Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC)

The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Grant Program for State Fiscal Year 2027 is administered by the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in Maryland. This initiative stems from Sections 4–601 to 4–603 of the Maryland Public Safety Article and aims to support law enforcement and child advocacy efforts combating internet crimes targeting children. The ICAC program was created to provide crucial funding for the Maryland ICAC Task Force and its partners to ensure consistent investigative and prosecutorial efforts across jurisdictions. The Task Force is operated by the Department of State Police and encompasses a statewide network of law enforcement and child protection entities responding to online child exploitation cases. The funding primarily targets three key areas: support for local law enforcement agencies to hire staff, provide specialized training, and procure equipment necessary for investigating and prosecuting internet crimes against children; continued operational support for the Maryland ICAC Task Force; and limited financial support (up to 25% of the total fund) for accredited or qualifying Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) to facilitate their investigative roles. CACs must be either accredited by the National Children’s Alliance or on the path to accreditation. Additionally, to be eligible, applicants must have a current Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland ICAC Task Force and agree to operate in alignment with its protocols. For SFY 2027, GOCPP anticipates awarding approximately $2 million in total, with up to $1.5 million allocated to state and local law enforcement, and up to $500,000 reserved for Child Advocacy Centers. Award limits vary by applicant type: Maryland State Police may receive up to $1 million, local law enforcement may request between $10,000 and $100,000, and CACs may request between $10,000 and $75,000. Applications must include a detailed project narrative, budget, and supporting documentation, including an executed MOU and proof of SAM.gov registration. Applications that fall below the minimum or exceed maximum funding thresholds risk disqualification. Applications must be submitted via the Grants Management System (GMS) at https://grants.gocpp.maryland.gov. No hard copy submissions are accepted. Applicants must first request a user ID by March 20, 2026. The full application, including all attachments and certifications, is due no later than April 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Required components include a narrative with organization overview, problem statement, goals and objectives, project design, data collection plan, and budget. Several required documents must be uploaded through the GMS, including an organizational chart, W-9, lobbying and financial certifications, OCQ submission, and more. Evaluation of applications includes a review of project design, alignment with NOFA goals, quality of proposed strategies, past performance, audit findings (if applicable), and the strength of partnerships, particularly with the ICAC Task Force. All costs must be reasonable and allowable; ineligible expenses include lobbying, fundraising, bonuses, and food. Reimbursement of awarded funds will occur quarterly, based on actual expenditures. Nonprofits awarded over $50,000 may request monthly reimbursements post-award. This grant is not subject to a matching requirement, though applicants may note any other funding sources in their narrative. The performance period for SFY 2027 is July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The program is issued annually, with the next expected cycle projected to open in February 2027. The primary contacts for this grant include Zahra Isaacs (Grant Monitor), Tabitha Wilson (Fund Manager), and Samantha Twigg (Project Design Support). Additional technical support is available through the GMS Help Desk at [email protected].

Ensure MOU is current and uploaded; adhere to strict word counts; disqualifications can occur for budget or narrative overages.