Maryland Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits for projects aimed at managing and controlling invasive and noxious plant species on public lands across the U.S.

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 initiative supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in Maryland that are dedicated to researching and sharing the diverse and inclusive histories of the state, particularly those narratives that highlight the experiences of under-represented communities.

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 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 grant provides funding to government entities and nonprofit organizations for projects that protect land, enhance community resilience, and support conservation planning in the Appalachian Trail region.

This grant provides funding for non-federal partners to model oyster larval transport and hydrodynamics in Herring Bay, Maryland, to support ecological restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations that support youth in low-to-moderate income communities through mentorship, education, and health services in select U.S. cities.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

This program provides funding to organizations in Maryland that promote equitable access to outdoor recreation for underserved communities, addressing barriers like transportation and cost.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that enhance community life in Catonsville, Maryland, through projects in health, education, youth services, recreation, and community development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small nonprofits and local governments in the Chesapeake Bay region to strengthen their organizational capacity and enhance community and environmental initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers, focusing on enhancing job training, education, employment services, housing stability, and youth development initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations serving the Baltimore area for various operational and programmatic needs, with a focus on community impact and inclusivity.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Maryland that focus on improving mental health, aging services, and general health care for underserved communities.

This program provides funding to artists and arts organizations in Maryland to pursue professional development opportunities that foster growth and economic sustainability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits, civic groups, and government agencies in Frederick County, Maryland, for projects that enhance community well-being and address local needs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in economically distressed areas of the Appalachian Region to enhance their capacity through training, strategic planning, and community-led initiatives for sustainable economic growth.