Maryland grants for Nonprofits

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) provides grants to rural-serving nonprofit organizations, as well as rural community colleges, that promote statewide and regional planning, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education. The core mission of this program is to increase the overall capacity of these organizations and community colleges to address a wide array of rural development challenges. A key aspect of the fund's strategy is to help these entities establish new public/private partnerships, which are crucial for leveraging non-state sources of funding and ensuring long-term sustainability. The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) serves as the administrative agency for this grant, managing applications and disbursing funds. The target beneficiaries of MAERDAF are rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges. These entities work with communities across Maryland's state-determined rural counties, including Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen rural Maryland through enhanced education, economic opportunities, and community development. By supporting organizations that directly serve these areas, MAERDAF aims to foster a more resilient and prosperous rural landscape. For Fiscal Year 2025, the RMC has outlined several key priority areas for applications. These include Agriculture & Forestry (Agricultural Education, Regional Food System Development, Forest Industry Development), Energy (Combined Heat Power, Energy Efficiency, Biomass), Rural Broadband (Rural Broadband Expansion Efforts, Digital Inclusion Programs), Youth Engagement & Leadership Development (Career Technology Centers, Youth Enrichment Programs), Economic Development (Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development, Education & Workforce Development, Regional Marketing Efforts & Tourism Projects), and Community Development (Rural Transportation, Housing repairs, Housing counseling, Poverty Alleviation Efforts). These focus areas reflect the most pressing needs and strategic opportunities for rural growth and improvement in Maryland. The expected outcomes and measurable results from MAERDAF grants are multifaceted, aiming for tangible improvements in rural areas. Projects are expected to contribute to the growth of agricultural and forestry sectors, increase energy efficiency, expand rural broadband access, and enhance youth engagement and leadership. In economic development, anticipated outcomes include the creation of entrepreneurship ecosystems, improved workforce development, and increased regional tourism. Community development efforts are designed to result in better rural transportation, improved housing conditions, and a reduction in poverty. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on these clear outcome areas indicates an expectation of measurable progress in each. MAERDAF's strategic priorities are deeply aligned with a theory of change that posits that by empowering and funding rural-serving organizations and community colleges, a ripple effect of positive development will occur. The funding, budgeted at $878,964 for Fiscal Year 2025 with a maximum grant amount of $45,000, is intended to build the capacity of these local entities. The encouragement of new public/private partnerships further demonstrates a belief that diversified funding and collaborative efforts are essential for long-term impact. The emphasis on a broad range of development areas reflects a holistic approach to rural well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of agriculture, education, economy, and community health.

This program provides funding to schools, organizations, and agencies to support youth-led environmental education projects and professional development for educators focused on local environmental issues.

The City of Takoma Park’s Community Quality of Life Grants Program aims to enhance the well-being of its residents by supporting programs, projects, and events that increase access and opportunities in the arts and sciences. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster community engagement and enrichment, ensuring that residents have avenues to participate in and benefit from cultural and educational activities. The program seeks to create a vibrant community where residents can thrive through diverse experiences in the arts and sciences. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of the City of Takoma Park, with specific requirements ensuring that at least 75% of participants are city residents and at least 51% are from low-to-moderate income households (defined as 80% of the Area Median Income). The impact goals are centered on improving the quality of life by expanding access and participation in the arts and sciences, particularly for those who may face economic barriers. This focus on inclusive access aims to bridge gaps in opportunity and ensure that a broad segment of the community can benefit from these enriching experiences. The program prioritizes projects falling into one of three categories: Arts and Humanities (A&H), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). This broad focus allows for a diverse range of initiatives that can contribute to the program's overall goals. The emphasis on these specific areas reflects a strategic approach to community development, recognizing the importance of both creative and scientific literacy in fostering a well-rounded and engaged populace. Expected outcomes include increased participation of Takoma Park residents, especially those from low-to-moderate income households, in arts and science programs. Measurable results will likely involve tracking participant numbers, demographic information, and the successful completion of funded projects between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The program operates under a theory of change that by providing financial support to local organizations offering such programs, the City can directly influence and improve the quality of life for its residents, fostering a more equitable and culturally rich community.

This program provides funding to Maryland-based organizations and businesses to develop educational and training initiatives that prepare the workforce for careers in the offshore wind industry.

This program provides funding for community tree planting projects in areas affected by transportation developments, aimed at enhancing urban forestry and environmental quality.

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 grant provides Maryland-based teaching artists and organizations the opportunity to join a curated roster, enabling them to apply for funding to support arts education programs in schools and communities.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Baltimore City and Baltimore County that empower women and their families through initiatives promoting gender equity and economic stability.

This grant provides financial support to organizations hosting family-friendly events in Downtown Hagerstown to strengthen community ties and stimulate the local economy.

The City of Rockville in Maryland is offering a grant of over $1 million to local organizations that provide community services and enrichment programs to residents within the city limits, with applications to be submitted by 10/14/2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington, D.C. area to promote economic independence through education and development initiatives.

The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation is dedicated to addressing institutionalized racism, xenophobia, and the impact of climate change, primarily focusing on communities in Baltimore City, Maryland, DC regions, and New York. The foundation emphasizes support for initiatives that counteract the effects of climate change, particularly in marginalized communities. It funds efforts to establish bipartisan alliances for robust energy and climate policies at all government levels and backs grassroots organizations led by those most affected by climate change. Simultaneously, the foundation tackles racial inequities in the justice system and the disproportionate criminalization of youth of color in schools by supporting strategic advocacy and policy reform. It also champions the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the U.S. by funding immigrant-led advocacy for fair immigration policies, providing legal services, and supporting holistic networks aiding refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence.

This program provides financial support to rural volunteer fire departments to improve their wildland fire suppression capabilities and enhance firefighter safety through the purchase of essential equipment.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Frederick County to address critical community needs such as housing insecurity, public health, quality of life initiatives, and cultural enrichment through the arts.

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.

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 initiative provides microgrants to underrepresented artists and makers in Frederick County, Maryland, to support revenue-generating projects that enhance their marketing and online presence.

The City of Hyattsville Vandalism Recovery Grants Program provides economic relief to small businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within Hyattsville impacted by vandalism. The program, funded with $15,000 through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) This grant provides up to $2,000 per business or nonprofit organization for reimbursement of repairs following vandalism incidents that occurred between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, which weren't fully covered by insurance.