Maryland Infrastructure Grants

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is offering its 11th round of farmer mini grants in Spring 2024, providing a total of $60,000 in funding. This program was established in 2016 in response to feedback from the farming community, aligning directly with SMADC's mission to support farms and the future of agriculture in Southern Maryland. The core objective is to expand and promote a viable, market-driven, sustainable, and profitable agricultural farming community in the region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are actively farming individuals in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland. Both urban and rural farms are encouraged to apply, including youth aged 16 and older who have a background in agriculture. The impact goals are centered around enhancing farm sales strategies, facilitating business maintenance and expansion, and improving overall farm operations through tangible investments. The grant program prioritizes projects that are simple in scope and can be completed within one year. Specific areas of focus include services or equipment to transition sales strategies (e.g., online sales, home delivery, on-farm sales), purchase of foundation livestock or plant stock, marketing and promotion, new fencing, hoop houses, materials for value-added production, on-farm upgrades for food safety, irrigation installation or upgrades (especially in relation to GAP certification or FSMA standards), washing/packing stations, and freezer/refrigeration units. The expected outcomes are diverse, aiming to directly improve farm infrastructure, market access, and operational efficiency. Measurable results would include increased sales due to new strategies or equipment, enhanced food safety compliance, improved crop yields or livestock health, and expanded market reach for participating farms. The grants are awarded up to $3,000 per applicant, requiring a one-to-one dollar match from the farmer, ensuring a shared investment and commitment to project success. SMADC's strategic priority is to foster a robust and sustainable agricultural sector in Southern Maryland. Their theory of change suggests that by providing direct financial assistance for practical, farm-level improvements, they can empower individual farmers to adapt to market demands, enhance their competitiveness, and ultimately contribute to the long-term economic viability and environmental sustainability of agriculture in the region. The matching fund requirement further reinforces this by promoting farmer self-sufficiency and accountability.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington, D.C. area to promote economic independence through education and development initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports research projects that address challenges in watershed restoration, targeting both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including academic institutions, to improve restoration practices and outcomes in the Chesapeake Bay region.

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland individuals and businesses for purchasing livestock and meat processing equipment, with a focus on enhancing large-animal and blue catfish processing capabilities.

This funding opportunity supports individual artists and arts professionals in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to create new works or advance ongoing projects that engage and benefit the local community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to create impactful arts and cultural projects that promote community engagement, inclusivity, and diversity.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This grant provides funding to organizations and community groups in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, to support projects that enhance forest conservation, reforestation, and ecological restoration efforts.

This funding opportunity is designed for qualified nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County, Maryland, to support capital projects that improve community resources, provide essential services, and promote cultural and historical enrichment.

This grant provides funding for local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to implement sustainable urban greening projects that improve stormwater management and enhance community green spaces.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative performing arts projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, enabling multiple presenters to engage audiences through high-quality performances and community-focused activities.

This funding opportunity supports arts education projects for students in kindergarten through grade 12 in Prince George’s County, Maryland, promoting cultural accessibility and community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports infrastructure improvement projects in rural Maryland by enabling local governments and nonprofits to collaborate on initiatives that enhance community development and preserve rural heritage.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and schools in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, focused on environmental protection and improvement efforts, particularly related to the Chesapeake Bay and local ecosystems.

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 program provides funding to Maryland wood products businesses for acquiring specialized equipment or improving facilities, aimed at boosting job creation and market growth in the forestry sector.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations, local governments, businesses, and individuals for the acquisition, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic properties in Maryland that are listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland local governments and their development partners for creating equitable and sustainable communities around transit stations through planning, infrastructure improvements, and funding support.