Maryland Workforce Development 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 program provides $10,000 grants to new small businesses in Laurel, Maryland, to support their growth and job creation within the local economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to veteran organizations and groups that engage veterans in therapeutic activities, outdoor recreation, and green jobs training.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in rural Maryland to train and support individuals as Certified Peer Recovery Specialists, addressing workforce shortages and aiding recovery from substance use and mental health challenges.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Laurel that hire formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them reintegrate into the workforce while promoting local economic growth.

This funding initiative provides financial support to local communities in the Appalachian Region for projects that enhance critical infrastructure and promote business and workforce development.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in select states that focus on economic empowerment through initiatives like affordable housing, job training, and financial literacy.

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

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.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research projects by faculty at the University of Maryland and its partner institutions, aimed at developing impactful healthcare solutions and technologies.

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.

In an imaginative new program designed to stimulate the revenue growth of underrepresented artists and makers in Frederick County, Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) proudly presents the Creative Capital Microgrant Program, in partnership with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED). Donor Name: Maryland Women’s Business Center State: Maryland County: Frederick County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Creative Capital Microgrant (CCM) Program offers a financial microgrant of up to $1,000 to qualified businesses in creative industries to support specific projects that use traditional business practices—such as marketing, social media, and online sales platforms—to accelerate a short-term return on investment and can be replicated for ongoing growth. A CCM Review Committee has been established to review applications and select grantees based on their eligibility, overall business assessment, evaluation of proposed project, and the ability to replicate it for future revenue. The program aligns with MWBC’s and FCOED’s strategy to support underrepresented business owners through projects that support Frederick’s vision for small business and economic development: Generating additional revenue, with an emphasis on traditionally under-employed populations Retaining and expanding local business services Supporting business-to-community engagement Establishing a foundation for future business success Creating a social impact. Project Eligibility To be eligible, CCM projects must yield a short-term return on investment and be replicable for future business growth. These include but are not limited to: Marketing initiatives with a call to action Social media setup and enhancement Search engine optimization (SEO) strategies Targeted advertising on Facebook, Instagram, or Google Direct mail or drip email campaign implementation Web development, design, and/or copywriting Establishment of new sales channels, including online shopping platforms Video production Professional photography for online galleries or portfolios Promotional expenses for studio open houses or in-house shows Support for show entry fees with sales opportunities Branding and logo design or redesign. Program Eligibility To be considered for the CCM Program, prospective businesses must: Be located in Frederick County Be registered and in good standing with the State of Maryland Establish eligibility as an underrepresented community Have earned less than $55,000 of gross revenue in 2023 from the art associated with the business Applicants will have three months to complete their projects and, to further support the businesses, grant recipients will receive personalized business counseling and attend training classes designed for creative business owners. Upon conclusion of the program, will be invited to participate in a community event to showcase their work. For more information, visit Maryland Women’s Business Center.

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

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

The Rural Maryland Council is accepting applications for 2025 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Grant: Regional Planning and Development Councils. Donor Name: Rural Maryland Council State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The objective of the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) is to help raise the overall standard of living in rural areas to a level that meets or exceeds statewide benchmark averages by 2030 while preserving the best aspects of a cultural heritage and rural way of life. Resources provided to the Fund are designed to facilitate significant targeted investments in important economic and community development programs and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation. These investments will also enable local and regional public and nonprofit organizations to leverage additional non-state financial and human resources to facilitate the realization of sustainable rural development objectives. The Fund will serve the interests of the entire State by: Encouraging the increase of entrepreneurial activity and commerce and a balanced economy in the State; Relieving conditions of unemployment and underemployment in rural areas; Assisting in the retention of valuable farm and forest land for productive use by present and future generations; Promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public sector/private sector partnerships in and between rural and other areas; Enhancing the deployment of housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications infrastructure and services in rural areas; Supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts; and, Generally promoting the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunity, and general welfare of the residents of each of the rural counties and municipal corporations of the State. Regional Councils: The General Assembly has established five regional planning and development councils to concentrate on the needs of specific rural regions and ensure that those areas are not overlooked in public policy discussions. Each council serves a three-county area that is geographically, culturally and socioeconomically similar. By working together and ignoring jurisdictional lines when need be, the rural regions have become stronger and more effective in finding solutions to the challenges before them. The regional councils have brought elected, civic, and business leaders in their regions together to help create economic development strategies, preserve and assist agricultural and resource-based industries, obtain federal funding for infrastructure improvements, coordinate and sometimes even manage regional transportation projects (including public transit services), and develop support for a diverse set of public policy initiatives. Rural regional planning and development assistance will provide grants specifically for projects and activities of the five rural regional planning and development councils and for other multi-county rural improvement efforts. The Councils have established strategic needs within the rural communities which will be reflected in the approved grant agreements. Funding Information Each regional council is eligible to receive $600,000 in FY2025 for rural regional planning and development assistance. Eligibility Criteria  Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, and multicounty efforts serving rural communities in areas not served by the regional councils. For more information, visit RMC.

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.

This funding initiative provides financial support to businesses and organizations along the Route 40 corridor in Cecil County, Maryland, for exterior improvements and revitalization efforts, with a special focus on removing blighted structures.

The objective of the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) is to help raise the overall standard of living in rural areas to a level that meets or exceeds statewide benchmark averages by 2030 while preserving the best aspects of cultural heritage and rural way of life. Donor Name: Rural Maryland Council State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Resources provided to RMPIF are designed to facilitate significant targeted investments in important economic and community development programs and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation. These investments will also enable local and regional public and nonprofit organizations to leverage additional non-state financial and human resources to facilitate the realization of sustainable rural development objectives. The Fund will serve the interests of the entire State by: Encouraging the increase of entrepreneurial activity and commerce and a balanced economy in the State; Relieving conditions of unemployment and underemployment in rural areas; Assisting in the retention of valuable farm and forest land for productive use by present and future generations; Promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public sector/private sector partnerships in and between rural and other areas; Enhancing the deployment of housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications infrastructure and services in rural areas; Supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts; and, Generally promoting the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunity, and general welfare of the residents of each of the rural counties and municipal corporations of the State. Funding Information For Fiscal Year 2025, the State has budgeted $1,500,000 in General Funds for the entrepreneurship portion of the RMPIF program. Eligible Expenditures Salaries and Wages are allowable expenses. It is strongly encouraged to include a statement on sustainability for future years. Administrative costs including construction, leasing, and renovation of buildings are eligible expenses Acquisition of land is not. The purchase or rental of vehicles are eligible expenses. The purchase of equipment is an eligible expense. These administrative expenses should not exceed more than 25% of the grant request. Quotes for purchases and construction work should be included. Meals are allowable if the costs are reasonable and a justification is provided that such activity maintains the continuity of the meeting and to do otherwise will impose arduous conditions on the meeting participants. Indirect administrative costs are capped at 10%. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be a local government, institute of higher education, regional council, or be a 501(c)(3) IRS tax designation or similar and serve a regional or statewide rural constituency. Community Colleges, Career Technology Centers, Regional Councils, and Libraries are eligible applicants. The applicant does not have to be located in a rural area or in the area it serves. For more information, visit RMC.

The Harford Strides Fund has $220,000 available as a temporary grant for up to two consecutive years to help tourism-related organizations, which are in the infancy stage of program development. Donor Name: Harford County Office of Economic Development State: Maryland County: Harford County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Criteria  Must be a Harford County 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 in good standing with Maryland’s State Department of Assessment and Taxation AND a registered organization as a Maryland charitable organization. Must articulate successes, lessons learned, and other best practices in its business model, demonstrating how the organization is building toward a model for long-term sustainability as an easily identifiable tourism-related, collaborative program or operation that draws its audience from OUTSIDE the borders of Harford County and encourages overnight hotel stays. Must clearly articulate the intent of the applicant’s program or operations is to drive overnight hotel stays in Harford County. Must clearly document hardship that puts program or operations in jeopardy “but for County funding” and demonstrates that “but for this County contribution,” the organization would be unable to execute the program or operations as described for this year. Must clearly demonstrate the ability to pursue additional funding sources, other than Harford County Government, that support the program or event through sponsorship, another grant donor, fundraising efforts, etc. Must demonstrate a niche role in offering tourism-related program or operation. Must not have submitted an application for the Partnership Fund. For more information, visit HCOED.