GrantExec

Grants for City or township governments - Agriculture

Explore 382 grant opportunities

Tax Base Supplement Grant
Contact for amount
Local Community Foundations
Private
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 21, 2024

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local taxing districts and governments affected by the closure of the Colstrip power plants, helping them maintain essential services and mitigate tax revenue losses.

Agriculture
City or township governments
Outreach Cooperative NOFO
$250,000
U.S.DA-NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)
Federal

Application Deadline

Jul 5, 2024

Date Added

May 21, 2024

This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as theCatalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under:Soil and Water Conservation 10.902which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home.SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes.Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture, is announcing potential availability of agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to promote public awareness of Farm Bill activities throughout Maryland.Proposals must be for projects based in Maryland and focus on Farm Bill conservation. Research proposals will need to meet the requirements in order to be accepted.Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities identified in Section C of this announcement for competitive consideration of awards for projects between one and five years in duration.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant. The Maryland State Conservationist reserves the right not to fund any or all applications.For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 5th, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.The agency anticipates making selections by July 15th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by August 1st, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Agriculture
State governments
Outreach Contribution NOFO
$250,000
U.S.DA-NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)
Federal

Application Deadline

Jul 5, 2024

Date Added

May 21, 2024

SUMMARY INFORMATIONFederal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Maryland Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Conservation Technical Assistance for Fiscal Year 2024 MarylandNotice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-MD-CONTR-24-NOFO0001339Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as theCatalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under:Soil and Water Conservation 10.902Conservation Reserve Program 10.069Agricultural Conservation Easement Program 10.931Environmental Quality Incentives Program 10.912Regional Conservation Partnership Program 10.932which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home.SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes.Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture, is announcing potential availability of agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to promote public awareness of Farm Bill activities throughout Maryland.Proposals must be for projects based in Maryland and focus on Farm Bill conservation. Research proposals will need to meet the requirements in order to be accepted.Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities identified in Section C of this announcement for competitive consideration of awards for projects between one and five years in duration.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant. The Maryland State Conservationist reserves the right not to fund any or all applications.For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity forinformation about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 5th, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by July 15th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by August 1st, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Agriculture
State governments
California Forest Improvement Program
$2,000,000
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 20, 2024

This program provides cost-share assistance to private and public landowners with 20 to 5,000 acres of forest land to improve forest resources, including wildlife habitat and soil and water quality, through various forestry management activities.

Agriculture
Small businesses
California Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program
$3,000,000
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 20, 2024

In 2021, the California state legislature appropriated $3 million in funding to the Department to develop a Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program to help minimize the impact of gray wolves on livestock producers. The pilot program offers compensation to eligible livestock producers specific to the following primary areas of need (prongs):Β  Prong 1. Direct Loss - Compensation for verified livestock losses (confirmed/probable wolf) incurred on or after September 23, 2021. Prong 2. Nonlethal Deterrents - Compensation for the use of nonlethal deterrence methods to deter wolf presence near livestock. The Department supports the use of various deterrent tools and techniques as part of a robust, integrated deterrence strategy. Technical assistance may be available through CDFW, County Agricultural Commissions, UC Cooperative Extension, USDA Wildlife Service, and other agency partners. Prong 3. Pay for Presence - Compensation for indirect losses associated with the impacts of wolf presence on livestock in known pack territory. Extenuating circumstances may exist whereby CDFW will consider eligibility for wolf presence outside of known pack territory on a case-by-case basis.

Agriculture
Small businesses
2024 Conservation Futures Program
$2,000,000
Snohomish County
Local

Application Deadline

Aug 16, 2024

Date Added

May 20, 2024

Snohomish County is accepting applications for the 2024 Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program (SCCFP) Grants. Donor Name: Snohomish County State: Washington County: Snohomish County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program (the β€œSCCFP”) was started in 1988 as a mechanism for distributing Conservation Futures Property Tax Funds for the preservation of open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland. The purpose of the SCCFP is to acquire interests or rights in real property for the preservation of open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland per SCC 4.14.010. A maximum amount of $10,000,000 million dollars may be available for distribution in 2024 for these purposes. Eligible ProjectsΒ  For proposals to be eligible for consideration and funding, they should conform to the criteria listed below: Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program funding can only be used for the acquisition of real property, easements, covenants, or other contractual rights necessary to protect, preserve, maintain, improve, restore, limit the future use of, or otherwise conserve, selected open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland as defined in Chapter RCW 84.34 (β€œProtected Property”). Other sources of revenue may be used to improve properties acquired with Conservation Futures Program funds, provided the improvements are within the intent of the statute. Proposed acquisitions in urban areas shall be no smaller than 1 acre minimum in an urban area retained in its natural state and open to the public (RCW 84.34.020). Any improvements to the Protected Property shall be limited to those which meet the requirements and intent of RCW 84.34.200-220.Β  Allowed improvements include, but are not limited to, trails, interpretive centers, viewpoints, picnicking facilities, access, restrooms, and restoration projects.Β  Certain recreational improvements are prohibited.Β  Such improvements include, but are not limited to, ball fields, use by motorized vehicles, swimming pools and recreation centers. Project Eligibility GuidelinesΒ  All projects will be reviewed to assure that they fall under eligibility guidelines meeting the following criteria: Does the property fall within the definitions of open space, farm and agricultural land, or timberland as defined in RCW 84.34.020? Does the sponsoring agency have a guaranteed plan or program to manage and maintain the property to preserve those characteristics that make the property eligible for Conservation Futures Program funding? Does the proposed project secure property rights in perpetuity, which meet the intents of RCW 84.34.200? Is the proposed property free of any and all encumbrances (e.g. covenants, conditions and restrictions that prohibit public access), which would result in the acquisition not aligning with the intents of RCW 84.34.200? For more information, visit Snohomish County.

Agriculture
Nonprofits
Campesino De California Outreach Grant – Radio Media (CCOG-RM) for Program Year 2024-25 (PY 24-25)
$100,000
California Department of Employment Development
State

Application Deadline

May 22, 2024

Date Added

May 20, 2024

The Employment Development Department (EDD) announces the availability of up to Β $100,000. Wagner-Peyser 10 percent Governor's Discretionary funds for Campesino de California Outreach Grant-Radio Media (CCOG-RM) Program Year 2024-25 (PY 24-25) available through this Solicitation for Proposals (SFP). The EDD anticipates funding one organization for the CCOG-RM PY 24-25 grant opportunity. Β The purpose of the program is to create and broadcast 24 semi-monthly, 30-minute hosted radio talk show programs in Spanish and recorded in video format media. Additionally, the awardee must create complementing media posts to publish on its website and use social media outlets to publicize the radio talk show videos and communicate additional information as necessary. Eligible applicants for the CCOG-RM PY 24-25 SFP include public and private non-profit organizations, education institutions, community-based organizations (CBOs) and faith-based organizations. Individuals are not eligible apply. Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. PT on Tuesday, May 22, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. PT.Β  Pre-registration is recommended for all attendees. Please refer to the EDD’s Workforce Development Solicitation for Proposals website link below for the pre-registration instructions. https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/WDSFP_Workforce_Development_Solicitations_for_Proposals The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by May 21, 2024 by noon to [email protected]. To view this SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage.

Agriculture
Nonprofits
Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Clean Up and Abatement Grant Program FR83
Contact for amount
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
State

Application Deadline

Jul 9, 2024

Date Added

May 20, 2024

The project sites eligible for the grant must be located on 'farm and ranch' property, encompassing both private and public land, where the owner is not held responsible for the illegal disposal. The definition of 'farm and ranch' property can be found in the Eligible Geographies section below. Grantees are given approximately two years to complete the project(s). The sites should be fully remediated (cleaned up) using grant funds, or a combination of grant funds and in-kind contributions in terms of funds or services. The funding covers various costs, including Administrative, Recycling/Disposal (tires), Equipment, Material, and Personnel expenses. If necessary, measures for abatement and prevention, such as site security and public education/outreach efforts, should also be addressed. The program encourages innovative approaches. For further information and requirements, please refer to the Notice of Funds Available FY24-25 webpage, particularly the Application Guidelines and Instructions and Procedures and Requirements resource documents. The application typically includes several items for each project/site, such as Budget, Land Use/Zoning Designation, photos, Property Affidavit, Site Characterization, map, Work Plan, and Resolution. The Resolution is carried out through the governing body of the applicant (additional information is available). It is possible to include multiple projects/sites within a single application.

Agriculture
City or township governments
Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program
$475,000
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and USDA
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 17, 2024

This program provides funding to support businesses and organizations involved in processing, storing, and distributing locally produced food in Michigan, helping to strengthen the state's food supply chain.

Agriculture
Nonprofits
Caribbean Partners for Conservation (CPC) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Announcement for Program Funding Caribbean Area
$200,000
U.S.DA-NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)
Federal

Application Deadline

May 22, 2024

Date Added

May 17, 2024

Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryRevision to close dateThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing local natural resource issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state and community-level conservation leadership. Proposals must be for projects based in the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)) and focus on conservation issues as noted in Section A (2) of this notice. Collaborative projects that provide on-the-ground support for Caribbean NRCS Field Offices are highly encouraged. Research proposals will not be accepted, nor considered. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2024 will be up to $1,500,000.00. Proposals are requested from City or township governments, county governments, Federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, nonprofits having or not having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), or institutions of higher education for competitive consideration of awards for 2 projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. Organizations may use this opportunity to request additional funding for existing agreements in the Caribbean Area.Awarded organizations may be required to attend administrative training and may be required to present project updates in the form of a formal presentation to the Caribbean NRCS leadership.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for projects. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or non-compliant proposals may be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant.For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 22nd, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800- 518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.The agency anticipates making selections by June 1st, 2024 and expects to execute awards by July 20th, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Agriculture
State governments
2024/25 Effectiveness Monitoring Committee Request for Research Proposals to test the California Forest Practice Rules and related regulations
$973,392
California Board of Forestry
State

Application Deadline

May 15, 2024

Date Added

May 14, 2024

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC) is seeking project proposals that: (1)Β Β  Address one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions and; (2)Β Β  Address natural resource protection issues that are important for California forestlands. The critical monitoring questions are organized under 12 Research Themes. Four prioritized critical questions were determined by vote amongst the current EMC members at the beginning of each calendar year:Β  Are the FPRs and associated regulations effective in...Β  Question 1h: managing WLPZs to reduce or minimize potential fire behavior and rate of spread? Question 6c: Β managing fuel loads, vegetation patterns and fuel breaks for fire hazard reduction? Question 6d: managing forest structure and stocking standards to promote wildfire resilience? Question 12a: improving overall forest wildfire resilience and the ability of forests to respond to climate change (e.g., in response to drought or bark beetle; reducing plant water stress) and variability, and extreme weather events (evaluate ecosystem functional response to fuel reduction and forest health treatments)? I.Β Β Β Β Β Β  FUNDING AVAILABILITY. Funding available for newly proposed projects is anticipated as follows: $973,392 over three FYs beginning in 2024/25, comprising: $173,232 in FY 2024/25; $375,160 in FY 2025/26; and $425,000 in FY 2025/26. II.Β Β Β Β  AWARD LIMITATIONS. Applicants requesting more than the stated annual amount available for funding will not be considered. In the case that EMC funding for the full three years is awarded to one new project, project solicitation may not occur in the subsequent two FYs. While the EMC may choose to fund projects that span multiple FYs up to the annual funding cap, the EMC generally prefers to fund multiple research projects annually. Proposers should keep this in mind when developing their project and annual budget requests. Longer-term projects (greater than three years) may re-apply for funding for additional years through the competitive grants process advertised in the EMC’s Request for Proposals.Β Annual allocations are dependent upon demonstrated progress towards project completion pursuant to the project schedule and workplan.Β  a.Β Β Β Β Β  ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.Β Eligible projects will test one or more specific FPRs or other rule or regulation under the Board’s jurisdiction and which addresses one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions. Proposed projects must clearly apply to management activities on private timberlands in California. Projects on public land may be eligible for EMC funding provided they clearly apply to the activities and systems that also exist on non-federal timberland. b.Β Β Β Β Β  ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS. Eligible applicants are local, state, and federal agencies including federal land management agencies; institutions of higher education; special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, and ports); Native American tribes; private landowners; for-profit entities; and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

Agriculture
Small businesses
Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Clean Up and Abatement Grant
$200,000
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 12, 2024

This program provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers for cleaning up and preventing illegal dumping on their properties.

Agriculture
County governments
FY25 Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) Grants
$45,000
State of Maryland, Rural Maryland Council
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 12, 2024

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.

Community Development
Nonprofits
The Barn Adaptation and Restoration Needs (BARN) Grant
$25,000
Kansas Tourism
State

Application Deadline

Jul 31, 2024

Date Added

May 12, 2024

The BARN grant program aims to preserve Kansas barns, reviving underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated structures while fostering new economic activity through agritourism ventures. These building grants are specifically designed to rescue barns from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into spaces conducive for new or expanding agritourism businesses. The types of projects we are looking for with the BARN grant are those that will encourage people, particularly from out of state, to visit agritourism locations in Kansas. All projects should have an accountable tie to the tourism industry. The future uses of the barn, transformed through the BARN program, are not solely about preserving historical structures. Rather, they are about repurposing these spaces into vibrant hubs for agritourism activities, thereby injecting new life and economic opportunities into communities. Agritourism ventures capitalize on the appeal of agricultural experiences, offering visitors opportunities to engage with farming, local food production, and rural culture in immersive and educational ways.

Business and Commerce
Small businesses
FY24 Coshocton Foundation Unrestricted Grant
Contact for amount
Coshocton Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

May 31, 2024

Date Added

May 12, 2024

Coshocton Foundation Unrestricted Grant Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 Meeting Date: Early June 2024 Eligibility Criteria: Community organizations with a current 501(c)(3) non-profit designation are eligible to apply. Schools, churches, and government agencies are also eligible. Application Process: Application Criteria and Form: [Click Here](link to application) Contact Number: (740) 622-0010 Submission Details: Completed applications should be sent to: Coshocton Foundation P.O. Box 55 Coshocton, OH 43812 Alternatively, applications may be brought to: Coshocton Foundation Office 220 S. Fourth St. If delivering in person, please use the mail slot in the front door or call the office to make other arrangements. Seven copies of the grant request are required. Deadline for Submission: All applications must be received in the office by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024.

Community Development
Nonprofits
Wildlife Fence Cost-Share Program for Unpreserved Farms
$50,000
New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA)
State
Rolling

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 8, 2024

This program provides matching funds to eligible farmers in New Jersey for building wildlife fences to protect their crops from deer, bear, and other wildlife, with support available until the budget is exhausted.

Agriculture
Exclusive - see details
Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program - Infrastructure Track
$500,000
Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
State

Application Deadline

Jun 5, 2024

Date Added

May 6, 2024

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, funded by the USDA, allocates approximately $2 million for infrastructure grants to Vermont businesses and organizations aiming to strengthen local and regional food systems. The grants support projects that improve the aggregation, distribution, manufacturing, processing, storing, transporting, and wholesaling of Vermont food products. This track encourages development of Vermont value-added products and promotes fair wages and job creation. A 50% match is required, which can be reduced to 25% for historically underserved farmers. Grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are available from fall 2024 through February 2027.

Agriculture
Nonprofits
Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program - Equipment-Only Track
$100,000
Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
State

Application Deadline

Oct 1, 2024

Date Added

May 6, 2024

This track of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program provides approximately $1 million for grants aimed at purchasing equipment necessary for the middle of the food supply chain activities in Vermont. The grants range from $30,000 to $100,000 with no match requirement. Applications for this track are set to open in late August 2024 and close in early October 2024, with grant activities beginning in early 2025.

Agriculture
Nonprofits
FY2024 McGovern-Dole International Food For Education and Child Nutrition Program
$30,000,000
U.S.DA-FAS (Foreign Agricultural Service)
Federal

Application Deadline

May 13, 2024

Date Added

May 4, 2024

USDA/FAS will accept applications for projects in the following priority countries: Angola, Bangladesh, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Laos, Malawi, and Rwanda. Of these, Angola and El Salvador are countries that do not currently have active McGovern-Dole projects. Applicants are advised to refer to Appendix B: Country Specific Guidance for country-specific information on program emphasis and agency priorities. USDA/FAS will also accept applications for non-priority countries; however, it will prioritize funding applications for the identified priority countries. McGovern-Dole projects are implemented in low-income, food-deficit countries globally.

Agriculture
State governments
2025 RMPIF-Regional Planning and Development Councils Grant
$1,500,000
Rural Maryland Council
Private

Application Deadline

Jul 12, 2024

Date Added

May 3, 2024

The Rural Maryland Council is accepting applications for 2025 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Grant: Regional Planning and Development Councils. Donor Name: Rural Maryland Council State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The objective of the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) is to help raise the overall standard of living in rural areas to a level that meets or exceeds statewide benchmark averages by 2030 while preserving the best aspects of a cultural heritage and rural way of life. Resources provided to the Fund are designed to facilitate significant targeted investments in important economic and community development programs and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation. These investments will also enable local and regional public and nonprofit organizations to leverage additional non-state financial and human resources to facilitate the realization of sustainable rural development objectives. The Fund will serve the interests of the entire State by: Encouraging the increase of entrepreneurial activity and commerce and a balanced economy in the State; Relieving conditions of unemployment and underemployment in rural areas; Assisting in the retention of valuable farm and forest land for productive use by present and future generations; Promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public sector/private sector partnerships in and between rural and other areas; Enhancing the deployment of housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications infrastructure and services in rural areas; Supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts; and, Generally promoting the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunity, and general welfare of the residents of each of the rural counties and municipal corporations of the State. Regional Councils: The General Assembly has established five regional planning and development councils to concentrate on the needs of specific rural regions and ensure that those areas are not overlooked in public policy discussions. Each council serves a three-county area that is geographically, culturally and socioeconomically similar. By working together and ignoring jurisdictional lines when need be, the rural regions have become stronger and more effective in finding solutions to the challenges before them. The regional councils have brought elected, civic, and business leaders in their regions together to help create economic development strategies, preserve and assist agricultural and resource-based industries, obtain federal funding for infrastructure improvements, coordinate and sometimes even manage regional transportation projects (including public transit services), and develop support for a diverse set of public policy initiatives. Rural regional planning and development assistance will provide grants specifically for projects and activities of the five rural regional planning and development councils and for other multi-county rural improvement efforts. The Councils have established strategic needs within the rural communities which will be reflected in the approved grant agreements. Funding Information Each regional council is eligible to receive $600,000 in FY2025 for rural regional planning and development assistance. Eligibility CriteriaΒ  Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, and multicounty efforts serving rural communities in areas not served by the regional councils. For more information, visit RMC.

Science and Technology
County governments