Maryland Community Development Grants

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Chesapeake & Coastal Service (CCS) offers grants to support the sustainable development and use of Maryland waterways. Funded by the Waterway Improvement Fund (WIF), the program supports projects that improve and promote the recreational and commercial capabilities, conditions, and safety of Maryland’s waterways. Eligible applicants, including county, town, or city governments and state or federal agencies, can apply for projects such as constructing or maintaining public boating facilities, dredging channels, and purchasing fire/rescue vessels. Applications are due by September 18, 2024, with funding available starting July 1, 2025.

Name of Funding Organization: Cecil County, Maryland Contact Information: Not provided in the input Grant Program: FY24 Cecil County Route 40 Revitalization Grant Program Intent: The grant aims to assist businesses and organizations located along the Route 40 corridor in Cecil County, Maryland to improve their exterior visual appearance and function. The goal is to enhance the overall visual appearance and increase utilization of these businesses and organizations. Award Details: The maximum award per grant application is $25,000. Grant funds are intended to be used for exterior improvement projects visible from Route 40. Up to 20% of the grant funds may be used for specified interior improvements with prior approval. All funding is contingent upon funding from the State of Maryland and approval of Cecil County Council. Eligibility: Businesses and organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, located within Cecil County along the Route 40 corridor with a Route 40/Pulaski Highway address are eligible to apply. Applicants must be in good standing with the IRS, State of Maryland, and Cecil County. Other Relevant Information: - Applicants must match the funds they are applying for. - Project designs must be approved by Cecil County Government. - Demolition of derelict structures visible from Route 40 will be considered. - Disbursement of grant funding will only be made on a reimbursement basis. - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting January 1, 2024. - Grant funds must be expended by June 30, 2024. Eligible Activities: Signage, Lighting, Roofing, Siding, Painting, Entrance, Porch/Deck, Fencing, Landscaping/Hardscaping, Sidewalks, Driveway, Parking, ADA Ramp, Demolition Ineligible Activities: Improvements to primary residence, Interior renovations, Improvements not visible from Route 40, Trash Removal Project Evaluation: The Grant Review Committee will evaluate applications based on criteria such as completeness, enhanced visual appearance from Route 40, stability of business/organization, positive impact on the business and community, clear explanation of how grant funds will be used, adherence to maximum limit of $25,000, identification of matching funds sources, preference

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

This funding opportunity supports Anne Arundel County Public School clubs and youth organizations in implementing peer-led education programs focused on preventing substance misuse among youth.

This program provides funding to organizations in Maryland that promote equitable access to outdoor recreation for underserved communities, addressing barriers like transportation and cost.

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.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Grant: Rural Health. Donor Name: Rural Maryland Council State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The objective of the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund 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 pastoral cultural 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. Healthcare: Health care access and delivery is a major problem in the State’s rural areas. Residents often need to travel great distances to seek health care services due to health workforce shortages. This problem is in primary care and is particularly acute in specialty care such as surgical specialties, dentistry, mental health, and other medical specialty areas. Eligible health care projects will range from health care planning, to health program implementation and evaluation, and will include projects pertaining to the following: Improving access to health and medical/dental/behavioral health care Tele-medicine and telehealth networking Programs that focus on planning and/or coordination of health care Programs that address rural population health needs Programs that ensure health care insurance and treatment enrollment Programs that implement and measure the accomplishment of components of the state’s rural health plan Rural Nonemergency Medical Transportation: Projects could include the following components better coordination (between industries, funding sources/coverage), 2) provides interregional transportation, and 3) on-demand response. Recruitment and retention of health care and public health professionals Programs to aid recruitment of health care providers Rural residency programs in primary care and medical/surgical specialties and dentistry Housing projects to support rural rotations of medical students/ health professions students Pipeline and pathway programs for future and existing health care workers Behavioral and mental health Programs to address: Substance use disorder, including alcohol, opioids and prescription drugs Depression and counseling, suicide prevention Domestic abuse and violence Chronic disease prevention and management Health education on diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancers prevalent in rural Maryland, hypertension/high blood pressure Disease management programs Research and treatment of health impacts on minority populations, and in particular, prenatal care Oral and dental health Funding Information For Fiscal Year 2025, the RMC has budgeted $1,500,000 for health care projects in the General Funds for the health care portion of the RMPIF program. Grant Period August 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be a local government, institute of higher education, regional council, or be a 501(c)(3) IRS tax designation or similar and serve a regional or statewide rural constituency. Eligible applicants include federally qualified health centers, area health education centers, local health clinics, and other rural-serving health organizations. The applicant does not have to be located in a rural area or in the area it serves. For more information, visit RMC.

The City of Rockville in Maryland is offering a Community Development Block Grant Program for 2026, providing $10,000 to $100,000 for housing and community development projects benefiting low- and moderate-income households, with eligible activities including home repair, land acquisition, housing development, public facility improvements, and historic preservation, open to non-profit organizations and government entities.

This funding opportunity supports Maryland-based public and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to engage communities and implement projects that protect and restore local natural resources, particularly in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

The Creative Howard grant program is offered by the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) to support small nonprofit arts organizations and arts businesses in Howard County, Maryland. The program aims to strengthen the vitality of the arts community and provide funding for eligible activities. Grants of up to $2,500 are available, and there is no matching fund requirement. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations or arts businesses located and operating in Howard County for at least one year with an operating revenue of $100,000 or less. The program supports a wide range of arts activities, including dance, design, folk and traditional arts, history exhibits, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, and workshops. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis with a deadline of the first day of each month at 11:59 PM. The grant period for FY24 is from September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Applicants may receive funding for only one application per fiscal year. The application process must be completed online using the Submittable platform. A final report is required within 15 business days after the funded project occurs.

This funding opportunity supports Baltimore-based nonprofits in implementing community-driven programs that improve digital literacy and access to technology for vulnerable populations, including older adults and minorities.

The SFY 2025 Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant, issued by the State of Maryland's Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, aims to enhance the security and support for non-profit organizations, including faith-based entities that are at risk of being targeted for hate crimes. This grant is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible organizations for implementing measures that improve their security infrastructure and safeguard their facilities and members against hate crimes. The grant is open for applications from non-profit organizations holding 501(c)(3) or (4) status within Maryland, and the funding will prioritize projects that demonstrate a critical need for security enhancements based on the local incidence and severity of hate crimes. The application process is entirely online, and hard copy submissions are not accepted. The grant period runs from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, with a total funding pool of $5,000,000. Individual applications may request up to $150,000, but funds are not to be used for capital improvements or large IT projects. All funding is contingent upon the approval of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy’s budget by Maryland's General Assembly. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government units to promote and expand Maryland's craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries, while enhancing tourism and local agricultural use.

This grant is aimed at improving the handling of child abuse and neglect cases, including child sexual abuse and exploitation. It focuses on the development of innovative programming to enhance the front-end intake and investigative stages of child welfare, aligning with the Maryland Governor’s Office's objective to reduce victimization among children. All funding is contingent upon the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services receiving the specified grant funds from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).

The FY25 Education Grant Program supports a wide array of teacher-led classroom and school-wide initiatives. Education grants are distributed annually each fall with a special reception for awardees in November. Eligible applicants include Public, MSDE approved nonpublic, or Middle States Accredited schools serving pre-K through 12th grade on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, specifically in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. Successful applications typically show broad support from school leadership, creativity in addressing challenges, a robust evaluation plan, potential for replication, sustainability prospects, and a direct connection to student success and well-being. Note that capital expenditures, field trips, previously funded programs at the same school, and costs associated with fundraising, playground equipment, faculty compensation, or office equipment are generally not funded. Special consideration is given to necessary equipment purchases and field trips that are integral to a larger educational project. Grant renewed every year.

The Community Event Grant is part of the City of Greenbelt Micro Grant program, designed to support resident-led neighborhood social events and gatherings. The aim is to build relationships among neighbors through fun social events like block parties, festivals, cultural events, holiday celebrations, and outdoor recreation activities. This initiative seeks to foster a welcoming and inclusive community atmosphere, encouraging lasting connections and civic participation. Grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, with a maximum of $500 per event. 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-based businesses, non-profits, and farms to enhance their energy efficiency beyond existing standards.

The Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN) Grant Program, as part of the SFY 2025 initiative by the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, focuses on developing comprehensive information-sharing infrastructures to enable cross-jurisdictional intelligence sharing. The goal is to dismantle criminal networks involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, gun violence, and gang activities. This initiative supports the enhancement of public safety by facilitating the formation of partnerships across criminal justice agencies for improved data sharing, investigations, and prosecutions.