Maryland Grants

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

In combination with the launch of the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights report, the Greater Washington Community Foundation is offering Community Action Awards. Donor Name: Greater Washington Community Foundation State: Maryland, Virginia County: Arlington County (VA), City of Fairfax (VA), Montgomery County (MD), Prince Georges County (MD), Prince William County (VA) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These small grants will support nonprofits working to make region more equitable and inclusive by addressing issues and challenges highlighted in the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights report. This RFP focuses on two categories of grants: Supporting existing, expanded, or new programs that respond directly to issues and challenges highlighted in the report. Supporting neighborhood-based or population-specific convenings to explore findings in the report and spark action. Funding Information The Community Foundation will award grants of up to $5,000. Total grants disbursed via this RFP will be up to $50,000. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants will meet the following requirements: Nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 status. Organization must be located in and serving the Greater Washington region. Priority will be given to organizations serving priority areas, which include: Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, DC East County (White Oak, Burtonsville) and Up County (Germantown) in Montgomery County Purple Line Corridor (Langley Park, Chillum, Adelphi) and Blue Line corridor (Seat Pleasant, Largo) in Prince George’s County Bailey’s Crossroads and Route 1 corridor in Northern Virginia Grant Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria Responsive – Applicant’s project directly addresses an issue or challenge highlighted in the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights report or would convene members of a specific neighborhood or population to explore findings in the report and spark action. Feasibility – Applicant’s project can be successfully completed with the awarded grant (or with additional resources if needed) Impact – The anticipated impact of the project is described and is measurable For more information, visit Greater Washington Community Foundation.

The City of Greenbelt Micro Grant is a one-time, matching, reimbursable grant intended to be a resident-led initiative aimed at building community and engaging new people across neighborhoods. Donor Name: City of Greenbelt State: Maryland City: Greenbelt Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program is designed to be welcoming and inclusive, and create opportunities for neighbors to get to know each other. The objective of the Micro Grant is to help strengthen relationships between neighbors, cultivate the spirit of volunteerism, connect residents, increase civic participation, celebrate community, and to encourage lasting community engagement. Micro Grant Goals To support resident-led projects and activities that build community. Encourage new and/or stronger relationships between Greenbelt residents. Create welcoming and inclusive opportunities that foster authentic relationships among neighbors. Empower residents to take responsibility for building connections and addressing community needs. The value of the neighborhood’s match must be 25% of the amount requested from the grant. Funding Information This is a one-time, reimbursable grant funded through the American Rescue Plan Act to help communities move beyond the COVID pandemic and to broaden Greenbelt’s connections to all its neighborhoods and residents. Funding for Micro Grants range between $250 and $1,000 depending on the type of grant requested. Community Event Grants are eligible for up to $500. Neighborhood Communication Grants are eligible for up to $750. Community Enhancement Grants are eligible for up to $1,000. Eligible Activities & Programs Community Event Grant: The purpose of this grant is to support efforts by neighborhoods to organize “neighborhood” social events or gatherings. The intent is to build relationships among neighbors and support fun social events, such as neighborhood block parties, festivals, cultural events, holiday events, outdoor health/recreation (walking, biking, running) events, emergency preparedness fairs, and community events designed to bring people together. Neighborhood Communication Grant: Funds can be used to enhance communication, including neighborhood websites, mailings, newsletters, neighborhood brochures, calendars, information kiosks, etc. Neighborhood Improvement Grant: Funding for these grants are intended to encourage neighbors to come together to plan and complete a project to help improve the quality of life in their neighborhood. Activities may include beautification projects, clean-up activities, a neighborhood gardening project, landscape beautification, playground and minor park improvements, tree planting, public art to enhance the community, adding or modifying entrance signs, community benches, bike racks, dog waste stations, or other such related improvements. Grant Requirements  Project/activity must take place in the City of Greenbelt Take place within the neighborhood’s boundaries. Project/activity must be visible and impact the community/neighborhood. Have a minimum of five neighborhood residents involved in the proposed project. Involve neighborhood residents in all phases of the project/activity. Provide a public benefit to the neighborhood. Demonstrate a need and support for the project. Is completely free for the community to participate (no admission fees or fundraising). Abide with all City ordinances and policies. Who may apply? The Micro Grant is eligible for incorporated neighborhood and community organizations that organize for the purpose of improving or developing programs and activities for their local residential communities, including: Neighborhood Homeowner Associations Condominium Associations GHI Co-op Apartment Complexes Community Coalitions. For more information, visit City of Greenbelt.

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management and the Maryland Cybersecurity Planning Committee are accepting applications for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). Donor Name: Maryland Department of Emergency Management State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is to help states, local governments, rural areas, and territories address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems. The program enables DHS to make targeted cybersecurity investments in state, local and territorial government agencies, thus improving the security of critical infrastructure and resilience of the services that state, local, and territorial governments provide to their communities. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are jointly managing the SLCGP. CISA will provide subject-matter expertise and determine allowable activities, while FEMA will conduct eligibility reviews and issue/administer the grant awards consistent with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Eligibility Criteria  The eligible entity or multi-entity group must pass through at least 80 percent of the federal funds provided under the grant to local governments, including rural areas, within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity or multi-entity group. Four requirements must be met to pass-through grant funds: The eligible entity must make a firm written commitment to passing through grant funds or equivalent services to subrecipients; The eligible entity’s commitment must be unconditional (i.e., no contingencies for the availability of eligible entity funds); There must be documentary evidence (i.e., award document, terms, and conditions) of the commitment; and The award terms must be communicated to the subrecipient. The signatory authority of the eligible entity must certify in writing to DHS/FEMA that pass-through requirements have been met. A letter of intent (or equivalent) to distribute funds is not considered sufficient; after the funds have been distributed, the SAA must self-certify, on behalf of the state, that the pass-through requirements have been met. For more information, visit MDEM.

This program provides funding to eligible organizations to cover the costs of butchering and processing deer donated to help Maryland residents in need.

Anne Arundel County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce a partnership to provide funds for forestry projects and land protection in Anne Arundel County. Donor Name: Chesapeake Bay Trust State: Maryland County: Anne Arundel County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to implement cost-effective reforestation and greening projects and increase the number of acres of protected forested land in the County. By increasing tree cover and expanding green areas, erosion can be reduced; water and soil quality can be improved; airborne pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide can be filtered; and summer temperatures and resulting ozone pollution and energy use can be reduced. By protecting forested land, valuable ecological services such as habitat, water quality, and flood control can be ensured for the future. What this funds? Reforestation/afforestation of Protected Lands. Permanent protection of Forested Lands. Reforestation/afforestation and Protection of Uneased and Unforested Lands. Eligible Project Tracks Track 1: Reforestation/Afforestation of Protected Lands Funding partners seek reforestation and afforestation projects that provide ecological benefits by establishing, enhancing and/or preserving riparian buffers; creating, enhancing and/or preserve larger contiguous tracts of forest; and/or creating, enhancing, and/or preserving wildlife habitat, including habitat for forest interior dwelling species. Track 2: Permanent Protection of Forested Lands Applicants can apply to purchase, execute, record, and monitor permanent conservation easements to protect, maintain, and preserve existing tree canopy in Anne Arundel County. The permanent conservation easements shall be acquired, held, and maintained by the grantee or by a land trust subcontracted by the grantee. The best projects under this track are those seeking to protect ecologically valuable sites or existing habitats, such as riparian buffers, large contiguously forested tracts, and/or important wildlife habitat. Track 3: Reforestation/Afforestation and Protection of Uneased and Unforested Lands Applicants may request support for reforestation/afforestation projects on land that is not currently under conservation easement or otherwise protected. In such a case, the land must be owned by an individual or entity that will agree to place a permanent conservation easement, deed restriction, or long-term protective agreement for tree planting on the property on which the project is installed and that will protect the tree project. As in Track 2 above, funds for easement costs will be considered as eligible budget request items with the exception that the threshold value for requiring appraisals is $8,800, the NRCS WRP threshold for cropland. As described in Track 2 above, applicants may a) request easement costs below the threshold without incurring an obligation to obtain appraisals, b) request easement costs above the threshold and be responsible for obtaining appraisals as a condition of the award at an expense that will only be reimbursed if the project moves forward, or c) request easement costs above the threshold and supply justification in the form of at least one appraisal. Funding Information Up to $238,000 is currently available for this round of the program. Reimbursement cannot be made for already completed projects. Project Period Projects must be completed within 24 months upon receipt of the award. Requests to extend project completion period will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis. Project Location This program funds projects in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Projects located within the City of Annapolis limits are not eligible for this program. Eligibility Criteria  Anne Arundel County and the Trust welcome requests from the following organizations: Land trusts; Nonprofit entities; Community associations; Service and civic groups, Faith-based organizations; Public agencies; and Public and independent higher educational institutions. For more information, visit Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Catonsville Women’s Giving Circle awards grants to enhance philanthropy to support a thriving and equitable Catonsville community. Donor Name: Catonsville Women’s Giving Circle State: Maryland County: Baltimore County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Given this, grants are only considered for organizations located in / serving citizens of the greater Catonsville area. Eligibility Criteria  Grant applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in / serving citizens of the Catonsville area. For more information, visit CWGC.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits applications designed to increase the ability of EPA Region 3 states (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia) to manage food scraps more sustainably through composting. In particular, the NOFO seeks to increase capacity for food scraps composting in the region through the upgrade of yard waste composting facilities. The upgraded yard waste composting facilities will be capable of processing waste food which increases the capacity for wasted food composting in the region. For further details see the NOFO.

The City of Cumberland’s Community Development Department is pleased to introduce a new Home Rehabilitation Grant program in support of the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative to reduce blight. Donor Name: City of Cumberland State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant program will provide 50% matching funds, up to $25,000, for the improvement of a property in the city limits of Cumberland that is uninhabitable in its current condition. Application Process Interested parties must obtain an application packet from the Community Development Department and submit the application, along with the following documentation: A portfolio of previous projects, if any A printed page from the MD State Department of Assessment and Taxation website showing the assessed value of the property is under $100,000 Interior photos documenting the property is vacant A list of all items to be updated/remodeled An estimated cost of the project  A statement shoring the scope of projected renovations and a timeline to completion. Proof of available funds for the project. For more information, visit City of Cumberland.

The City of Greenbelt is awarding a one-time, reimbursable grant to go directly towards the purchase of trees to assist homeowners and community organizations with the planting or replacement of trees caused by storm damage, disease or invasive insects. Donor Name: City of Greenbelt State: Maryland City: Greenbelt Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Tree Canopy grant is to assist homeowners and community organizations with the planting or replacement of trees caused by storm damage, disease or invasive insects; and to increase the density and resiliency of the City’s iconic tree canopy. Funding for this grant will be provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and can be used to purchase, install, stake and mulch the area the tree or trees will be planted. Who may apply? Civic, neighborhood, community and homeowner organizations – eligible to receive up to $7,0000 Apartment complexes – eligible to receive up to $5,000 Greenbelt residential homeowners – eligible to receive up to $750 Note: Residential homeowners reimbursement will be provided through the Greenbelt Community Development Corporation. Applicants will be required to provide: Summary of the project Statement of need Project Timeline A map/site plan of the proposed planting site with proposed trees. Brief explanation of what you plan on doing and how you will do it Describe who will carry out the plan A written cost estimate for the trees (signed by an authorized representative of a landscape nursery) and should include a one (1) year guarantee be furnished by the supplier, on all trees Maintenance and survivability Plan Who will carry out the plan Project budget If an HOA, Civic or Neighborhood association – The applicant will need to provide written authorization by the property owner and/or authorized agent authorizing the project For more information, visit City of Greenbelt.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations working to combat racism, support immigrants and refugees, and promote equitable climate policies, particularly in Baltimore City, the DC region, and New York, with a focus on communities of color and low-income populations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Baltimore area that support youth development programs focused on career skills and life skills for high school students.

The Community Event Grant is part of the City of Greenbelt Micro Grant program, designed to support resident-led neighborhood social events and gatherings. The aim is to build relationships among neighbors through fun social events like block parties, festivals, cultural events, holiday celebrations, and outdoor recreation activities. This initiative seeks to foster a welcoming and inclusive community atmosphere, encouraging lasting connections and civic participation. Grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, with a maximum of $500 per event. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2024, with funds disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Eligible applicants include community and neighborhood organizations registered with SAM.gov. Applications are due by August 30, 2024, at 4:55 pm. Organizations awarded grants in Fiscal Year 2024 are not eligible to apply.

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant, under the City of Greenbelt Micro Grant program, supports projects aimed at improving neighborhood quality of life. This includes beautification projects, clean-ups, gardening projects, minor park improvements, tree planting, public art, and other similar activities. The goal is to encourage community collaboration and enhance neighborhood environments. Grants are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, with a maximum of $1,000 per project. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2024, with funds disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Eligible applicants include community and neighborhood organizations registered with SAM.gov. Applications are due by August 30, 2024, at 4:55 pm. Organizations awarded grants in Fiscal Year 2024 are not eligible to apply.

Seeking to foster deeper connections with nature among a range of constituencies, the Foundation invests in environmental programs that focus on education and/or stewardship. In the environmental education area, the Foundation’s emphasis is on high quality programs that promote hands-on experiential activities in formal and informal K-12 educational settings to increase time spent outside in nature for youth. In the environmental stewardship area, the Foundation seeks to support the maintenance and expansion of green spaces, including parks and farms, in under-resourced neighborhoods. The Foundation’s environmental grantmaking is limited to the Baltimore metropolitan region. The Foundation typically provides funding for general operations and/or programming, but not capital needs.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that support immigrant rights, legal services, and holistic support for refugees and asylum seekers, particularly in Baltimore, the DC region, and New York.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that work on climate justice initiatives, focusing on supporting communities of color and low-income populations in Baltimore City, the DC region, and New York.

General Operating Grants support the daily operations of 501(c)3 arts agencies, and are intended to fill critical funding gaps which often limit arts organizations in paying professional staff, managing facilities or in pursuing capital improvements. Donor Name: Allegany Arts Council (AAC) State: Maryland County: Allegany County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Information  Organizations are eligible to apply for a maximum of $3,500 annually and must provide a final grant report at the conclusion of the grant period. Grant Period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Requirements  Grantees must be non-profit, 501(c)3 (or eligible for IRS tax-exempt status), and based in Allegany County with programming and business conducted in Allegany County. By-laws must provide that assets do not accrue to any director, officer or member of the organization. Programs and events funded with GOG money must be open to the general public. GOG funds must be used for arts-related programming or general organizational operations. GOG funds may not be used for capital purchases, fundraising events, or social functions. Note that this is an Allegany Arts Council policy and that the Maryland State Arts Council does not match capital improvement. Programs that proselytize for specific political actions or religious beliefs are not eligible for funding. In order to stimulate rather than replace community support, a 1:1 cash match is required (i.e., GOG grant funding may not exceed 1/2 of the proposed program budget). Funds from the Maryland State Arts Council are not allowed as part of this match. In-kind or donated services are similarly ineligible to be included in the match although they should be identified on the application. Grantees must notify AAC of any major change in the program or event as described in the grant application. In the event of cancellation, or dissolution of the organization, grant funds must be returned. Grantees must comply with Title VI, Section 601, of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which states that no persons on the grounds of race, color or national origin shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination related to, the arts. Grantees must comply with Title IV, Section 1681, of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Section 6101, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex or age. Grantees must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which states no otherwise qualified person shall, solely by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination related to the arts. Grantees must include the phrase “Sponsored in part by the Allegany Arts Council with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council.” whenever and wherever program credit is being given. Similarly, grantees should always strive to inform, inspire and educate the local community with regard to their arts-related programming. For more information, visit AAC.

The City of Greenbelt is seeking applications for its ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Grant. Donor Name: City of Greenbelt State: Maryland City: Greenbelt Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Greenbelt has begun accepting applications from eligible nonprofit organizations for a one time “recovery” grant made possible through the allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Qualified nonprofits will be eligible to apply for grants up to $25,000, as allowed by ARPA, to address negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Priority will be given to programs supporting one or more of the following areas: Advances education and science Serves the underprivileged Defends human and civil rights Benefits Veterans Helps combat community deterioration Arts & Culture Youth Development Needs Senior Support/Aging in Place Natural Resources and Conservation Racial Equity & Racial Justice Human Services Marginalized members of the community. Eligible Use of Funds You may request funds to address revenue reductions and/or operating expenses to include: Programming & projects specific to one of the priority areas Events to benefit Greenbelt residents Broadband Infrastructure Rental and utility assistance Purchase of equipment Digital advertising/website/e-commerce creation and maintenance Technology Contracted services Insurance Program expenses Program supplies COVID-19 related expenses for which replacement is critical to the nonprofit’s continuity of operations Payroll assistance. Who is eligible for the grant? Nonprofit organizations who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for a Nonprofit “Recovery” Grant: Must serve Greenbelt residents (preference will be given to Nonprofits located in the City of Greenbelt). Have a 501(c)(3) status or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit. Have a 501 (c) 19 status. Be registered as a Maryland non-profit organization with the State of Maryland. Is in good standing with the IRS, The Maryland Secretary of State’s charitable division, and the Department of Assessment and Taxation’s Maryland Personal Property tax division. Must have a minimum two-year operating history at the time the application is submitted. Must have a Board of Directors with representation from the community. Was in existence prior to or established during the period of March 1, 2020 to March 30, 2022. Is able to demonstrate continuity of operations to sustain programming/projects/services. Must have a minimum annual operating budget of $25,000, as reflected in the most recent tax return or 990. Has demonstrated an economic need for funding resulting from revenue gaps/shortfalls and/or expenses as a result of COVID-19, or during the period of the coronavirus emergency. For more information, visit City of Greenbelt.

This funding opportunity supports Baltimore-based nonprofits in implementing community-driven programs that improve digital literacy and access to technology for vulnerable populations, including older adults and minorities.