Maryland grants for For profit organizations other than small businesses

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 program provides unrestricted funding to small arts organizations rooted in communities of color, helping them sustain and expand their cultural practices while addressing systemic inequities.

This grant provides funding to support small farmers and public entities in Maryland to aggregate local food products for sale to wholesale and institutional markets, enhancing the local food system.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program funds projects that develop the knowledge, awareness, skills and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers about sustainable agriculture practices to teach, advise or assist farmers. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: An agricultural service provider is a professional who assists farmers. Projects that develop the ability of other service providers (for example, real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys) to work with farmers are also eligible. These service providers then use what they’ve learned through participation in project activities in their work with farmers. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. Project Duration Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligibility Criteria  Professional Development Grants are open to anyone who works with service providers and farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, and for-profit business entities (such as farms, private consultants, veterinary practices and other businesses that serve the farming community). Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

This fellowship program supports entrepreneurs in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area who are developing innovative solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

The Business Development Grant Program is to promote economic development aimed at creating new job opportunities, filling vacant store fronts, and encouraging diversification, additional private sector investment and in-fill business development. Donor Name: Town of Perryville State: Maryland County: Cecil County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program will provide existing and new small businesses with funds necessary to meet operational needs and remain financially viable. Eligible Use of funds Building improvements, purchase of machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, the purchase or leasing of property, advertising campaigns, and other costs associated with opening or expanding a business. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant must be a new/existing business owner within the corporate limits of the Town of Perryville. If applicant is not the property owner (i.e. tenant), written permission must be given by property owner for building improvement application requests. Applicant and property must not have any current zoning or other Code violations and be in good standing (current on all monies owed, such as, but not limited to, taxes, water & sewer bills, trader’s license) with the Town of Perryville, Cecil County and the State of Maryland. Business must be located in the following zoning districts: Neighborhood Business (NB), Town Center (TC), Highway Commercial (C2), Residential Marine (RM), Commercial Maritime (CM-1 & 2). Eligibility within the R-1, R-2 and R-3 Residential districts shall be limited to existing businesses only. Applicants must be one of the following for profit entities: sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, cooperative or LLC. For more information, visit Town of Perryville.

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland businesses producing cement or concrete mixes to help them create and verify Environmental Product Declarations that detail the environmental impacts of their products.

The Recovery Friendly Workplace Pilot Program, launched by the Maryland Department of Labor, aims to create a supportive environment for employees recovering from substance use disorders. The program encourages employers to adopt workplace policies that assist in employee recovery, provides stigma-reducing education, and facilitates research on recovery-friendly practices. It seeks to promote workplace well-being and recovery for employees and their families while fostering community awareness.

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 City of Takoma Park’s Community Quality of Life Grants Program provides financial support for specific programs, projects, and events that improve the quality of life for City residents by providing greater access and opportunities for participation in the arts and sciences. Donor Name: City of Takoma Park State: Maryland City: Takoma Park Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Information Grant awards will range from $5,000-$10,000. All funded projects must be completed between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Beneficiaries of eligible projects must satisfy these requirements: At least 75% of the participants must be residents of the City of Takoma Park. At least 51% of participants must be from low-to-moderate income households defined as 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Eligible Grant Uses Eligible projects will fall into one of these three categories: Arts and Humanities (A&H) programs, projects, and events; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs, projects, and events; Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs, projects, and events. Eligibility Criteria Funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and 501(c)(6) business associations. The use of a fiscal agent is permitted for those organizations that have applied for but have not yet secured their 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS. Individuals and for-profit enterprises are not eligible for funding. For more information, visit City of Takoma Park.

The City of Mount Rainier is seeking applications for its Recreation Activities Grants to support community activities to enhance the community as a whole. Donor Name: City of Mount Rainier State: Maryland City: Mount Rainier Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In support of that belief, the City Council established a Recreation Activities Grant for Fiscal Year 2024. The grant provides reimbursement of eligible expenses to organizations who wish to hold programs, activities, and events. These programs must be open to residents within the corporate boundaries of the City of Mount Rainier and promote enhanced community engagement. Funding Information The maximum Recreation Activities Grant award per organization for Fiscal Year 2024 will be $2,500. Organizations Ineligible for this Grant Program Any organization receiving another direct or beneficial grant from the City of Mount Rainier during this fiscal year. Any for-profit business or organization. Restrictions City funds may not be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages. Cost of City permits will be waived for this grant. All applicable laws and regulations will apply to events funded by City grants, including but not limited to: Prince George’s County Health Department food service rules and regulations. City noise ordinance limits Fire Prevention Code regulations (e.g., building occupancy capacity, open flame prohibitions/rules, fireworks prohibitions) If feasible, purchases should be made from businesses located within City limits. Location All events/projects must take place within the corporate boundaries of the City of Mount Rainier (except for away games). The preferred locations of community events include neighborhood parks (permits may be required from Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission), public or private parking lots (with owner’s written permission), or public or private open space (with owner’s permission). For more information, visit City of Mount Rainier.

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.

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland farmers and watermen for purchasing and installing cold storage equipment to improve product quality and expand their operations.

Access Granted is a grant initiative designed to support and empower small minority and/or women owned businesses. Donor Name: City of Frederick State: Maryland City: Frederick Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program is available to both start-up and established businesses in need of capital for a defined project that will grow their business. By providing this financial assistance, The City of Frederick aims to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment that enables entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. Preferences will be given to Small minority and/or woman owned business. Physically located within The City of Frederick limits. Funding Information The city has earmarked $400,000 to deploy as grants for this new program.  Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria: Be a registered for-profit business. Be in good standing in the state of Maryland. Have no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees For more information, visit City of Frederick.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.  This program is for:  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, or  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:  Dairy farmer that:  Produces milk within the Northeast  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standards  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components  Has a business entity prior to applying  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applying  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:  Be headquartered or based in the Northeast  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and product  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility location  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

This funding opportunity supports research projects that address challenges in watershed restoration, targeting both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including academic institutions, to improve restoration practices and outcomes in the Chesapeake Bay region.

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

This program provides funding for research aimed at improving watershed restoration practices to enhance water quality and habitat in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, targeting both non-profit and for-profit organizations that collaborate effectively.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This grant provides financial and technical support to local governments, academic institutions, and non-profits for projects that improve water quality, restore waterways, enhance climate resilience, and promote environmental stewardship in Maryland.