Maryland Safety Grants

This grant provides $10,000 to new businesses located in Laurel, Maryland, to help them grow, create jobs, and enhance their operations through various improvements and equipment purchases.

This grant provides financial support to arts and humanities organizations, individual artists, and scholars in Montgomery County, MD, to engage the Wheaton community through diverse cultural projects and activities.

The Maryland Department of Commerce is offering the Build the Future Grant Pilot Program, providing up to $2 million per fiscal year for innovation infrastructure projects in various technology sectors, with grantees required to provide matching funds and use the grant for costs related to project development, such as construction, installation, and equipment.

The City of Takoma Park’s Food Insecurity Reduction Grants provide financial support to specific programs, projects, and events that reduce or prevent food insecurity among residents of Takoma Park. Donor Name: City of Takoma Park State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Funding Information The City’s FY25 budget allocates $155,000 in ARPA funding for Food Insecurity Reduction Grants. Grant awards will range from $10,000-$30,000 for the 15-month period beginning October 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2025.  Eligibility Criteria Funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and 501(c)(6) business associations. The use of a fiscal agent is permitted for those organizations that have applied for but have not yet secured their 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS. Individuals and for-profit enterprises are not eligible for funding. For more information, visit City of Takoma Park.

This program provides financial support to rural volunteer fire departments to improve their wildland fire suppression capabilities and enhance firefighter safety through the purchase of essential equipment.

This grant provides funding for local governments and non-profit organizations to design and construct habitat restoration projects that combat erosion and flooding while benefiting communities and addressing climate change.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist local and state organizations, private companies, and nonprofits in Maryland with projects that improve water quality by reducing pollution in designated watersheds.

This grant provides funding to local governments, non-profits, and educational institutions to implement projects that improve flood resilience and tackle the effects of climate change.

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.

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.

The Montgomery County Office of Grants Management is accepting applications for its 2025 School-Based Food Assistance Grant Program to support programs that increase food security for students and their families and are co-located at an MCPS school site. Donor Name: Montgomery County Office of Grants Management State: Maryland County: Montgomery County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Funding may be awarded to new initiatives or expansion or continuation of programs at current or additional sites. All awarded programs through the FY25 School-Based Food Assistance Grant Program must:  Demonstrate past experience with successful operation of school-based food assistance programs in partnership with MCPS;  Describe a quickly actionable program model for services at new school(s); and  Identify potential zip codes, capacity, resource needs, and format for expanded services. Funding Information $1,250,000 in total grant funding is available to support programs that increase food security for students and their families and are co-located at an MCPS school site. The minimum award that applicants may request is $40,000 and maximum award is $300,000. Final award amounts may be lower than $40,000. The performance period for these grant awards is anticipated to be on/about August 15, 2024 to on/about June 30, 2025. Funding Priorities The goal of this program is to support projects that address critical gaps in healthy food access for children and families and/or that offer innovative approaches to co-locate food assistance at an MCPS school site. OFSR is partnering with MCPS representatives to identify the school sites that will be prioritized for support based on the level of need within the school community and anticipated impact of new or expanded school-based food assistance programming.  Applicants will provide details within the Strategy Narrative regarding the scope of services they are capable of providing, and successful applicants will be asked to serve specific MCPS schools that have been identified based on alignment of individual school’s needs with providers’ current programs, experience, and capacity. Awardees will be matched with one or multiple school(s) following the grant review period; the school match(es) will be indicated in grant agreements.  The range of programming allowed under this grant is intentionally very flexible. Examples of project models that will be considered for funding include, but are not limited to: Choice pantry at the school site, offering school community members a choice model with access to a variety of culturally relevant, healthy shelf-stable and fresh food items including fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and eggs; Pre-packed box/bag distribution for students that includes healthy, locally sourced produce options; Delivery of nutritious, medically and/or preference-tailored prepared meals to school populations with unique needs; and Grocery Gift Cards distributed to school families that allow for flexible food purchasing and delivery options for families that experience transportation or other barriers to food access. Target Population  For students and families that rely on school meals and/or face barriers to food access related to transportation or otherwise, an in-school pantry or at-school food distribution can help to address nutrition insecurity and provide convenient access to necessary resources. The FY25 School-Based Food Assistance Grant Program will award funding to initiatives that will support food access at MCPS school sites throughout the County.” Eligibility Criteria  Lead applicants may only submit one application, and must meet all of the following conditions:  The organization must be a food assistance provider based in Montgomery County that has provided food assistance services over the past calendar year in at least one MCPS site, as demonstrated through attached documentation (ex: email documentation, formal contract or Memorandum of Understanding, or signed letter of support from an administrator at the school site); The organization must be currently registered and in Good Standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT); The organization’s principal place of business must be located in Montgomery County; if a national or regional organization, it must have a location in Montgomery County through which it provides related services;  All activities and expenditures under this grant program must be provided in Montgomery County and/or be exclusively for Montgomery County residents; The proposed project in the application must not exclude any potential beneficiaries and/or participants based on their race, ethnicity, gender, or any other protected class; Current Montgomery County contract or grant award winners must be current on all reporting obligations for other awards and those reports must reflect substantial progress towards the goals of their awards; and Proposed expenses must be for a new activity, expansion of existing activities, or a combination of both. Grant funding cannot be used for any purchase which has already been made; purchases or activities unnecessary to accomplish grant purposes as determined by Montgomery County; prior obligations of and/or fines;debts and penalties imposed on the grantee; lobbying expenses; alcoholic beverages; or supplanting (replacing) other funds. For more information, visit MCOGM.

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

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 Maryland Department of Emergency Management and the Maryland Cybersecurity Planning Committee are accepting applications for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). Donor Name: Maryland Department of Emergency Management State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is to help states, local governments, rural areas, and territories address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems. The program enables DHS to make targeted cybersecurity investments in state, local and territorial government agencies, thus improving the security of critical infrastructure and resilience of the services that state, local, and territorial governments provide to their communities. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are jointly managing the SLCGP. CISA will provide subject-matter expertise and determine allowable activities, while FEMA will conduct eligibility reviews and issue/administer the grant awards consistent with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Eligibility Criteria  The eligible entity or multi-entity group must pass through at least 80 percent of the federal funds provided under the grant to local governments, including rural areas, within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity or multi-entity group. Four requirements must be met to pass-through grant funds: The eligible entity must make a firm written commitment to passing through grant funds or equivalent services to subrecipients; The eligible entity’s commitment must be unconditional (i.e., no contingencies for the availability of eligible entity funds); There must be documentary evidence (i.e., award document, terms, and conditions) of the commitment; and The award terms must be communicated to the subrecipient. The signatory authority of the eligible entity must certify in writing to DHS/FEMA that pass-through requirements have been met. A letter of intent (or equivalent) to distribute funds is not considered sufficient; after the funds have been distributed, the SAA must self-certify, on behalf of the state, that the pass-through requirements have been met. For more information, visit MDEM.

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.

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is offering another round of farmer mini grants. Donor Name: Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission State: Maryland County: Anne Arundel County (MD), Calvert County (MD), Charles County (MD), Prince Georges County (MD), Saint Marys County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Farmer Mini-Grant program was established by SMADC in 2016 based on feedback heard from the farming community about their needs. SMADC’s mission is to support farms and the future of agriculture in Southern Maryland, and they are committed to expanding and promoting a viable market-driven, sustainable, and profitable agricultural farming community. Funding Information For this 11th round of grants in Spring 2024 $60,000 of funding is available. The projects should be simple in scope and must be successfully completed within one year. SMADC awards will be up to $3,000 per applicant and are a one-to-one dollar match by the farmer. Eligible Projects  Examples of Projects that would be considered: Services or equipment that help transition a farm’s sales strategy such as online sales, home delivery, on-farm sales, etc.; or for other projects that allow farm business to maintain and/or expand sales. Purchase of foundation livestock. Purchase of plant stock. Marketing and promotion of current farm operation. New fencing for enhancement, expansion, or protection. Hoop house. Materials needed for value-added production. Materials needed for on-farm upgrades to enhance food safety. Irrigation installation or upgrades in regard to GAP certification standards, Food Safety Modernization Act Standards (FSMA), chlorination systems, water testing expenses, drip irrigation, greenhouse irrigation, dedicated agricultural water supply, and overhead irrigation, as pertains to current existing wells or water sources. Washing/packing stations. Freezer/Refrigeration. Eligibility Criteria  Does not include non-profits or community organizations. Both Urban and Rural farms are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be living in the State of Maryland and actively farming in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, or St. Mary’s counties. Youth (16 years and older) who are in or have been in FFA, 4-H, agricultural related programs, or classes, or have a farming background are encouraged to apply. The applicant must match funds awarded dollar to dollar. For example, if the applicant is awarded $500, they must put $500 toward the project budget. Matching must be in dollars, not in-kind or labor. No more than one application is awarded per individual or business entity during a 12-month period. Only completed applications with all applicable supporting documentation attached will be considered. For more information, visit SMADC.

The City of Hyattsville Vandalism Prevention Grants Program is intended to provide economic relief to small businesses and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in Hyattsville that have been negatively impacted by vandalism. Donor Name: City of Hyattsville State: Maryland City: Hyattsville Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The $15,000 fund, paid for through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)fund helps small businesses and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations cover the costs associated with eligible repairs to their small business or non-profit organization after a vandalism incident. The City of Hyattsville Security Grants Program will consider funding requests for the following programs: Vandalism Prevention Grant Funding Eligibility: Up to $2,000 per business or non-profit organization Funds can only be used as a reimbursement for eligible security measures acquired between July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024. Funding Information The Vandalism Prevention Grant has $15,000 available, split between two grants. The Vandalism Recovery Prevention Grant is reimbursement grant. The following are the maximum applicable awards for each funding category: Vandalism Prevention Grant: $2,000. Vandalism Prevention Grant Funding for the Vandalism Prevention Grant can only be used for eligible security measures that were added to a property between July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024. An eligible security measure is: security camera(s) and recording equipment; shatterproof glass and protective film(s); lock enhancement(s); exterior lighting enhancement(s); alarm and monitoring system(s); anti-graffiti film(s), paint(s) or coating(s) Recipients of the Vandalism Prevention Grant are not obligated to replace the item if it is damaged and/or destroyed. Eligibility Criteria  The grant program is only open to small businesses and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations located within the City of Hyattsville. For the purposes of this program, a small business is defined as a business with fewer than 50 employees; with at least $1,000 but not more than $5 million in annual revenues; that is independently owned and operated; and is not dominant in its field of operation. Applicants must be able to provide proof of eligibility for the grant program. Franchise owners are eligible to apply. These grants are not open to private residences, landlords or multifamily residential properties. For more information, visit City of Hyattsville.

The SFY 2025 Police Recruitment and Retention (PRAR) Grant Program, funded by the State of Maryland's Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, is designed to support state and local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to recruit and retain qualified sworn police officers. The program recognizes the essential role of law enforcement officers as first responders and aims to ensure agencies have adequate staffing to fulfill their mission, contributing to a safer Maryland. The grant offers various incentives for recruitment and retention, including bonuses for bilingual proficiency, veterans, recent college graduates, and more. The program also covers advertising support, external recruitment services, health club memberships, uniform allowances, and tuition reimbursement among other benefits. Applications must be submitted online through the Grants Management System by May 10th, 2024, with funding available from July 1st, 2024, to June 30th, 2025. The total funding anticipated under this program is $1,300,000, expecting to make up to 50 awards ranging between $10,000 and $300,000.