Maryland Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

The Maryland Humanities is accepting grant applications for its Marilyn Hatza Memorial Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity (SHINE) Grant fund. Donor Name: Maryland Humanities State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Goals of the Marilyn Hatza Memorial SHINE Grant Program Continue and expand general operating support funding, awarding $900,000 in grants. Focus on small and mid‐size humanities, arts, cultural, and educational nonprofits that may not have staff capacity or resources to be competitive in fundraising. Ensure a broad geographic reach, similar to what they were able to realize from the COVID‐relief grants, which funded organizations in all 23 of Maryland’s counties, plus Baltimore City. Continue to refine lessons learned on how to evaluate applicants and distribute funds equitably, while ensuring accountability and responsible fiscal stewardship. Convene annual cohorts of grantees in new networks of engagement and common purpose to amplify the state’s investment, strengthening both the organizations and communities. Funding Priorities Organizations that center diversity, equity and inclusion within their mission and throughout their programming. Organizations that serve geographic areas that have historically been underserved by Maryland Humanities. Organizations that serve audiences that have been traditionally underserved by the humanities, which includes but is not limited to, Veterans, Rural Populations, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), Low-income Individuals, Currently and Formerly Incarcerated Persons, LGBTQ+ Individuals, Currently or Formerly Unhoused People, Immigrants, and/or Disabled People. Small and mid-size humanities, arts, cultural, and educational nonprofits that may not have staff capacity or resources to be competitive in fundraising. Funding Information This program will provide 90 General Operating Support grants worth $10,000, to non-profit organizations which provide humanities programming throughout the state of Maryland. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for a Maryland Humanities General Operating Support grant, an organization must: conduct programming in the humanities as a significant part of its work Eligible non-profits include museums, historic sites, preservation and historical societies, and community & cultural organizations with a significant humanities focus. Organizations conducting activities in the humanities provide programs that do one or more of the following: Explore and elevate the shared stories of the past, present, and future to connect people Preserve, share, and celebrate cultural identities, heritage, and traditions Promote storytelling and enriching communities through dialogue, discussion, and participation Bring people together to encourage thoughtful and accessible programs that value equity, democracy, collaboration, and life-long learning be designated as a nonprofit organization and maintain good standing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as determined by organization’s 990 and Charity Check be physically located and registered as a nonprofit in Maryland and have Maryland residents as its primary constituents have a maximum total annual operating budget of $500,000 or less. The following organizations are not eligible to apply for funding: Organizations with a general operating budget that exceeds $500,000 Organizations whose sole mission or focus is the creation or performance of art. This includes visual art, dance, theater, and music Any federally, or state-funded agency All academic Institutions, including, universities, colleges, academic departments, and K-12 institutions Public libraries. For more information, visit Maryland Humanities.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven tree planting projects in underserved urban areas of Maryland to improve environmental quality and promote equity.

Access Granted is a grant initiative designed to support and empower small minority and/or women owned businesses. Donor Name: City of Frederick State: Maryland City: Frederick Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program is available to both start-up and established businesses in need of capital for a defined project that will grow their business. By providing this financial assistance, The City of Frederick aims to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment that enables entrepreneurs to reach their full potential. Preferences will be given to Small minority and/or woman owned business. Physically located within The City of Frederick limits. Funding Information The city has earmarked $400,000 to deploy as grants for this new program.  Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria: Be a registered for-profit business. Be in good standing in the state of Maryland. Have no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees For more information, visit City of Frederick.

The City of Frederick is excited to announce the launch of a new grant opportunity through the Department of Economic Development. Donor Name: City of Frederick State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant, called “ACCESS GRANTED,” is specifically designed to support and empower small minority, and women-owned businesses. This initiative is available to both start-up and established businesses in need of access to capital for a defined project that will help scale their business. By providing this financial assistance, The City of Frederick aims to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment that enables entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.  Preferences will be given to Small minority and/or woman owned business.  Physically located within The City of Frederick limits.  Funding Information The city has earmarked $400,000 to deploy as grants for this new program.  Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria:  Be a registered for-profit business.  Be in good standing in the state of Maryland.  Have no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees For more information, visit City of Frederick.

The Greater Washington Community Foundation is excited to aanounce the 2025 Sharing Prince George Grants. Donor Name: Greater Washington Community Foundation State: Maryland County: Prince Georges County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Sharing Prince George’s Fund of the Greater Washington Community Foundation has supported high-impact nonprofits serving Prince George’s County’s most vulnerable residents. They are proud of the ways these organizations have responded to the community’s needs and worked in partnership toward the shared vision for a more equitable, just, and thriving Prince George’s County. As part of The Community Foundation’s 10-year strategic plan, the Sharing Prince George’s Fund is focused on addressing urgent community needs, advancing economic justice, and, ultimately, working to close the racial/ethnic wealth gap which undermines the health and stability of the entire community. Therefore, Sharing Prince George’s grant-making priorities for this year include: Economic mobility resources that enable people to chart a pathway out of poverty (e.g., access to higher education, training, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, etc.). Individual and Community Wealth Building opportunities which empower people with the financial and social capital needed to build wealth so they can weather crises and pursue their dreams. Basic needs for the low-income neighbors (e.g., access to resources for health and mental health, food security, affordable housing, childcare and education, and interventions which help families transition from crisis to recovery). Funding Information For the FY25 cycle, Sharing Prince George’s will make up to ten (10) one-time grant awards of up to $50,000. Eligibility Criteria  Sharing Prince George’s grants will provide flexible general operating support for work serving Prince George’s County residents. Nonprofits may apply those resources wherever the need is greatest to advance their missions. (Note: Grants to regional organizations will be earmarked to support efforts in the county.) For more information, visit Greater Washington Community Foundation.

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.

The Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE) is now accepting applications for the Digital Equity Fund (DEF) to support community-led digital equity outreach, digital inclusion planning and implementation. Donor Name: Office of Broadband and Digital Equity State: Maryland City: Baltimore Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: This subsequent cycle will focus on providing digital education training, digital inclusion programming and initiatives in low digital inclusion communities throughout the City of Baltimore. Many Baltimore residents lack the essential tools needed to fully engage in the modern, digital world. More than 1 in 4 Baltimore households lack a digital device, and more than 40 percent lack internet access. Decades of disinvestment also means the most vulnerable residents often experience the greatest impact of the digital divide. Round two of the Digital Equity Fund will invest in initiatives across three different grant categories to help address gaps in digital literacy and skills. Tier 1: Digital Literacy Education Training (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives under two sub-tiers: Tier 1A – digital literacy education for older adults; Tier 1B – digital literacy education for the wider community in support of tech hubs at recreation centers in underserved areas. Skill areas might include computer basics, using the internet, and digital skills for job seekers. Tier 2: Advanced Digital Education and IT Fundamentals Programming (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives providing IT fundamental skills training and certification to Baltimore City residents interested in a career in IT. Programming must include opportunities for residents to earn industry-recognized IT certifications. For example, Cisco IT Essentials, including CISCO ITE certification and/or A+ certification, CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), Net+, and Security+. Tier 3: Digital Creatives and Virtual Makerspaces Programming (up to $200,000) – Grants will support initiatives providing education and programming for digital creatives and virtual makerspaces at local recreation centers throughout Baltimore City. Grantees can use this tier of funding for classes and workshops for digital creatives, and special events to help develop skills in coding, digital media creation, robotics, video editing, and 3D printing. Funding Information Grant awards are up to $200,000. The grant period is September 1st, 2024 – June 30th, 2026. Target Population Program activities must address the needs of those left behind in the digital age, including: Residents of low digital equity communities; People with disabilities; Older adults; Immigrants and non-English speakers; Individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group; Returning citizens; LGBTQIA+ Youth; People experiencing homelessness; and Families with children under five (5). Geographical Focus  The DEF will only fund Baltimore City-based organizations. Who is Eligible for Funding?  Eligible applicants are Baltimore-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations who serve Baltimore residents. Organizations can submit a grant proposal for each grant type. Applicants must plan to address the needs of groups most likely to be left behind in the digital age, including people with disabilities, older adults, individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group, immigrants and non-English speakers, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ youth, and people experiencing homelessness. For more information, visit Office of Broadband and Digital Equity.

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.

The City of Greenbelt is seeking applications for its ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Grant. Donor Name: City of Greenbelt State: Maryland City: Greenbelt Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Greenbelt has begun accepting applications from eligible nonprofit organizations for a one time “recovery” grant made possible through the allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Qualified nonprofits will be eligible to apply for grants up to $25,000, as allowed by ARPA, to address negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Priority will be given to programs supporting one or more of the following areas: Advances education and science Serves the underprivileged Defends human and civil rights Benefits Veterans Helps combat community deterioration Arts & Culture Youth Development Needs Senior Support/Aging in Place Natural Resources and Conservation Racial Equity & Racial Justice Human Services Marginalized members of the community. Eligible Use of Funds You may request funds to address revenue reductions and/or operating expenses to include: Programming & projects specific to one of the priority areas Events to benefit Greenbelt residents Broadband Infrastructure Rental and utility assistance Purchase of equipment Digital advertising/website/e-commerce creation and maintenance Technology Contracted services Insurance Program expenses Program supplies COVID-19 related expenses for which replacement is critical to the nonprofit’s continuity of operations Payroll assistance. Who is eligible for the grant? Nonprofit organizations who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for a Nonprofit “Recovery” Grant: Must serve Greenbelt residents (preference will be given to Nonprofits located in the City of Greenbelt). Have a 501(c)(3) status or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit. Have a 501 (c) 19 status. Be registered as a Maryland non-profit organization with the State of Maryland. Is in good standing with the IRS, The Maryland Secretary of State’s charitable division, and the Department of Assessment and Taxation’s Maryland Personal Property tax division. Must have a minimum two-year operating history at the time the application is submitted. Must have a Board of Directors with representation from the community. Was in existence prior to or established during the period of March 1, 2020 to March 30, 2022. Is able to demonstrate continuity of operations to sustain programming/projects/services. Must have a minimum annual operating budget of $25,000, as reflected in the most recent tax return or 990. Has demonstrated an economic need for funding resulting from revenue gaps/shortfalls and/or expenses as a result of COVID-19, or during the period of the coronavirus emergency. For more information, visit City of Greenbelt.

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 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.

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 funding to nonprofit organizations in Maryland that support mental health, aging services, and healthcare initiatives, particularly for underserved populations.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in the Baltimore area that promote legal education, improve access to justice, and enhance community trust in the legal profession through outreach and service initiatives.