Maryland Capacity Building Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington area facing operational challenges or planning strategic changes, ensuring they can continue serving vulnerable communities effectively.

The Economic Development Fund, supported by the East Tennessee Foundation, is designed to advance regional economic development through charitable and educational programs. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering economic growth and stability within selected counties of Tennessee. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that contribute to the long-term well-being and prosperity of the region, utilizing a theory of change that posits that targeted support for economic and educational programs will lead to a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. The program targets 501(c)(3) public charities, units of government, and public educational institutions. New or emerging groups without nonprofit status can apply with a fiscal sponsor. The ideal beneficiaries are organizations that demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination, ensuring that their projects do not exclude individuals based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. The impact goals are centered on strengthening the economic infrastructure and educational opportunities within the community. The fund prioritizes projects that contribute to regional economic development, with a particular focus on programs that align with the foundation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. While faith-based organizations are welcome to apply, their projects must not have explicit religious content, express a particular religious view, limit participation based on faith affiliation, or require participation in religious activities or services. This ensures that the grants support broadly accessible community-focused initiatives. Expected outcomes include enhanced economic activity, increased educational attainment, and a more robust regional economy. Measurable results will be assessed through the one-year grant term, from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $6,500, are intended to provide meaningful support for projects that can demonstrate tangible progress within this timeframe. The foundation expects to see clear evidence of how the funding has contributed to the stated economic development and educational goals.

Mini-grants are offered on a rolling monthly basis to support programmatic needs in various impact areas. These grants are aimed at local nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and government programs in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. The grants cover expenses such as technical assistance, capacity building, equipment purchases, and direct aid like pharmaceutical and food assistance. First-time applicants are limited to awards under $1,000 and may require additional vetting processes such as site visits. Grant renewed every year.

The City of Cumberland’s Community Development Department has launched a new Home Rehabilitation Grant program as part of its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. This program directly aligns with a foundational mission to reduce blight within the city limits. The initiative seeks to improve the overall quality of life and appearance of neighborhoods by addressing uninhabitable properties and fostering community development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are property owners within the city limits of Cumberland whose properties are currently uninhabitable. The program aims to encourage residents to rehabilitate these properties, thereby contributing to the broader goal of neighborhood revitalization. The impact goals are centered on reducing the number of blighted properties and enhancing the structural integrity and liveability of homes in the area. The program's priorities and focuses include providing 50% matching funds, up to $25,000, for eligible improvements. A key focus is on properties with an assessed value under $100,000, ensuring that the grants support a specific segment of the housing market that is often most in need of rehabilitation. The application process emphasizes a clear documentation of the property's current vacant and uninhabitable state, a detailed renovation plan, and proof of available matching funds. Expected outcomes include the successful rehabilitation of numerous properties, leading to a visible reduction in blight and an increase in safe, habitable homes. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of properties rehabilitated, the total investment leveraged by the matching funds, and the overall improvement in property values and neighborhood aesthetics. The program also encourages a timeline to completion, indicating an expectation of timely project execution.

The General Operating Grants (GOG) program, offered by the Allegany Arts Council (AAC), is designed to support the daily operations of 501(c)3 arts agencies within Allegany County, Maryland. The program aims to address critical funding gaps that often hinder arts organizations from compensating professional staff, maintaining facilities, or pursuing capital improvements. This initiative aligns with the AAC's mission to foster and sustain a vibrant arts community by providing essential operational support, thereby ensuring the continued availability of arts-related programming and general organizational functionality in the region. The target beneficiaries of the GOG program are non-profit, 501(c)3 arts organizations (or those eligible for IRS tax-exempt status) based in Allegany County, with programming and business primarily conducted within the county. The program seeks to impact the local community by ensuring that arts-related programs and events funded by GOG money are accessible to the general public. The overarching impact goal is to stimulate, rather than replace, community support for the arts and to promote broad participation and engagement in artistic endeavors, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. The program prioritizes the use of funds for arts-related programming or general organizational operations. It explicitly excludes funding for capital purchases, fundraising events, or social functions. A significant focus is placed on community engagement and support, as evidenced by the requirement of a 1:1 cash match, where GOG funding cannot exceed one-half of the proposed program budget. Funds from the Maryland State Arts Council and in-kind or donated services are not eligible for this match, emphasizing the need for direct community and organizational investment. Furthermore, programs that proselytize for specific political actions or religious beliefs are strictly not eligible for funding. Expected outcomes include enhanced operational stability for local arts organizations, leading to a greater capacity to offer diverse arts programming to the Allegany County public. Measurable results will include the provision of final grant reports at the conclusion of the grant period, detailing how the funds were utilized and the impact achieved. Grantees are also required to notify the AAC of any major program changes and comply with various civil rights and anti-discrimination acts, ensuring equitable access and participation. The program's strategic priority is to strengthen the local arts infrastructure, and its theory of change posits that by providing direct operational support and encouraging community matching funds, local arts agencies will be better equipped to deliver high-quality, accessible arts experiences, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Allegany County.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Grant, facilitated by the Rural Maryland Council, is accepting applications for its 2025 Regional Planning and Development Councils initiative. The overarching mission of RMPIF is to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to meet or exceed statewide benchmarks by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural lifestyle. This grant program is a strategic investment designed to bolster economic and community development, foster regional and intergovernmental cooperation, and enable local and nonprofit organizations to attract additional non-state resources for sustainable rural development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the five established regional planning and development councils: the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, and Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Additionally, multi-county efforts serving rural communities not covered by these councils are also eligible. The impact goals are broad, aiming to increase entrepreneurial activity, reduce unemployment and underemployment, retain valuable farm and forest land, and generally enhance the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunities, and general welfare of rural residents. The program prioritizes several key areas: encouraging a balanced economy, promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public/private partnerships, enhancing infrastructure for housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications, and supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The grant specifically provides funding for projects and activities undertaken by the regional councils and other multi-county initiatives, with approved grant agreements reflecting strategic needs identified within the rural communities. Expected outcomes include stronger and more effective rural regions, the creation of economic development strategies, preservation and assistance for agricultural and resource-based industries, successful acquisition of federal funding for infrastructure, coordinated regional transportation projects (including public transit), and the development of support for diverse public policy initiatives. Each regional council is eligible to receive $600,000 in FY2025 for rural regional planning and development assistance, providing measurable financial support to achieve these objectives. The Rural Maryland Council's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that by investing in regional cooperation and targeted development, rural areas can achieve sustainable growth and a higher quality of life, ultimately benefiting the entire state.

The City of Greenbelt's Tree Canopy grant program offers one-time, reimbursable grants to homeowners and community organizations for the purchase and planting or replacement of trees. This initiative directly aligns with the City's mission to enhance its iconic tree canopy, addressing issues caused by storm damage, disease, and invasive insects. While not explicitly stating a "foundation mission," the grant's purpose of increasing density and resiliency of the tree canopy reflects a strategic priority for urban environmental health and sustainability within the City of Greenbelt. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are civic, neighborhood, community, and homeowner organizations, as well as apartment complexes and Greenbelt residential homeowners. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including mitigating the effects of environmental damage on trees, promoting green infrastructure, and enhancing the overall aesthetic and ecological value of the urban landscape. By supporting the planting and replacement of trees, the grant contributes to a healthier environment for residents and a more robust ecosystem. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to the increase of the City's tree canopy density and resiliency. Funding, provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), can be used for purchasing, installing, staking, and mulching trees. This focus indicates a strategic priority on practical and tangible tree-planting efforts. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial assistance for tree acquisition and installation, the City can incentivize and empower its residents and organizations to actively participate in strengthening the local tree canopy. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of healthy trees across Greenbelt, particularly in areas affected by damage or disease. Measurable results will likely include the number of trees planted or replaced, the types of trees planted, and the number of participating organizations and homeowners. Applicants are required to provide a written cost estimate for trees with a one-year guarantee, a maintenance and survivability plan, and a project budget, which suggests an emphasis on the long-term success and accountability of the planting initiatives.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) in partnership with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, offers approximately $500,000 in federal funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This program is designed to provide comprehensive, collaborative, and community-based approaches to reducing violent crime by employing a full range of appropriate violent crime reduction strategies. As the State Administrative Agency, DCJS is responsible for managing the coordination and distribution of these funds to support and improve Virginia's overall criminal justice system. The overarching goal of this initiative is to reduce violent crime and promote safe communities across the Eastern District of Virginia. This is primarily achieved through the reduction of gun violence and gang activity, with a specific focus on areas that have experienced increased rates of violent crime and gang-related incidents. The program targets local and state law enforcement agencies, local and state governmental entities, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations located in or serving the Eastern District of Virginia. Funding preference will be given to three regions most impacted by violent crime: Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk, though other cities in the Eastern District with high violent crime rates will also be considered. The program prioritizes several key funding areas. These include Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategies, which promote prevention and intervention through partnerships between law enforcement, local government, and the community. GVI involves community members delivering moral messages against violence, law enforcement issuing warnings about consequences, and support providers offering help. Another priority is Gun and Gang Crime Investigation/Suppression, focusing on programs and task forces that target perpetrators of gun and gang-related crimes, including illegal firearm possession, illegal gun sales, and gang-benefitting crimes, with an emphasis on multiagency cooperation. Additional funding priorities encompass Firearms Analysis programs, which aim to enhance and support state and local law enforcement agencies in analyzing firearms and ballistic evidence, including NIBIN analysis and firearm tracing. Lastly, Prevention and Reentry Programs are crucial, dedicated to violent crime prevention, identifying high-risk individuals through educational, faith-based, community-oriented, and outreach efforts, and supporting the successful reentry of offenders through housing, educational, and vocational partnerships. While these priorities guide funding decisions, innovative, evidence-based projects outside these specific areas that are aimed at reducing firearm and gang violence will also be considered. Grants are typically awarded for a 12-month period, with a possibility of a 24-month period depending on the specified need in the application.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to or beyond statewide averages by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural way of life. The fund, overseen by the Rural Maryland Council, provides targeted investments in economic and community development programs. This aligns with a broader mission to encourage entrepreneurial activity, foster a balanced economy, and relieve unemployment and underemployment in rural areas, ultimately promoting the overall health and welfare of rural residents across the State. RMPIF targets all rural counties in Maryland, benefiting local governments, higher education institutions, regional councils, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving rural constituencies. The core impact goal is to facilitate sustainable rural development by enabling these organizations to leverage additional non-state resources. Key priorities include the retention of valuable farm and forest land, promotion of intergovernmental and public-private partnerships, enhancement of essential infrastructure (housing, transportation, water, wastewater, broadband), and support for rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The program's expected outcomes include increased entrepreneurial activity and commerce, a reduction in unemployment and underemployment, the productive use of farm and forest land, and improved infrastructure and services in rural areas. Measurable results for Fiscal Year 2025 include a State budget of $1,500,000 in General Funds specifically allocated for the entrepreneurship portion of the RMPIF program. The fund's theory of change posits that strategic investments and collaborative efforts will lead to a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for rural Maryland, directly contributing to the well-being and economic stability of its residents. Eligible expenditures for RMPIF include salaries and wages, administrative costs (construction, leasing, renovation of buildings, purchase/rental of vehicles, equipment), and reasonable meal costs with justification. Administrative expenses, however, are capped at 25% of the grant request, and indirect administrative costs at 10%. Acquisition of land is not an eligible expense. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a statement on sustainability for future years, ensuring the long-term impact and viability of the funded initiatives.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector in metropolitan Baltimore. The fund's mission is rooted in the belief that arts and culture are vital for the development of healthy individuals and thriving communities. This grant program is designed to promote and sustain this sector by supporting organizational effectiveness, promoting local artists, and providing inclusive cultural experiences. The foundation's strategic priority is to enrich the life of metropolitan Baltimore through a lively creative environment and deepened civic connections. The program targets cultural organizations and their fiscal agents serving the Baltimore area, as well as individual artists using a fiscal sponsor. Beneficiaries also include residents of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Annes counties in Maryland, who will benefit from enhanced cultural experiences and strengthened community cohesion. The impact goals are to strengthen the region’s sense of cohesion and identity, enhance residents' lives, and ensure programs are inclusive and outreach efforts are broad, welcoming people of all backgrounds. The fund's priorities include strengthening organizational and artistic practices, supporting innovative programs, and fostering cultural sector collaboration. Under "Strengthening Organizational and Artistic Practices," capacity programs are supported to improve internal management, board training, strategic planning, fundraising, and professional development for artists. "Innovative Programs" focus on initiatives that deepen audience engagement or attract new audiences, with specific small grants available for organizations with budgets under $75,000 and for professional artists. "Cultural Sector Collaboration" aims to support strategic alliances that enhance cooperation and strengthen organizational abilities within the cultural community. Expected outcomes include improved organizational and management practices for cultural groups, increased professional development opportunities for Baltimore artists, and the presentation of innovative programming that broadens audience engagement. The program also seeks to facilitate strategic alliances, leading to a more cohesive and effective cultural ecosystem. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing artistic funding, supporting organizational health, and encouraging collaboration, it can foster a vibrant cultural sector that enriches civic life, strengthens community identity, and ensures broad access to cultural experiences for all residents. The maximum grant size is $10,000, with applications accepted year-round, requiring a Letter of Inquiry.

This grant provides financial support to businesses in Takoma Park for capital improvements and renovations to help them establish, grow, or enhance their operations.

City of Cumberland Home Rehabilitation Grant Program is a grant opportunity offered by the City of Cumberland's Community Development Department in Maryland. The program aims to support the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative by providing matching funds for the improvement of uninhabitable properties within the city limits. The grant amount will be determined at the conclusion of the project, with a 50% matching grant up to $25,000. Projects must be completed within 12 months of the notice of award. Applicants are required to submit an application form, portfolio of previous projects (if any), SDAT page showing property value less than $100k, interior and exterior photos documenting property vacancy, list and cost estimate of renovations, and proof of available funds for the project. About the Program The City of Cumberland’s Community Development Department is pleased to introduce a new Home Rehabilitation Grant program in support of our Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative to reduce blight. This grant program will provide 50% matching funds, up to $25,000, for the improvement of a property in the city limits of Cumberland that is uninhabitable in its current condition. 20230419_111216 Application Process Interested parties must obtain an application packet from the Community Development Department and submit the application, along with the following documentation: A portfolio of previous projects, if any A printed page from the MD State Department of Assessment and Taxation website showing the assessed value of the property is under $100,000 Interior photos documenting the property is vacant A list of all items to be updated/remodeled An estimated cost of the project A statement shoring the scope of projected renovations and a timeline to completion. Proof of available funds for the project More Information can be obtained by contacting: Kevin Thacker, Code Compliance Manager : 301-759-6659 (Office) The City of Cumberland’s Community Development Department is pleased to introduce a new Home Rehabilitation Grant program in support of our Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative to reduce blight. This grant program will provide 50% matching funds, up to $25,000, for the improvement of a property in the city limits of Cumberland that is uninhabitable in its current condition. The program only qualifies for properties which are assessed under $100,000 by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (https://sdat.dat.maryland.gov/RealProperty/Pages/default.aspx), and must be uninhabitable in their current condition (verified through interior photos and staff inspection). Applications are required to be signed and submitted by the property owner. The applicant must be legal owner of property at time of application with proof of ownership. All applications must also be submitted, selected for funding, and all approvals must be in place before the project can begin. This program is subject to the availability of funds and application acceptance can be discontinued at any time by the City of Cumberland. Denise Adams, Citizen Service Representative : 301-759-6459 (Office) Email: [email protected] Community Development Office, Basement Level of City Hall 57 N. Liberty Street Cumberland, MD 21502 More information can be found in the Grant Application Packet Disbursement of Grant Funds All necessary permits must be obtained from the City. The property will be subject to both third-party and City inspections, and may require a Section 106 Review. Grant funds will be released when the renovations are completed as provided for in the application, an occupancy permit is issued, and the property owner submits invoices and before and after photos. Application packets must be obtained from the City’s Community Development office. Applicant needs to apply for the grant and must include the following in the application packet:  Application Form  Portfolio of previous projects (if any)  SDAT page showing value less than $100k  Interior photos documenting the property is vacant (subject to verification by City staff)  List of all items (room by room) to be updated/remodeled  Estimated cost of the project showing the scope of projected renovations and a timeline to completion  Exterior photos of the property showing the front, both sides and the back  Applicant must show proof of available funds for the project. Application packets are accepted on a rolling basis. The Grant Committee meets on the third Wednesday of every month to review submissions—any applications received after 11:00 a.m. on that Wednesday will be held for review the following month. The City of Cumberland reserves the right to accept or reject any and all applications. PROGRAM SPECIFICS  This program applies for properties assessed for under $100,000 within the city limits of Cumberland.  No construction may begin before the grant has been awarded and all approvals are in place. If any work has taken place, please contact our office to discuss the specifics, prior to submission of the application.  In most cases, any costs incurred prior to application will be cause for rejection. Under no circumstances will costs incurred prior to application approval be reimbursed.  All required permits must be obtained prior to construction. Projects that are commenced prior to receiving the proper permits will invalidate the funding.  Permits are obtained from the community development office for all work that requires a permit (electrical, plumbing, building and occupancy permits). If the property falls within the historic district, an additional permit, the Certificate of Appropriateness, would be required.  A Section 106 review may be required based on the location of the property.  Projects are required to be completed within 12 months of notice of award.  Third party inspections are required for framing, electrical and plumbing work.  Progress inspections will be conducted quarterly by the City of Cumberland.  Receipts or invoices with proof of payment and progress photos are collected quarterly.  Disclosure of all liens and encumbrances on the property is required.  All state, county, local taxes and water, sewer and trash fees must be current.  Property owner must not have any code violations with the City.  The property owner is required to maintain property and general liability insurance on buildings and other improvements on the property throughout the duration of the project at the Owner’s expense. Additionally, if the property is determined to be in a 100-year flood plain, as designated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the owner must maintain a flood plain insurance policy.  Limit one (1) grant per applicant per property  Grant amount will be determined at the conclusion of the project. It will be a 50% matching grant, up to a total of $25,000.  The property owner must submit before and after photos of the project. APPLICATION DEADLINE/WHERE TO APPLY Application packets are accepted on a rolling basis. The Grant committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month to review submissions; any application packets received after 11:00 a.m. on that Wednesday will be held for review the following month. Completed application packets must be delivered to: Home Rehabilitation Grant, The Office of Community Development, City Hall, 57 N. Liberty Street, Cumberland, MD 21502.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits, civic groups, and government agencies in Frederick County, Maryland, for projects that enhance community well-being and address local needs.

The 2025 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Grant: Rural Health program, overseen by the Rural Maryland Council, aims to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to meet or exceed statewide benchmarks by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural aspects of rural life. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster economic and community development through targeted investments and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation. The underlying theory of change is that by facilitating strategic investments and leveraging additional non-state resources, local and regional public and nonprofit organizations can achieve sustainable rural development objectives. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Maryland's rural areas, particularly those facing challenges in accessing adequate healthcare services. The program specifically seeks to address health workforce shortages in primary care, surgical specialties, dentistry, mental health, and other medical specialty areas. The impact goals are to improve overall health outcomes, enhance access to a variety of healthcare services, and reduce health disparities in rural populations. The program's priorities and focus areas are multifaceted, encompassing improvements in health and medical/dental/behavioral health care access, expansion of tele-medicine and telehealth networking, and the development of programs for healthcare planning and coordination. It also prioritizes addressing rural population health needs, ensuring health care insurance and treatment enrollment, and implementing components of the state’s rural health plan. Additionally, the grant focuses on rural nonemergency medical transportation, recruitment and retention of health care and public health professionals, and addressing behavioral and mental health issues such as substance use disorder, depression, and domestic abuse. Expected outcomes include improved access to health services, a stronger rural healthcare workforce through recruitment and residency programs, and enhanced behavioral and mental health support. Measurable results will likely involve metrics related to increased access to care (e.g., number of new patients served, reduction in travel distances for care), improvements in health outcomes (e.g., reductions in chronic disease prevalence, improved mental health indicators), and the number of healthcare professionals recruited and retained in rural areas. The program also anticipates better coordination of nonemergency medical transportation and a reduction in health impacts on minority populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Maryland schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to enhance environmental education and engage students in hands-on learning experiences that promote environmental stewardship.

This program provides funding to local organizations in EPA Region 3 for projects that address environmental and health challenges in historically underserved communities.

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant, under the City of Greenbelt Micro Grant program, supports projects aimed at improving neighborhood quality of life. This includes beautification projects, clean-ups, gardening projects, minor park improvements, tree planting, public art, and other similar activities. The goal is to encourage community collaboration and enhance neighborhood environments. Grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, with a maximum of $1,000 per project. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2024, with funds disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Eligible applicants include community and neighborhood organizations registered with SAM.gov. Applications are due by August 30, 2024, at 4:55 pm. Organizations awarded grants in Fiscal Year 2024 are not eligible to apply.

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.

Grant Opportunity: Community Foundation of Frederick County Rolling Grants Funding Organization: The Community Foundation of Frederick County Contact Information: For questions, email [email protected] or call 301.695.7660. Award Details: The Rolling Grant program provides grants for any purpose, including a wide range of field of interest and special purpose funds, and support for individuals served by nonprofits or government agencies. The minimum grant request is $500, and the maximum request varies by fund. Grants must provide direct benefits to Frederick County, Maryland residents unless otherwise noted in the fund description. Eligibility: Eligible organizations include already existing nonprofit 501c3 organizations in good standing with the IRS, government/quasi-governmental agencies applying for extraordinary projects not funded by tax revenue, religious organizations requesting funding for non-sectarian activities, and civic groups that are not 501c3 organizations requesting funding for a community cause. All applicants must meet Maryland's nonprofit requirements. Application Process: Organizations can submit grant applications through Foundant, the online grants management system used by The Community Foundation. Multiple applications are permitted, with one application per fund to which the organization is applying. Additional Information: Applications can be modified until the application deadline. Grant funds are generally disbursed in full during the first month of the grant period, except for civic organizations that receive reimbursement based on proof of expense and addressing the approved community cause. Variance requests to modify budget or program services can be made before the end of the grant period but require approval from the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees. Multi-year funding is not provided at this time. For more information and to access the application portal, visit this link: [https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?ReturnUrl=%2fProcess%2fShortLinkApply%3fprocessGuid%3ddf0970bb-29dc-4f89-a69a-b5e2e780c6dd%26UrlKey%3dfrederickcounty&processGuid=df0970bb-29dc-4f89-a69a-b5e2e780c6dd&UrlKey=frederickcounty]

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.