Maryland Recreation Grants

This program provides funding for events that raise awareness about the restoration and protection of natural resources in the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland's watersheds, targeting nonprofits and community organizations.

This program provides funding to support tourism marketing and development initiatives in Maryland, helping communities recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program provides financial support to organizations and events that promote youth and amateur sports in Maryland, enhancing the state's competitiveness in the sports tourism industry and boosting its economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

This grant provides financial support to local not-for-profit organizations and government entities in Worcester County, Maryland, to help them initiate new arts projects or address urgent needs in the community.

The Transportation Alternative and Recreational Use FY25 Grant, administered by the Maryland State Highway Administration, aims to fund transportation alternative and recreational use projects within the state. This federal grant offers 80% reimbursable funds, requiring a 20% match from project sponsors. Projects should enhance the intermodal transportation system or support recreational trails and amenities. Approximately 60% of the funds are allocated to projects within the jurisdictions of three Maryland Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs): The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, National Capitol Region Transportation Planning Board, and Wilmington Area Planning Council. Eligible sponsors include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource and public land agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and 501c(3) non-profit agencies. Project sponsors are responsible for all aspects of their project, including design, management, construction, and maintenance.

The Community Foundation’s Impact Grant program provides grants for any purpose, including a wide range of field of interest and special purpose funds, and support for individuals served by nonprofits or government agencies. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Frederick County State: Maryland County: Frederick County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Nonprofit organizations providing programs that impact health and human services, historic preservation, the arts, agriculture, civic causes, animal well-being, education, youth programs, and more should apply. Funding Information Minimum request: $500 Grant Period Grants must be used during the period of January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria The Community Foundation administers grants to organizations providing direct benefits to Frederick County, Maryland. All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered for a grant. The applicant must be: An already existing nonprofit, 501c3 organization in good standing with the IRS, A government/quasi-governmental agency applying for an extraordinary project that is not funded by tax revenue, A religious organization requesting funding for non-sectarian activities, or A civic group that is not a 501c3 organization requesting funding for a community cause. For more information, visit CFFC.

The City of Bowie offers funding, through the Community Outreach Committee (COC), for individuals and organizations that have plans to implement a program that will help meet the needs of City of Bowie residents. Donor Name: City of Bowie State: Maryland City: Bowie Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 09/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Community Outreach Committee grants are awarded in areas of physical and mental health, social and human services, youth, senior citizens, diversity, community-centered, and culture education programs. Individuals, groups, and organizations that provide services that assist underserved residents of the incorporated City of Bowie are also eligible to receive these grants. Funding Information This year, $30,000 is available to be awarded to successful applicants through a competitive selection process. Grants are awarded for up to $5,000. This is a reimbursable grant; funding is provided to grant recipients after funded items are purchased. Receipts must be furnished, invoices are not sufficient Eligibility Criteria  Individuals, groups, or organizations who will provide a program or project that will benefit residents of the City of Bowie may apply for the grant. Grant applicants do not need to be City residents, however, programs should be conducted within the incorporated City of Bowie, whenever possible, to increase the likeliness of including City residents. For more information, visit City of Bowie.

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 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 Outreach and Restoration Grant Program encourages outreach, community engagement activities, and on-the-ground restoration projects that increase knowledge, change behavior, and accelerate stewardship of natural resources. Donor Name: Chesapeake Bay Trust State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Outreach and Restoration Grant Program is a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and BGE an Exelon Company, Charles County, the City of Baltimore Department of Public Works, the City of Gaithersburg, the City of Rockville, the City of Salisbury, Harford County, Howard County, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration, Queen Anne’s County, and Tradepoint Atlantic. The Outreach and Restoration Grant Program aims to engage a diverse range of organizations, both with community-related missions and environmental-focused missions, to implement community-led stewardship efforts that will increase public understanding of environmental challenges and solutions; address community environmental health disparities, implement demonstration-scale, community-inspired, on-the-ground restoration projects; and expand the base of public support necessary to advance the restoration and protection of Maryland’s bays, tributaries, and other natural resources. All projects should meet one or both of the following goals: Engage members of a specific audience in community sustainability and environmental health issues through knowledge-building or behavior-change efforts.  Accomplish on-the-ground restoration that will result in improvements to the health of a Maryland natural resource, either through water quality improvement or habitat enhancement. Types of Projects Applicants can request funds from one of the following tracks. Within any track, the Trust encourages projects that address the interconnectedness between the health of the environment and human health. They seek projects that provide water or other natural resource benefits along with co-benefits for human communities such as improved air quality, access to greenspace, reduced flooding, mitigating urban heat island effect, etc.  Funding Information  Applicants can request funds from one of the following tracks:  Track 1: Outreach/Knowledge Building (up to $50,000)  Track 2: Behavior Change (up to $75,000)  Track 3: Restoration (up to $100,000)  Track 4: Outreach and Restoration (up to $125,000) Geographical Areas This grant program funds projects throughout the entire state of Maryland. Funding for this program comes from several different partners, each of whom are looking for projects within their specific locations and areas of focus. Funding partners are seeking projects in Charles County, the City of Baltimore, the City of Gaithersburg, the City of Rockville, the City of Salisbury, Harford County, Howard County, Queen Anne’s County, southeast and southwest Baltimore County.  Eligibility Criteria The Trust and the funding partners welcome requests from the following applicants:  501(c)3 Private Nonprofit Organizations  Faith-based Organizations  Community and Homeowners Associations  Service, Youth, and Civic Groups  Federal, State, Regional, County, and Municipal Public Agencies  Soil/Water Conservation Districts & Resource Conservation and Development Councils  Forestry Boards  Public and Independent Higher Educational Institutions. For more information, visit Chesapeake Bay Trust.

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.

The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County (“RDA”) is soliciting proposals from community-based 501 (c) (3) organizations for the Community Impact Grant (CIG) Program Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Funding Round. Donor Name: Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County State: Maryland County: Prince Georges County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grant Category and Uses  The CIG Program provides grants to community-based organizations located in Prince George’s County to implement small innovative capital projects that revitalize and enhance communities and quality of life. Grants can not be used for operating or program costs, salaries, stipends or personnel expenses. Eligible project activities include: Neighborhood Beautification Streetscape, street furniture, pedestrian enhancements and recreational improvements Signage, banners and way-finding systems Commercial façade improvements Internal and/or external improvements to commercial buildings used by the public Permanent public art installations Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainability  Restoration of parks, streams and open space Urban agriculture and replenishment of tree canopy Green roofs, low impact development and storm water management Preservations of historic landmarks, structures and sites Funding Information The RDA has two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) available for county-wide project. Grant performance period is one year from the date of execution of a CIG Grant Agreement.  Eligibility Criteria Any civic/neighborhood association or community-based organization that is an incorporated 501C3, located within Prince George’s County, in good standing with the State of Maryland, can apply for funding. Prince George’s County government and affiliated entities are not eligible to apply. For more information, visit RDA.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund believes that arts and culture play a central role in the development and growth of healthy individuals and thriving communities and commits its resources to promote and sustain a vibrant arts and culture sector in metropolitan Baltimore. Donor Name: Baltimore Community Foundation State: Maryland County: Anne Arundel County (MD), Baltimore County (MD), Carroll County (MD), Harford County (MD), Howard County (MD), Queen Annes County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Its grants support organizational effectiveness, promote local artists and their work, and provide cultural experiences that welcome people of all backgrounds, enhance residents’ lives, and strengthen the region’s sense of cohesion and identity. Objectives Enrich metropolitan Baltimore life Support a lively creative environment Deepen civic connections and engagement through arts and culture Ensure that programs are inclusive and outreach efforts broad Sustain a healthy cultural ecosystem Provide artistic funding opportunities to strengthen the programs and practices of organizations that offer significant cultural experiences, foster sector cooperation and alliances and sponsor an artist portfolio awards initiative that supports and promotes local artists through a nonprofit intermediary. Funding Priorities Strengthening Organizational and Artistic Practices Capacity programs to improve internal organizational and management practices—including board training, strategic planning, fundraising and marketing expertise, budgeting and financial planning, program planning, professional development, technology upgrades and training and operating support for key partners. With submission of a full proposal, qualified applicants may apply for a working capital reserve or fixed asset replacement reserve grant requiring a 1:1 match. See Reserve Funds Grant Application. Occasional capacity requests from arts magnet schools Professional development programs for the benefit of practicing metropolitan Baltimore artists Small grants for facility enhancements (not renovations) Innovative Programs Innovative programming initiatives and projects from organizations with budgets larger than $75,000 to present or exhibit the work that will deepen audience engagement or engage new audiences. Small grants (up to $1,500) to present or exhibit the work of professional artists/performers that will deepen audience engagement or engage new audiences. Eligibility: organizations with budgets under $75,000 which operate as nonprofits or are under the auspices of a fiscal agent and individuals using a fiscal sponsor. Application Process: History of presenting organization, description of project, most recent year-end organizational budget, project budget, Data Arts Profile in Baker format, and IRS Determination Letter. Letter of Inquiry required. Applications accepted year-round. Cultural Sector Collaboration Strategic alliances that support collaboration and cooperation across the cultural community and strengthen organizational abilities to work at the highest levels. Funding Information $10,000 is available. Eligibility Criteria  Cultural organizations (or their fiscal agents) serving the Baltimore area that qualify as public charities under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, political persuasion, age, physical handicap, gender or sexual orientation. For more information, visit BCF.

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The Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program is a funding initiative by the Chesapeake Bay Trust that supports projects by various organizations to address environmental and public health issues through education, small-scale greening, and large-scale restoration in specific areas affected by wastewater treatment plants and energy companies.

Talbot Arts invites grant applications for the Community Arts Development (CAD) Program to fund arts activities that serve Talbot County. Donor Name: Talbot Arts State: Maryland County: Talbot County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The goal is to engage all members of the community through targeted outreach. Its simplified application process, easily accessible support, and transparent evaluations create an even playing field. Funding Information These grants ranged from $1,000-$24,000. July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.  Eligibility Criteria Non-profit and government-related organizations that provide equitable access to diverse and inclusive local arts activities for citizens and visitors to Talbot County can apply for Community Arts Development grants. They are especially interested in programs that bring the arts to underserved communities, including people in healthcare settings, the economically disadvantaged, seniors, and those with special needs. Grant Criteria Talbot Arts frequently receives more grant requests than can be accommodated by the resources available.  Therefore, the Arts Council retains the right to accept or reject grant applications, to suggest changes, and to support grant requests in full, in part, or not at all.  In deciding on applications, the Arts Council is guided by: The artistic merit of the proposed activities. Organizational effectiveness – the ability of the applying organization to carry out the activity Service to the community – how well the proposed activity or program will serve the students, residents and guests of Talbot County For more information, visit Talbot Arts.

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.

Howard County’s Youth Engagement Programming (YEP!) Grants promote youth activities and engagement in Howard County through free, accessible, and supportive programming developed by nonprofit and community organizations. Donor Name: Howard County Government State: Maryland County: Howard County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of these grants is to provide community organizations with the resources to develop programs for young people in Howard County that are offered outside of traditional school hours. Programs will focus on social-emotional learning, mental health and wellness, and activities for young people. Additionally, proposals will leverage partnerships with other community organizations in Howard County. These grants are intended to provide nonprofit community organizations with resources to establish programming and engagement opportunities for young people in Howard County. YEP! grants will provide community partners with the opportunity to enhance or develop programming during the times when young people need the engagement most.  Funding Information The minimum grant award is $5,000 and the maximum grant award is $50,000. Requirements In order to be considered for a YEP! grant, applicants must meet the following criteria: Applicants must demonstrate that the organization is a nonprofit organization, provide a copy of the organization’s charter and bylaws, and be in good standing with the State of Maryland. Applicants must provide direct services to the residents of Howard County, Maryland. Youth programming must occur at least monthly over the course of 12 months. Programming must engage youth in activities during times when they are not in school, including on weekends, after-school hours, and during the summertime. Programming must be either free or low-cost to youth participants. If low-cost, the proposal should demonstrate how programming minimizes cost barriers to access programs. Recipients may use YEP! funding to either create new programs or expand existing programs that are already offered. If grant funding is used to expand existing programming, the proposal should demonstrate how grant funding will contribute to increased youth engagement. Grant recipients must track performance data on programs and submit quarterly reports to the Office of the County Executive detailing program outcomes. Required performance measures will include but are not limited to: number of young people served, geographic impact of programs, and age of youth served. For more information, visit Howard County Government.

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.