Maryland Capacity Building Grants

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 Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants program, overseen by the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, is designed to stimulate community revitalization and economic growth within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of enriching cultural tourism and improving community economic health through the thoughtful reinvestment in and preservation of historic downtown commercial properties. By fostering renewed interest in shopping, working, and living downtown, the program seeks to leverage historic preservation practices as a catalyst for local economic vitality. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property owners or tenants of commercially-zoned properties within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. The program specifically targets buildings that are at least 50 years old and contribute to the significance of the local Main Street district, with some exceptions for newer buildings meeting National Register criteria for exceptional significance. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical and economic health of these historic districts, ensuring the preservation of their architectural heritage while simultaneously promoting a vibrant commercial environment. The grant prioritizes exterior improvements that visually and economically contribute to revitalization, such as restoring or replicating original interior architectural features. It also supports the installation or repair of fire suppression systems for commercial ground-floor spaces or new upper-story income-producing residential developments in historic commercial buildings. A unique focus includes parapet lighting, utilizing commercial-grade white or color LED lights to create a festive atmosphere across adjoining buildings for at least one block, and the restoration of historically significant signage or theater marquees. New commercial signage is explicitly not supported. Expected outcomes include enhanced aesthetic appeal and functionality of historic commercial properties, increased community engagement and interest in downtown areas, and ultimately, a stronger local economy. Measurable results could include the number of properties restored, the amount of private investment leveraged by grant funds, an increase in foot traffic or commercial activity, and the sustained use of historic buildings. The program’s strategic approach centers on utilizing historic preservation as a core economic development tool, reflecting a theory of change that posits by investing in the physical fabric of historic downtowns, communities can unlock broader economic and cultural benefits, making these areas more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

The Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Family Foundation offers grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Baltimore area, focusing on mental health, cancer prevention and treatment, arts exposure for youth, and educational opportunities for disadvantaged children, excluding start-ups, capital projects, individuals, multi-year projects, higher education institutions, and organizations outside Baltimore.

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.

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland individuals and businesses for purchasing livestock and meat processing equipment, with a focus on enhancing large-animal and blue catfish processing capabilities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, local governments, and public schools in selected states to implement sustainability initiatives, workforce development, and community resilience programs that enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, to enhance or launch programs that benefit local residents, particularly underserved populations.

This funding opportunity is designed for qualified nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County, Maryland, to support capital projects that improve community resources, provide essential services, and promote cultural and historical enrichment.

This funding opportunity supports projects that enhance fish and wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and promote outdoor recreation within the Delaware River watershed, targeting nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and Tribal organizations.

This grant provides unrestricted funding to small, BIPOC-led nonprofits in the Greater Washington region to promote financial security and support communities affected by racial and economic injustice.

This program provides free training and funding opportunities to nonprofit organizations in the Appalachian region, helping them build capacity to better address community challenges and improve their operational effectiveness.

This grant provides financial support to Maryland museums, libraries, and historical organizations to enhance their capacity through projects like digitization, marketing, and strategic planning, fostering long-term sustainability and community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, mission-driven groups, and government agencies working on impactful community improvement projects in South Baltimore, focusing on sustainability, health, and revitalization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on improving their services for low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities through strategic investments in planning, staff development, and technology.

This initiative provides training and funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Appalachian region to strengthen their operations and better serve their communities.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations in College Park, Maryland, to provide essential community services and programs that benefit residents.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist local and state organizations, private companies, and nonprofits in Maryland with projects that improve water quality by reducing pollution in designated watersheds.

This funding opportunity supports arts and humanities organizations in Montgomery County, Maryland, by providing financial assistance for projects that promote creativity, community engagement, and diversity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in economically distressed areas of the Appalachian Region to enhance their capacity through training, strategic planning, and community-led initiatives for sustainable economic growth.