Maryland Community Development Grants

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.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits and organizations in Frederick County, Maryland, that are addressing critical community needs such as family support, aging population services, substance use disorder, affordable housing, mental health, and service delivery disparities.

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.

This program provides financial support for essential improvements to commercial buildings in The City of Frederick, targeting small businesses, including those owned by minorities and women, as well as businesses involved in neighborhood revitalization or recovery from disasters.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies working to improve health, education, and economic opportunities for residents of Baltimore City.

The City of Greenbelt Micro Grant is a one-time, matching, reimbursable grant intended to be a resident-led initiative aimed at building community and engaging new people across neighborhoods. Donor Name: City of Greenbelt State: Maryland City: Greenbelt Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program is designed to be welcoming and inclusive, and create opportunities for neighbors to get to know each other. The objective of the Micro Grant is to help strengthen relationships between neighbors, cultivate the spirit of volunteerism, connect residents, increase civic participation, celebrate community, and to encourage lasting community engagement. Micro Grant Goals To support resident-led projects and activities that build community. Encourage new and/or stronger relationships between Greenbelt residents. Create welcoming and inclusive opportunities that foster authentic relationships among neighbors. Empower residents to take responsibility for building connections and addressing community needs. The value of the neighborhood’s match must be 25% of the amount requested from the grant. Funding Information This is a one-time, reimbursable grant funded through the American Rescue Plan Act to help communities move beyond the COVID pandemic and to broaden Greenbelt’s connections to all its neighborhoods and residents. Funding for Micro Grants range between $250 and $1,000 depending on the type of grant requested. Community Event Grants are eligible for up to $500. Neighborhood Communication Grants are eligible for up to $750. Community Enhancement Grants are eligible for up to $1,000. Eligible Activities & Programs Community Event Grant: The purpose of this grant is to support efforts by neighborhoods to organize “neighborhood” social events or gatherings. The intent is to build relationships among neighbors and support fun social events, such as neighborhood block parties, festivals, cultural events, holiday events, outdoor health/recreation (walking, biking, running) events, emergency preparedness fairs, and community events designed to bring people together. Neighborhood Communication Grant: Funds can be used to enhance communication, including neighborhood websites, mailings, newsletters, neighborhood brochures, calendars, information kiosks, etc. Neighborhood Improvement Grant: Funding for these grants are intended to encourage neighbors to come together to plan and complete a project to help improve the quality of life in their neighborhood. Activities may include beautification projects, clean-up activities, a neighborhood gardening project, landscape beautification, playground and minor park improvements, tree planting, public art to enhance the community, adding or modifying entrance signs, community benches, bike racks, dog waste stations, or other such related improvements. Grant Requirements  Project/activity must take place in the City of Greenbelt Take place within the neighborhood’s boundaries. Project/activity must be visible and impact the community/neighborhood. Have a minimum of five neighborhood residents involved in the proposed project. Involve neighborhood residents in all phases of the project/activity. Provide a public benefit to the neighborhood. Demonstrate a need and support for the project. Is completely free for the community to participate (no admission fees or fundraising). Abide with all City ordinances and policies. Who may apply? The Micro Grant is eligible for incorporated neighborhood and community organizations that organize for the purpose of improving or developing programs and activities for their local residential communities, including: Neighborhood Homeowner Associations Condominium Associations GHI Co-op Apartment Complexes Community Coalitions. For more information, visit City of Greenbelt.

This program provides funding to eligible organizations to cover the costs of butchering and processing deer donated to help Maryland residents in need.

Catonsville Women’s Giving Circle awards grants to enhance philanthropy to support a thriving and equitable Catonsville community. Donor Name: Catonsville Women’s Giving Circle State: Maryland County: Baltimore County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Given this, grants are only considered for organizations located in / serving citizens of the greater Catonsville area. Eligibility Criteria  Grant applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in / serving citizens of the Catonsville area. For more information, visit CWGC.

The City of Cumberland’s Community Development Department is pleased to introduce a new Home Rehabilitation Grant program in support of the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative to reduce blight. Donor Name: City of Cumberland State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: 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. 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. For more information, visit City of Cumberland.

The City of Greenbelt is awarding a one-time, reimbursable grant to go directly towards the purchase of trees to assist homeowners and community organizations with the planting or replacement of trees caused by storm damage, disease or invasive insects. Donor Name: City of Greenbelt State: Maryland City: Greenbelt Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Tree Canopy grant is to assist homeowners and community organizations with the planting or replacement of trees caused by storm damage, disease or invasive insects; and to increase the density and resiliency of the City’s iconic tree canopy. Funding for this grant will be provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and can be used to purchase, install, stake and mulch the area the tree or trees will be planted. Who may apply? Civic, neighborhood, community and homeowner organizations – eligible to receive up to $7,0000 Apartment complexes – eligible to receive up to $5,000 Greenbelt residential homeowners – eligible to receive up to $750 Note: Residential homeowners reimbursement will be provided through the Greenbelt Community Development Corporation. Applicants will be required to provide: Summary of the project Statement of need Project Timeline A map/site plan of the proposed planting site with proposed trees. Brief explanation of what you plan on doing and how you will do it Describe who will carry out the plan A written cost estimate for the trees (signed by an authorized representative of a landscape nursery) and should include a one (1) year guarantee be furnished by the supplier, on all trees Maintenance and survivability Plan Who will carry out the plan Project budget If an HOA, Civic or Neighborhood association – The applicant will need to provide written authorization by the property owner and/or authorized agent authorizing the project For more information, visit City of Greenbelt.

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.

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 grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Baltimore area that support youth development programs focused on career skills and life skills for high school students.

Seeking to foster deeper connections with nature among a range of constituencies, the Foundation invests in environmental programs that focus on education and/or stewardship. In the environmental education area, the Foundation’s emphasis is on high quality programs that promote hands-on experiential activities in formal and informal K-12 educational settings to increase time spent outside in nature for youth. In the environmental stewardship area, the Foundation seeks to support the maintenance and expansion of green spaces, including parks and farms, in under-resourced neighborhoods. The Foundation’s environmental grantmaking is limited to the Baltimore metropolitan region. The Foundation typically provides funding for general operations and/or programming, but not capital needs.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community colleges in Maryland that focus on agricultural and forestry education, as well as rural economic and community development initiatives.

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.

The Maryland Department of Aging is pleased to announce a competitive funding opportunity for grant awards under the Aging-In-Place Program. Donor Name: Maryland Department of Aging State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This funding opportunity aligns with the Department’s commitment to supporting Marylanders to live in their own homes and communities safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. A Senior Village is a local, member-driven, nonprofit organization that:  Fosters social connections through activities and events;  Coordinates volunteer help at home using a neighbor-helping-neighbor model;  Is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Successful applicants will propose projects that:  Preserve Familiarity and Independence, allowing older adults to maintain identity and independence in familiar environments, which can trigger positive memories and improve quality of life.  Provide Mental Stimulation and Engagement, encouraging mental stimulation through familiar routines, social interactions, and activities that challenge the mind, which are crucial for delaying cognitive decline and promoting well-being.  Reduce Emotional Stress, by minimizing the life disruptions, stress and anxiety that come with transitioning to new living environments, thus maintaining emotional wellbeing in a comforting and known environment.  Provide the opportunity to live in a supported community. Services to be funded through this opportunity may include:  In-home personal care services  Integration and education of services to maintain living in the community;  Psychological, economic, or functional assistance;  Increasing awareness of and equitable access to resources;  Supportive services and care coordination;  Social isolation reduction and engagement programs;  Affordable transportation;  Assistance with home modifications or repairs to improve safety, mobility, and accessibility; and The opportunity to live in a Senior Village Preference will be given to projects that:  Incorporate volunteers in the planning and delivery of programs or services;  Serve individuals who belong to historically underserved communities, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; Persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality;  Propose multi-sector or multigenerational collaboration; Establish new Villages or expand existing Villages into marginalized communities;  Focus on AAA and Villages partnerships to enhance collaboration to expand capacity, extend reach, enhance effectiveness, and improve outcomes for older adults. Funding Information The total funding available is $100,000. The grant will run from the time of award, anticipated to be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Applicants are non-profit organizations and Area Agencies on Aging in good standing with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. For more information, visit Maryland Department of Aging.

This program provides funding to support the development of bicycle networks, helping local governments and organizations improve access and connectivity for cyclists in their communities.