting programs, projects, and events that increase access and opportunities in the arts and sciences. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster community engagement and enrichment, ensuring that residents have avenues to participate in and benefit from cultural and educational activities. The program seeks to create a vibrant community where residents can thrive through diverse experiences in the arts and sciences. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of the City of Takoma Park, with specific requirements ensuring that at least 75% of participants are city residents and at least 51% are from low-to-moderate income households (defined as 80% of the Area Median Income). The impact goals are centered on improving the quality of life by expanding access and participation in the arts and sciences, particularly for those who may face economic barriers. This focus on inclusive access aims to bridge gaps in opportunity and ensure that a broad segment of the community can benefit from these enriching experiences. The program prioritizes projects falling into one of three categories: Arts and Humanities (A&H), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). This broad focus allows for a diverse range of initiatives that can contribute to the program's overall goals. The emphasis on these specific areas reflects a strategic approach to community development, recognizing the importance of both creative and scientific literacy in fostering a well-rounded and engaged populace. Expected outcomes include increased participation of Takoma Park residents, especially those from low-to-moderate income households, in arts and science programs. Measurable results will likely involve tracking participant numbers, demographic information, and the successful completion of funded projects between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The program operates under a theory of change that by providing financial support to local organizations offering such programs, the City can directly influence and improve the quality of life for its residents, fostering a more equitable and culturally rich community.

The City of Mount Rainier's Recreation Activities Grants program aims to bolster community activities that enrich the overall well-being of the community. Established by the City Council for Fiscal Year 2024, this grant provides reimbursement for eligible expenses to organizations. The program's core mission is to foster community engagement and provide residents with opportunities for recreation and connection, aligning directly with the City's broader goal of enhancing community life. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are organizations that can offer programs, activities, and events open to residents within the corporate boundaries of the City of Mount Rainier. The impact goals are centered on promoting enhanced community engagement and providing accessible recreational opportunities. By supporting these local initiatives, the City anticipates a more vibrant and connected community where residents have various avenues for participation and enjoyment. The program prioritizes activities that are open to all City of Mount Rainier residents and actively promote community engagement. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned as a restriction, the focus is on supporting events and programs within Fiscal Year 2024. Restrictions include prohibitions on using City funds for alcoholic beverages, and ineligible organizations include those receiving other direct grants from the City or any for-profit businesses. Expected outcomes include an increase in community-wide participation in various recreational activities and events, leading to a stronger sense of community and improved resident well-being. Measurable results could include the number of programs offered, the number of residents participating, and feedback on community engagement levels. The City's strategic priority is to create a more cohesive and engaged community, with the theory of change being that by funding local recreational activities, they will directly foster greater social connection and community spirit among its residents. The program also emphasizes responsible use of funds and local economic support, encouraging purchases from businesses within City limits if feasible. All funded events must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those from Prince George’s County Health Department, City noise ordinances, and Fire Prevention Code regulations. This ensures that supported activities are not only beneficial but also safe and well-regulated for the community.

This program provides financial support to farms and agricultural businesses in Garrett County, Maryland, to enhance their marketing efforts and boost local agricultural economic activity.

The "Access Granted" initiative by the City of Frederick is a grant program designed to bolster small minority and/or women-owned businesses. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to cultivate a supportive and inclusive business environment, enabling local entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential. The program's core objective is to provide crucial financial assistance, specifically capital for defined projects that will drive business growth, thereby contributing to the economic vitality of the city. The primary beneficiaries of the "Access Granted" program are small minority and/or women-owned businesses, including both startups and established enterprises. To be eligible, businesses must be registered for-profit entities, in good standing with the state of Maryland, and employ no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees. The program prioritizes businesses that are physically located within The City of Frederick limits, ensuring that the financial assistance directly benefits the local economy and community. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to empower underrepresented business owners by providing them with the necessary capital to expand and succeed. The City of Frederick has earmarked $400,000 for this new grant program, demonstrating a tangible commitment to these businesses. This funding is intended to be deployed as grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, offering substantial support for growth-oriented projects. Expected outcomes include the sustained growth and increased viability of participating businesses, leading to job creation and economic development within Frederick. By fostering a more inclusive business landscape, the city anticipates a ripple effect of increased innovation and community prosperity. The measurable results will be evident in the successful implementation of business projects, the expansion of businesses, and the overall strengthening of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly among minority and women-owned enterprises.

This grant provides financial support to organizations hosting family-friendly events in Downtown Hagerstown to strengthen community ties and stimulate the local economy.

The City of Rockville in Maryland is offering a grant of over $1 million to local organizations that provide community services and enrichment programs to residents within the city limits, with applications to be submitted by 10/14/2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington, D.C. area to promote economic independence through education and development initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Frederick County to address critical community needs such as housing insecurity, public health, quality of life initiatives, and cultural enrichment through the arts.