Maryland Science and Technology Grants

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 funding opportunity supports early-career researchers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, focusing on innovative projects that address disability and health equity, particularly for older adults and communities in Southwest Baltimore.

This program provides funding to state governments to enhance their ability to detect and manage unmanned aircraft systems, particularly in areas hosting significant national events.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Archdiocese of Baltimore to enhance community well-being through initiatives in arts, education, healthcare, and human services.

The Philip L. Graham Fund is offering grants to organizations that provide direct services to individuals and families. The Fund's mission is aligned with supporting innovative and efficient organizations, and over several decades, it has invested significantly in the physical infrastructure, information technology, and transportation needs of local nonprofit organizations. This program seeks to continue that tradition by supporting organizations that fit within its giving priorities and focus areas. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of Washington, D.C., and specific counties in Maryland (Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's) and Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park). The impact goals are to support direct services that address community needs within the Fund's focus areas, ultimately improving the lives of individuals and families in these regions. The Fund's priorities and focus areas include Health & Human Services, Education, Arts & Humanities, and Community Endeavors. Organizations seeking funding must align with these priorities and provide services that fall into one or more of these categories. The Fund's strategic priorities appear to be centered on strengthening the capacity of local nonprofits to deliver essential services and foster community well-being. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the Fund's long-standing investment in infrastructure and technology suggests an expected outcome of enhanced operational capacity and improved service delivery for grantee organizations. The theory of change seems to be that by supporting eligible 501(c)(3) public charities that provide direct services in key areas, the Fund can contribute to the overall health, education, cultural enrichment, and community development of the designated geographic areas. Eligibility criteria further underscore the Fund's strategic approach. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, serve residents within the specified footprint, and align with the Fund's priorities. Additionally, there are specific requirements for past applicants and grantees, ensuring a rotation of funding and accountability for previous grants. The Fund explicitly excludes requests from individuals, government agencies, certain educational institutions, and organizations involved primarily in advocacy or policy change, reinforcing its focus on direct service provision.

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 Chesapeake Oyster Innovation Award Program, offered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and supported by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, aims to increase knowledge of the value of oysters, advance technologies for increasing oyster populations or aquaculture production, and improve oyster population monitoring techniques. This program supports projects in Maryland and Virginia and welcomes requests from members of the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance, including community organizations and both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The grant awards up to $10,000, with applications due by September 19, 2024. Match is encouraged but not required.

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This grant provides funding for non-federal partners to model oyster larval transport and hydrodynamics in Herring Bay, Maryland, to support ecological restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay.

The Louis H. Shaman Charitable Foundation provides grants to organizations serving seniors and other vulnerable residents in Maryland. The foundation prioritizes health and human services programs that benefit the elderly, disadvantaged, and disabled. Typical awards range from 5,000 to 15,000 dollars. Organizations are expected to demonstrate prudent fundraising practices; applicants whose fundraising expenses have exceeded 15 percent of total gross receipts in each of the prior two years are not considered. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities, and applications are submitted through an online form or an accessible alternative. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Official information and procedures are provided by the trustee portal referenced by Wells Fargo.

The City of Cumberland’s Community Development Department has launched a new Home Rehabilitation Grant program as part of its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. This program directly aligns with a foundational mission to reduce blight within the city limits. The initiative seeks to improve the overall quality of life and appearance of neighborhoods by addressing uninhabitable properties and fostering community development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are property owners within the city limits of Cumberland whose properties are currently uninhabitable. The program aims to encourage residents to rehabilitate these properties, thereby contributing to the broader goal of neighborhood revitalization. The impact goals are centered on reducing the number of blighted properties and enhancing the structural integrity and liveability of homes in the area. The program's priorities and focuses include providing 50% matching funds, up to $25,000, for eligible improvements. A key focus is on properties with an assessed value under $100,000, ensuring that the grants support a specific segment of the housing market that is often most in need of rehabilitation. The application process emphasizes a clear documentation of the property's current vacant and uninhabitable state, a detailed renovation plan, and proof of available matching funds. Expected outcomes include the successful rehabilitation of numerous properties, leading to a visible reduction in blight and an increase in safe, habitable homes. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of properties rehabilitated, the total investment leveraged by the matching funds, and the overall improvement in property values and neighborhood aesthetics. The program also encourages a timeline to completion, indicating an expectation of timely project execution.

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.

The Outreach and Restoration Grant Program is a collaborative effort between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various partners including BGE, Charles County, the City of Baltimore Department of Public Works, and others. This program is designed to foster community engagement, raise awareness, and facilitate on-the-ground restoration projects. Its core mission aligns with increasing knowledge, changing behaviors, and accelerating the stewardship of natural resources within Maryland. The Trust encourages projects that recognize the interconnectedness of environmental and human health, aiming for co-benefits such as improved air quality, access to green spaces, and reduced flooding, alongside direct natural resource improvements. The program targets a diverse range of organizations, encompassing both community-related and environmental-focused missions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 private nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community and homeowners associations, public agencies, and educational institutions. The overarching impact goals are to increase public understanding of environmental challenges and solutions, address community environmental health disparities, implement demonstration-scale community-inspired restoration projects, and expand the base of public support for the restoration and protection of Maryland's natural resources. Projects funded through this grant program must meet one or both of two primary goals: engaging specific audiences in community sustainability and environmental health issues through knowledge-building or behavior-change efforts, and accomplishing on-the-ground restoration that enhances the health of Maryland's natural resources, specifically through water quality improvement or habitat enhancement. These priorities are further broken down into four distinct funding tracks: Outreach/Knowledge Building (up to $50,000), Behavior Change (up to $75,000), Restoration (up to $100,000), and Outreach and Restoration (up to $125,000), allowing applicants to focus on their specific expertise and project scope. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased knowledge and altered behaviors among community members regarding environmental stewardship. On-the-ground restoration projects are expected to yield tangible improvements in water quality and habitat health. The program seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of community-led stewardship efforts and address local environmental health disparities. By engaging a broad spectrum of organizations and communities, the Chesapeake Bay Trust and its partners aim to build a stronger, more informed base of support for long-term environmental protection and restoration across the state of Maryland.

This grant provides funding for teachers in Maryland to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that integrate the arts with core academic subjects in schools.

The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development has launched a new grant opportunity called “ACCESS GRANTED.” This initiative is designed to support small minority and women-owned businesses, both start-up and established, by providing access to capital for specific projects aimed at scaling their operations. The program aligns with the city's mission to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment, enabling entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential. The primary beneficiaries of the "ACCESS GRANTED" program are small minority and women-owned businesses within The City of Frederick limits. The impact goal is to empower these businesses by providing financial assistance that will facilitate their growth and development. This initiative aims to address the challenges these businesses face in accessing capital, thereby contributing to a more equitable and robust local economy. The program prioritizes small minority and/or women-owned businesses that are physically located within The City of Frederick limits. Eligibility criteria include being a registered for-profit business, being in good standing in the state of Maryland, and having no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees. These criteria ensure that the funding reaches businesses that are genuinely in need of support and are poised for growth within the city. The City of Frederick has earmarked $400,000 for this program, with individual grant sizes ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The expected outcome is a tangible increase in the capacity and scalability of participating businesses, leading to job creation, economic growth, and enhanced community vibrancy. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the financial allocation, the program's success will likely be evaluated by the number of businesses supported, the scale of projects undertaken, and the overall economic impact on the community.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local artists and cultural organizations in Baltimore to enhance community arts programming and individual artistic projects.

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.

The City of Greenbelt's Tree Canopy grant program offers one-time, reimbursable grants to homeowners and community organizations for the purchase and planting or replacement of trees. This initiative directly aligns with the City's mission to enhance its iconic tree canopy, addressing issues caused by storm damage, disease, and invasive insects. While not explicitly stating a "foundation mission," the grant's purpose of increasing density and resiliency of the tree canopy reflects a strategic priority for urban environmental health and sustainability within the City of Greenbelt. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are civic, neighborhood, community, and homeowner organizations, as well as apartment complexes and Greenbelt residential homeowners. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including mitigating the effects of environmental damage on trees, promoting green infrastructure, and enhancing the overall aesthetic and ecological value of the urban landscape. By supporting the planting and replacement of trees, the grant contributes to a healthier environment for residents and a more robust ecosystem. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to the increase of the City's tree canopy density and resiliency. Funding, provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), can be used for purchasing, installing, staking, and mulching trees. This focus indicates a strategic priority on practical and tangible tree-planting efforts. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial assistance for tree acquisition and installation, the City can incentivize and empower its residents and organizations to actively participate in strengthening the local tree canopy. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of healthy trees across Greenbelt, particularly in areas affected by damage or disease. Measurable results will likely include the number of trees planted or replaced, the types of trees planted, and the number of participating organizations and homeowners. Applicants are required to provide a written cost estimate for trees with a one-year guarantee, a maintenance and survivability plan, and a project budget, which suggests an emphasis on the long-term success and accountability of the planting initiatives.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) in partnership with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, offers approximately $500,000 in federal funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This program is designed to provide comprehensive, collaborative, and community-based approaches to reducing violent crime by employing a full range of appropriate violent crime reduction strategies. As the State Administrative Agency, DCJS is responsible for managing the coordination and distribution of these funds to support and improve Virginia's overall criminal justice system. The overarching goal of this initiative is to reduce violent crime and promote safe communities across the Eastern District of Virginia. This is primarily achieved through the reduction of gun violence and gang activity, with a specific focus on areas that have experienced increased rates of violent crime and gang-related incidents. The program targets local and state law enforcement agencies, local and state governmental entities, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations located in or serving the Eastern District of Virginia. Funding preference will be given to three regions most impacted by violent crime: Richmond, Newport News, and Norfolk, though other cities in the Eastern District with high violent crime rates will also be considered. The program prioritizes several key funding areas. These include Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategies, which promote prevention and intervention through partnerships between law enforcement, local government, and the community. GVI involves community members delivering moral messages against violence, law enforcement issuing warnings about consequences, and support providers offering help. Another priority is Gun and Gang Crime Investigation/Suppression, focusing on programs and task forces that target perpetrators of gun and gang-related crimes, including illegal firearm possession, illegal gun sales, and gang-benefitting crimes, with an emphasis on multiagency cooperation. Additional funding priorities encompass Firearms Analysis programs, which aim to enhance and support state and local law enforcement agencies in analyzing firearms and ballistic evidence, including NIBIN analysis and firearm tracing. Lastly, Prevention and Reentry Programs are crucial, dedicated to violent crime prevention, identifying high-risk individuals through educational, faith-based, community-oriented, and outreach efforts, and supporting the successful reentry of offenders through housing, educational, and vocational partnerships. While these priorities guide funding decisions, innovative, evidence-based projects outside these specific areas that are aimed at reducing firearm and gang violence will also be considered. Grants are typically awarded for a 12-month period, with a possibility of a 24-month period depending on the specified need in the application.