Maryland Grants

This program provides funding for events that raise awareness about the restoration and protection of natural resources in the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland's watersheds, targeting nonprofits and community organizations.

This grant provides funding to non-profits, schools, and government agencies to develop environmental education projects that empower students and communities to protect Chesapeake and coastal ecosystems.

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.

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 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 supports community-led gardening projects in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, that focus on environmental sustainability through the use of native plants for stormwater management, pollution reduction, and habitat restoration.

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 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 program provides financial support to small and mid-sized manufacturers in Maryland to adopt advanced technologies and improve their business practices, helping them become more competitive and grow.

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 Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

The Charles County Forestry Grant Program, offered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust in partnership with Charles County, aims to implement cost-effective reforestation and afforestation projects. The program seeks to increase tree canopy, create forest habitat, improve water quality, and provide ecosystem services such as potable water and air quality. Eligible projects should be in Charles County, Maryland, and must place reforested areas under an easement for protection in perpetuity. Applicants can request up to $20,000, with typical requests being less than $4,500 per acre. Matching funds are encouraged but not required.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that deliver essential services and enriching programs in health, education, arts, and community development.

The "Access Granted" initiative by the City of Frederick is a grant program designed to bolster small minority and/or women-owned businesses. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to cultivate a supportive and inclusive business environment, enabling local entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential. The program's core objective is to provide crucial financial assistance, specifically capital for defined projects that will drive business growth, thereby contributing to the economic vitality of the city. The primary beneficiaries of the "Access Granted" program are small minority and/or women-owned businesses, including both startups and established enterprises. To be eligible, businesses must be registered for-profit entities, in good standing with the state of Maryland, and employ no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees. The program prioritizes businesses that are physically located within The City of Frederick limits, ensuring that the financial assistance directly benefits the local economy and community. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to empower underrepresented business owners by providing them with the necessary capital to expand and succeed. The City of Frederick has earmarked $400,000 for this new grant program, demonstrating a tangible commitment to these businesses. This funding is intended to be deployed as grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, offering substantial support for growth-oriented projects. Expected outcomes include the sustained growth and increased viability of participating businesses, leading to job creation and economic development within Frederick. By fostering a more inclusive business landscape, the city anticipates a ripple effect of increased innovation and community prosperity. The measurable results will be evident in the successful implementation of business projects, the expansion of businesses, and the overall strengthening of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly among minority and women-owned enterprises.

This grant provides funding to states and territories to develop a coordinated early childhood education system that integrates various programs, including Head Start, to improve access and efficiency for families with children from birth to age five.

The City of College Park is currently accepting applications for its Needs-Based Student Housing Subsidy Pilot Program. This new pilot program provides a one-time grant of $1,250 for housing assistance to 60 eligible undergraduate and 60 eligible graduate students. The program aims to address housing insecurity among students, aligning with the City's broader mission to support its residents' well-being and foster a thriving community, which implicitly includes the student population within its boundaries. The grant size ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with individual one-time grants set at $1,250. The primary beneficiaries of this program are undergraduate and graduate students facing housing needs. Specifically, undergraduate students must be eligible for Pell grants, and graduate students must have an income below 60 percent of the HUD 2024 Adjusted Home Income Limits for the D.C. metropolitan area. These criteria target students with demonstrated financial need, ensuring the subsidy reaches those most vulnerable to housing instability. The program's impact goals are to alleviate housing burdens, enhance student retention and success, and contribute to the overall stability of the student population living within the City of College Park. The program prioritizes students who reside within the City of College Park and are enrolled full-time at an accredited post-secondary institution in the D.C. metropolitan area, such as the University of Maryland, Bowie State University, Howard University, or Prince George’s Community College. This focus ensures that the grant directly benefits students who are part of the College Park community and are contributing to the local educational landscape. The grant aims to provide critical financial support, allowing students to focus on their studies without the added stress of housing insecurity. Expected outcomes of the program include a measurable reduction in housing-related financial stress for participating students, improved academic performance due to increased stability, and enhanced student retention within local institutions. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the program's design, providing a fixed grant to a defined number of students based on clear eligibility, allows for tracking the number of students assisted and potentially gathering qualitative feedback on the program's impact on their housing stability and academic progress. The City's strategic priority is likely centered on community support and educational access, with this program acting as a direct intervention to achieve these goals by addressing a fundamental need.

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.

The 2025 Sharing Prince George Grants, announced by The Greater Washington Community Foundation, aim to support high-impact nonprofits serving Prince George’s County’s most vulnerable residents. This initiative aligns with the Community Foundation’s broader 10-year strategic plan, which is centered on addressing urgent community needs, advancing economic justice, and ultimately closing the racial/ethnic wealth gap. The fund prides itself on supporting organizations that have effectively responded to community needs, working in partnership toward a shared vision for a more equitable, just, and thriving Prince George’s County, directly reflecting the foundation's mission. The target beneficiaries are the low-income and most vulnerable residents of Prince George’s County. The grant program seeks to achieve significant impact by enabling people to chart pathways out of poverty and empowering them with the financial and social capital needed to build wealth. The ultimate goal is to enhance the health and stability of the entire community by mitigating the effects of the racial/ethnic wealth gap, fostering economic justice, and ensuring basic needs are met. The grant-making priorities for this year are threefold. First, economic mobility resources are prioritized, including access to higher education, training, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Second, the program focuses on individual and community wealth-building opportunities to help residents weather crises and pursue their dreams. Third, basic needs for low-income neighbors are addressed, encompassing access to health and mental health resources, food security, affordable housing, childcare, education, and interventions that facilitate a transition from crisis to recovery. For the FY25 cycle, Sharing Prince George’s will award up to ten one-time grants, each up to $50,000. These grants provide flexible general operating support, allowing nonprofits to allocate resources where they are most needed to advance their missions within Prince George’s County. Regional organizations receiving grants will have their funds specifically earmarked for efforts within the county, ensuring the direct impact on the intended beneficiaries and contributing to the foundation's strategic objective of fostering a more equitable and stable community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and civic groups in Frederick County, Maryland, to implement high-impact projects addressing critical community needs such as affordable housing, mental health, and substance use disorder.

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.