FY25 Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community colleges in Maryland that focus on agricultural and forestry education, as well as rural economic and community development initiatives.

$45,000

Forecasted

Recurring

Grant Description

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) supports rural-serving nonprofit organizations and community colleges that engage in agricultural and forestry education, economic, and community development. Funded by the State of Maryland, these grants aim to enhance the capacity of organizations to address diverse rural development challenges and facilitate the creation of new public/private funding partnerships. The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) administers the grants. The Fund is highly competitive, with the Fiscal Year 2025 budget set at $878,964, and individual grants capped at $45,000. Key dates for the grant process include an opening on April 15, 2024, with various phases culminating in the award announcements in August 2024.

Funding Details

Award Range

Not specified - $45,000

Total Program Funding

$878,964

Number of Awards

Not specified

Matching Requirement

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

Nonprofits

City or township governments

County governments

Independent school districts

Private institutions of higher education

Additional Requirements

- Eligibility: Applicants must be in good standing with the State of Maryland and must have a 501(c)(3) IRS tax designation or similar. Community Colleges, Career Technology Centers, Regional Councils, and Libraries are also eligible. Trade associations are not eligible. - Projects must serve more than one rural county and be completed between 08/01/2024 and 06/30/2025. The grant application process includes a Phase 1 for Letters of Intent and a Phase 2 for full applications. Grants are competitive and subject to funding availability.

Geographic Eligibility

Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties

Key Dates

Application Opens

Not specified

Application Closes

Not specified

Contact Information

Grantor

Charlotte Davis

charlotte.davis@maryland.gov

Phone

410-841-5772

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