Community Grant Program Fund (CGPF)

The Community Grant Program Fund (CGPF) is administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in Maryland. Established through House Bill #1016 and formally structured under Maryland’s Public Safety Article §§4–701 through 4–703, the CGPF supports the development of community-focused and violence intervention programs by local law enforcement and local government agencies. The program aims to strengthen public safety outcomes, build meaningful relationships between law enforcement and communities, particularly youth, and implement locally coordinated criminal justice strategies. For the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027, a total of $500,000 in grant funds has been made available, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. GOCPP anticipates awarding 15 to 25 grants during this cycle. The fund specifically supports activities designed to benefit or improve communities, including programs that provide recreational or athletic opportunities, improve relations between residents and police, or serve as violence intervention efforts. Examples include police-community events such as “National Night Out,” initiatives led by School Resource Officers, or partnerships with organizations like food pantries, local health departments, The Y, Police Explorers, and The Boys and Girls Club. Programs designed to inspire youth interest in public safety careers are also eligible. CGPF funds can be used across several budget categories including personnel, contractual services, equipment, travel, and general operating expenses. However, unallowable costs include alcoholic beverages, bonuses, lobbying expenses, construction, honoraria, meals (unless for approved clients), and promotional trinkets not central to project goals. Eligible applicants for CGPF include local law enforcement agencies and local government units across Maryland. Only one application per eligible entity is permitted. Applicants must comply with System of Award Management (SAM.gov) and UEI requirements and submit their proposals through the Grants Management System (GMS). All applications must align with the requirements in the CGPF-specific Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and the 2026 GMS Application Instructions. Applications must include narrative sections such as an organizational profile, needs statement, project design, goals, objectives, data collection plan, budget, and sustainability strategy. Applications that exceed word limits or omit required narrative components and attachments may be disqualified during initial review. The application portal opened in February 2026 and will remain active until April 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. To assist applicants, a technical assistance session was held virtually on March 5, 2026. Additional training materials, including recorded videos and written instructions, are available through GOCPP’s website. All applications must be submitted electronically via the GMS platform; paper applications are not accepted. Applicants must also complete the annual Organizational Capacity Questionnaire (OCQ) through a Qualtrics form, signed by the organization’s Chief Executive or Financial Officer. All grant funds are provided on a reimbursement basis and disbursed quarterly, contingent on timely submission of both programmatic and financial reports. The anticipated performance period for awarded grants is July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The CGPF does not require matching funds, and applicants are advised not to include cost-sharing entries unless they are strictly supplemental. GOCPP reserves the right to alter funding amounts based on programmatic alignment, audit findings, and budget availability. Outcome reporting is mandatory and includes both activity-based outputs and effectiveness-based outcomes such as reductions in conflict, improved youth engagement, and strengthened community-police relationships. Evaluation of applications will be based on a weighted scoring system that includes review of organizational information, needs justification, project design, data collection, staffing qualifications, and budget strength. Submissions must also demonstrate how the proposed activities align with state and local crime prevention priorities. Notification of award decisions is expected in June 2026, followed by the issuance of formal award documents. All performance and financial obligations must be completed by the end of the grant period on June 30, 2027.

Ensure all narrative responses adhere to strict word limits. Incomplete or overlength responses will not be reviewed. Submit all checklist attachments before deadline.