Maryland Grants

This grant provides funding to partnerships and organizations working to improve water quality and habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed through innovative practices that reduce nutrient and sediment pollution.

The Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), in partnership with the Office of Grants Management (OGM), is soliciting grant applications for the County’s 2025 Community Food Assistance Program. Donor Name: Montgomery County Office of Grants Management State: Maryland County: Montgomery County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: $3,500,000 in total is available for awards of direct funding and/or shopping credits to order food for distribution of shelf-stable, fresh food, and/or prepared meals to Montgomery County residents. The goal of these funds is to provide continuity of existing critical community food assistance services, while also closing service gaps, enhancing program impact, standardizing data collection, providing greater flexibility and transparency in funding processes, and strengthening the capacity of the provider network and resilience of the local food system. Funding Priorities  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 model, offering participants 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 that includes healthy, locally sourced produce options; or Delivery and/or distribution of nutritious, medically and/or preference-tailored prepared meals to households with unique needs. Funding Information The minimum award that applicants may request is $5,000 and the maximum award is $300,000. Final award amounts may be lower than $5,000. The performance period for these grant awards is one year (anticipated to be on/about October 15, 2024 to October 15, 2025).  Eligibility Criteria  Applicant organizations must meet all of the following conditions: Be a non-profit food assistance provider that has provided regularly scheduled, uninterrupted food assistance services at least: once per month, at one consistent site, for a minimum of two years.  Organizations designated as Service Consolidation Hubs in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services are not eligible to apply;  Provide a Letter of Support from organizational leadership or partner(s) confirming commitment to allow use of all key physical infrastructure assets and/or resources (storage space, packing or distribution location, vehicles, etc.) outlined in the proposal for the entire grant period; Be currently registered and in Good Standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT);  The organization’s principal place of business for delivering these services 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; and  Be in compliance with all reporting obligations and performance requirements for other County grants and procurement contracts. For more information, visit MCOGM.

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.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations for projects that improve water quality and promote community engagement in watershed restoration efforts in Montgomery County, Maryland.

This program provides financial support for specialized training in law enforcement and investigative techniques to eligible Maryland law enforcement agencies and offices.

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.

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 provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on improving their services for low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities through strategic investments in planning, staff development, and technology.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and public entities in implementing programs that benefit low- to moderate-income individuals and historically underserved communities.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, mission-driven groups, and government agencies working on impactful community improvement projects in South Baltimore, focusing on sustainability, health, and revitalization.

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.

The Business Development Grant Program is to promote economic development aimed at creating new job opportunities, filling vacant store fronts, and encouraging diversification, additional private sector investment and in-fill business development. Donor Name: Town of Perryville State: Maryland County: Cecil County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program will provide existing and new small businesses with funds necessary to meet operational needs and remain financially viable. Eligible Use of funds Building improvements, purchase of machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, the purchase or leasing of property, advertising campaigns, and other costs associated with opening or expanding a business. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant must be a new/existing business owner within the corporate limits of the Town of Perryville. If applicant is not the property owner (i.e. tenant), written permission must be given by property owner for building improvement application requests. Applicant and property must not have any current zoning or other Code violations and be in good standing (current on all monies owed, such as, but not limited to, taxes, water & sewer bills, trader’s license) with the Town of Perryville, Cecil County and the State of Maryland. Business must be located in the following zoning districts: Neighborhood Business (NB), Town Center (TC), Highway Commercial (C2), Residential Marine (RM), Commercial Maritime (CM-1 & 2). Eligibility within the R-1, R-2 and R-3 Residential districts shall be limited to existing businesses only. Applicants must be one of the following for profit entities: sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, cooperative or LLC. For more information, visit Town of Perryville.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations within 20 miles of a Food Lion store to help alleviate hunger by purchasing food for communities in need.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.  This program is for:  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, or  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:  Dairy farmer that:  Produces milk within the Northeast  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standards  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components  Has a business entity prior to applying  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applying  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:  Be headquartered or based in the Northeast  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and product  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility location  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Local Community Impact Grant. Donor Name: Town of Perryville State: Maryland County: Cecil County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Town of Perryville has established a flexible fund that is available for not-for-profit organizations to address unmet needs for the area in the Town of Perryville. Eligibility Criteria  Funds requested through this application are limited to not-for-profit entities that have a place of business within corporate limits or provide a public service to the citizens of the Town of Perryville for specific purposes as defined in the application. Not-for-profit entities must be a 501 (c) entity and must be in good standing with the Town of Perryville, Cecil County and the State of Maryland. All funding is contingent upon the availability of Impact Grant funding from the State of Maryland. For more information, visit Town of Perryville.

Delmarva Power, together with its program administrator Delaware Nature Society (DelNature), is pleased to announce the 2024 Sustainable Communities Grant Program, providing $35,000 in funds to support open space and resiliency projects across its Delaware and Maryland service area. Donor Name: Delaware Nature Society State: Delaware, Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Delmarva Power’s Sustainable Communities Program has provided more than $235,000 in grants to fund sustainability projects across Delaware and Maryland since 2020. The Sustainable Communities Grant Program will administer grants of up to $10,000 each to support projects that display a compelling impact on one or more of the following: Open Space Preservation  Conservation & Habitat Improvements  Environmental Conservation  Community Resiliency, including:  Community Engagement and Education Regarding Resiliency  Purchase of Energy Storage Solar Installation Including Mobile Solar Units The Sustainable Communities Grant Program encourages communities to prepare for the impacts of more severe weather with projects that strengthen natural systems and/or demonstrate innovation in providing a safe and reliable resource for a community during a time of emergency. Climate change is real. While they are doing part to combat climate change, they all need to prepare for a world with more extreme weather and less predictability. Eligibility Criteria Municipalities, recreational authorities and nonprofits in the Delmarva Power service area can apply for a Sustainable Communities grant each year. For more information, visit Delaware Nature Society.

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 program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in select states to support community-focused initiatives that enhance family support, public safety, and neighborhood improvement.

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.