Maryland Employment Labor and Training Grants

This program provides funding for paid internships at museums and historical organizations in Maryland, aimed at connecting students and recent graduates with professional experience while promoting diversity and mentorship in the cultural sector.

This grant provides funding to educational institutions, non-profits, and workforce organizations to create Cyber and AI clinics that train aspiring cybersecurity professionals while supporting local organizations in enhancing their cybersecurity capabilities.

This program provides $24 million in funding to organizations that train Maryland residents for high-demand jobs in the transportation construction sector, focusing on those facing employment barriers.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses with five or fewer employees in Hagerstown, aimed at promoting job creation and economic growth for low- to moderate-income residents.

This initiative provides funding to support large-scale economic development projects across the Appalachian region, focusing on workforce development, business growth, infrastructure improvements, and community capacity building.

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The Office of Broadband and Digital Equity (BDE) is accepting applications for the Digital Equity Fund (DEF), a grant program designed to foster community-led digital equity outreach, digital inclusion planning, and implementation within Baltimore City. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to bridge the significant digital divide experienced by many Baltimore residents, where over 25% lack a digital device and more than 40% lack internet access. The program's strategic priority is to address these gaps through targeted interventions, aiming for a theory of change that by investing in digital education, inclusion programming, and IT skills, vulnerable populations will gain the essential tools to fully participate in the modern digital world. The DEF focuses on providing digital education training, digital inclusion programming, and initiatives specifically in low digital inclusion communities throughout Baltimore. The target beneficiaries include a wide range of vulnerable residents: those in low digital equity communities, people with disabilities, older adults, immigrants and non-English speakers, racial or ethnic minority groups, returning citizens, LGBTQIA+ youth, people experiencing homelessness, and families with children under five. The impact goal is to empower these communities by enhancing digital literacy and skills, thereby reducing the disparities caused by decades of disinvestment and the digital divide. The program is structured around three distinct grant categories, each with a maximum award of $200,000, and a grant period from September 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. Tier 1, "Digital Literacy Education Training," supports initiatives for older adults and the wider community through tech hubs at recreation centers, focusing on basic computer skills, internet usage, and digital skills for job seekers. Tier 2, "Advanced Digital Education and IT Fundamentals Programming," aims to provide IT fundamental skills training and certification, such as Cisco IT Essentials or CompTIA certifications, to residents aspiring to IT careers. Tier 3, "Digital Creatives and Virtual Makerspaces Programming," encourages education in coding, digital media creation, robotics, video editing, and 3D printing at local recreation centers. Expected outcomes for the DEF include increased digital literacy and skills across the target populations, enhanced access to digital devices and internet for underserved households, and improved employment opportunities for residents through IT certification. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals receiving training, certifications earned, and participation in digital creative programs. The ultimate goal is to see a significant reduction in the digital divide in Baltimore City, enabling more residents to engage effectively in the digital world and addressing the systemic inequities faced by the most vulnerable.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local businesses and non-profits for community-focused projects that promote public engagement, enhance public spaces, and foster economic growth in Hyattsville.

Established in 1959, The Henry and Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Foundation is committed to improving the human condition through promoting life-long educational opportunities and a spectrum of cultural programming. The Foundation focuses its grantmaking primarily in the Baltimore area, awarding grants to nonprofit organizations sponsoring high quality programs in three program areas: Arts and Culture, Youth Development, and Adult Self-Sufficiency. The Foundation provides support for programs and general operations and will occasionally consider requests for capital support. In Arts and Culture, the Foundation focuses on growing and diversifying audiences, increasing access to arts across age and income levels, and engaging young people as producers and consumers of arts and arts education. In Youth Development, the Foundation promotes recreation, learning and leadership development through out-of-school-time programs; supports pregnancy prevention and other policies and practices that improve outcomes for vulnerable youth. In the Adult Self-Sufficiency program area, the aim is to strengthen families by supporting adult literacy training, parenting programs and industry-specific job training and preparedness programs.

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.

This funding opportunity supports tree planting projects in urban, underserved communities in Maryland, aiming to improve livability and address climate change, with eligible applicants including nonprofits, schools, and local governments.

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 Harford County Office of Economic Development administers the Harford Strides Fund as a temporary grant program to assist tourism related organizations in the infancy stage of program development. The fund supports organizations building models for long term sustainability that draw audiences from outside the county and encourage overnight hotel stays. Applicants must demonstrate success, lessons learned, and best practices, show clear intent to drive overnight stays, document hardship that jeopardizes program or operations but for county funding, and show pursuit of additional funding sources. Organizations must occupy a niche within tourism and may not apply if they have submitted to the Partnership Fund. Eligible applicants are Harford County 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations in good standing with the state and registered as Maryland charitable organizations. The program has 220,000 dollars available and may provide support for up to two consecutive years, subject to eligibility and need. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant size is determined by need and available funds. Additional information is available from the Harford County Office of Economic Development.

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 program provides funding to Maryland-based businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural entities for energy efficiency projects and improvements that go beyond current standards.

This grant provides funding to organizations and businesses in the Northeast to develop and expand dairy workforce training programs, enhancing opportunities for current and potential employees in the dairy industry.

The Town of Bladensburg Community Grant Program aims to support non-profit organizations through operating and/or capital grants. Operating grants provide funds for the day-to-day costs of running an organization, while capital grants assist with the purchase of equipment, supplies, or capital improvements. The program's mission aligns with enhancing community well-being by funding initiatives that empower youth, families, and individuals towards an improved quality of life and self-sufficiency, preserve and enhance community character, contribute to a vibrant economy, and promote community revitalization, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The target beneficiaries are non-profit organizations that provide services to the Bladensburg community. The program seeks to impact youth, families, and individuals by improving their quality of life and fostering self-sufficiency. Additionally, the program aims to benefit the community at large through programs that preserve local character, stimulate the economy, and promote revitalization and sustainability. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate administrative and financial capacity, align with the outlined criteria, provide maximum public benefit in relation to cost, and leverage additional funds. While the grant size can range from $1,000 to $10,000, the maximum funding available per applicant is up to $2,000, subject to the final FY24 approved budget. Expected outcomes include improved quality of life and self-sufficiency for residents, enhanced community character, a more vibrant local economy, and successful community revitalization and environmental sustainability initiatives. Measurable results would be determined by the specific projects funded, but generally relate to the number of individuals served, improvements in community assets, economic growth indicators, and environmental impacts. The Town of Bladensburg's strategic priorities for this grant program are clearly rooted in fostering a thriving and sustainable community. Their theory of change is that by investing in non-profit organizations that align with their core criteria—empowering individuals, enhancing community character, contributing to the economy, and promoting revitalization and sustainability—they can achieve significant public benefit and drive positive, lasting change within Bladensburg. This approach emphasizes leveraging local organizations' expertise to address critical community needs.

This funding opportunity supports community and faith-based organizations in Maryland to implement programs focused on preventing opioid misuse, promoting harm reduction, and aiding recovery efforts.

This funding opportunity is designed to support community organizations in Cecil County, Maryland, in their efforts to improve health equity and address social needs related to substance use, mental health, childhood trauma, and access to health services.

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