Maryland Local Grants

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 program provides financial support for essential improvements to commercial buildings in The City of Frederick, targeting small businesses, including those owned by minorities and women, as well as businesses involved in neighborhood revitalization or recovery from disasters.

This program provides emergency funding to local nonprofit organizations in Frederick County that are facing financial challenges due to the federal government shutdown, helping them maintain essential services for residents.

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 opportunity supports the creation and expansion of community gardens in Prince George’s County to improve food security, promote sustainable practices, and engage local residents.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners in New Carrollton for essential home repairs needed to ensure safety and livability, particularly for those affected by 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 program provides financial assistance to small businesses with five or fewer employees in Hagerstown, aimed at promoting job creation and economic growth for low- to moderate-income residents.

This program provides funding to community groups in Anne Arundel County for tree planting and invasive species removal projects that promote environmental stewardship and improve local ecosystems.

This program provides financial assistance to first-time homebuyers and those who haven't owned a home in the last five years, helping them purchase a primary residence in Laurel.

This funding opportunity provides financial resources to Community Land Trusts in Baltimore to create and maintain affordable homeownership options for low-income households.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Frederick County, Maryland, that empower women facing challenging circumstances.

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 Economic Development Fund, supported by the East Tennessee Foundation, is designed to advance regional economic development through charitable and educational programs. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering economic growth and stability within selected counties of Tennessee. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that contribute to the long-term well-being and prosperity of the region, utilizing a theory of change that posits that targeted support for economic and educational programs will lead to a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. The program targets 501(c)(3) public charities, units of government, and public educational institutions. New or emerging groups without nonprofit status can apply with a fiscal sponsor. The ideal beneficiaries are organizations that demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination, ensuring that their projects do not exclude individuals based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. The impact goals are centered on strengthening the economic infrastructure and educational opportunities within the community. The fund prioritizes projects that contribute to regional economic development, with a particular focus on programs that align with the foundation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. While faith-based organizations are welcome to apply, their projects must not have explicit religious content, express a particular religious view, limit participation based on faith affiliation, or require participation in religious activities or services. This ensures that the grants support broadly accessible community-focused initiatives. Expected outcomes include enhanced economic activity, increased educational attainment, and a more robust regional economy. Measurable results will be assessed through the one-year grant term, from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $6,500, are intended to provide meaningful support for projects that can demonstrate tangible progress within this timeframe. The foundation expects to see clear evidence of how the funding has contributed to the stated economic development and educational goals.

The Community Foundation's Impact Grant program offers broad support for various purposes, including field of interest and special purpose funds, as well as assistance for individuals served by nonprofits or government agencies. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address diverse community needs within Frederick County, Maryland, by providing flexible funding to a wide array of organizations. The target beneficiaries for these grants are the residents of Frederick County, Maryland, who benefit directly from the programs and services offered by eligible organizations. The impact goals are to improve various sectors including health and human services, historic preservation, the arts, agriculture, civic causes, animal well-being, education, and youth programs. By supporting these areas, the foundation aims to foster a stronger, more vibrant, and healthier community. The program prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a direct benefit to Frederick County. Eligible applicants include existing 501c3 nonprofit organizations, government/quasi-governmental agencies seeking funding for extraordinary projects not covered by tax revenue, religious organizations requesting support for non-sectarian activities, and civic groups that are not 501c3s but are working on community causes. The minimum grant request is $500, with grants typically being less than $1000 and lasting for a one-year duration. Expected outcomes include enhanced service delivery in critical areas, preservation of cultural assets, promotion of civic engagement, and improved well-being for individuals and animals in Frederick County. The foundation's strategic priorities are to provide accessible funding that supports a broad spectrum of community needs, ensuring that a diverse range of organizations can access resources to implement impactful programs. This approach reflects a theory of change where strategic investments in key community areas, through diverse and capable organizations, lead to significant and lasting positive change for the residents of Frederick County. Grants must be used between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

The City of Bowie's Community Outreach Committee (COC) offers funding to individuals and organizations that implement programs designed to meet the needs of City of Bowie residents. This grant aligns with the City's mission to enhance community well-being by supporting initiatives in critical areas such as physical and mental health, social and human services, youth, senior citizens, diversity, community-centered programs, and cultural education. The City of Bowie acts as the donor, strategically investing in local programs to foster a healthier, more inclusive, and educated community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are underserved residents of the incorporated City of Bowie. The program aims to address various community needs, including improving health outcomes, providing essential social and human services, supporting youth and senior populations, promoting diversity, and advancing community and cultural education. The impact goal is to create a tangible, positive change in the lives of City residents by empowering individuals and organizations to deliver targeted and effective services. The COC grant program prioritizes initiatives that directly benefit City of Bowie residents. While applicants do not need to be City residents themselves, programs should ideally be conducted within the incorporated City to maximize reach and impact among the target population. This focus ensures that the funding directly addresses local challenges and opportunities for improvement. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to vital services, improved quality of life for residents, and a more engaged and educated community. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information beyond the funding structure, the grant's competitive selection process suggests an emphasis on effective program delivery. This reimbursable grant model, requiring receipts for funded items, ensures accountability and demonstrates the City's commitment to responsible resource allocation. The City of Bowie's strategic priority through the COC grant is to foster a strong, supportive, and resilient community. By offering up to $5,000 per grant, with $30,000 available annually, the City employs a theory of change that posits that targeted financial support for community-focused programs will directly lead to improved social conditions and overall well-being for its residents. This approach underscores the City's role as an active partner in community development and resident welfare.

The City of Greenbelt Micro Grant is a resident-led, one-time, matching, reimbursable grant designed to foster community building and engage new individuals across neighborhoods. This initiative is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, aiming to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen connections within Greenbelt's diverse neighborhoods. The program's core objective is to create welcoming and inclusive opportunities for neighbors to connect, cultivate volunteerism, increase civic participation, and encourage lasting community engagement. The grant aligns with a broader strategic priority of empowering residents to take responsibility for building connections and addressing community needs, thereby strengthening the social fabric of Greenbelt. Target beneficiaries for the Micro Grant include incorporated neighborhood and community organizations, such as Homeowner Associations, Condominium Associations, GHI Co-ops, Apartment Complexes, and Community Coalitions, that are actively involved in improving or developing programs and activities for their local residential communities. The impact goals are centered around fostering stronger relationships between Greenbelt residents, increasing civic participation, and celebrating community spirit. Through resident-led projects, the grant seeks to create tangible improvements and social cohesion at the neighborhood level. The program prioritizes projects and activities that build community, encourage new or stronger relationships among residents, and foster authentic, inclusive connections. Key focuses include supporting social events, enhancing neighborhood communication, and improving the quality of life through community enhancement projects. Funding amounts vary by grant type: Community Event Grants are eligible for up to $500, Neighborhood Communication Grants for up to $750, and Community Enhancement Grants for up to $1,000. All projects require a minimum of five neighborhood residents to be involved and must provide a public benefit, be free to participate, and abide by City ordinances. The neighborhood's match must be 25% of the requested grant amount. Expected outcomes include a more connected and engaged Greenbelt community, an increase in volunteerism, and tangible improvements in neighborhood aesthetics and functionality. Measurable results would involve the number of residents participating in projects, the types and frequency of community events, the reach of communication efforts, and the completion of neighborhood improvement projects. The theory of change posits that by empowering residents with resources and supporting their initiatives, the grant will directly lead to a more vibrant, cohesive, and resilient community, capable of addressing its own needs and celebrating its unique character. This approach reinforces the city's commitment to resident-led development and sustained community well-being.

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.