Grants in Maryland

Overview

The Facade Improvement Program (FIP), funded through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Legacy Program and administered by Carroll County Government's Department of Planning, provides matching grant funds to enhance the appearance of building facades and signage in Finksburg, Maryland. The program aims to stimulate renovation efforts, improve the aesthetic appeal of the Finksburg Corridor, and support economic vitality through community-based revitalization.

Focus Areas

The program supports:

• Renovation of building facades and signage.

• Enhancement of the visual appeal of commercial and industrial areas.

• Private investment leveraging to make revitalization efforts feasible.

• Preservation and enhancement of economic vitality within commercial services.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Commercial or industrial zoned properties within the Finksburg Designated Sustainable Community.

• Properties that front MD 140 or are adjacent to a property that fronts MD 140.

• Property owners and building/business owners or tenants (with authorization from the property owner).

Ineligibility

• Properties not located within the designated Finksburg Sustainable Community or not fronting MD 140.

• Projects completed before grant approval.

• Projects not meeting the eligibility criteria outlined in the application guidelines.

Preferences**

• Projects visible from MD 140.

• Projects incorporating greening or landscaping improvements eligible for up to 100% reimbursement of owner's investment.

Application Process

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to available funding.

• Projects must not have commenced before grant approval.

• This is a reimbursement program; expenses incurred are eligible for reimbursement.

• Applicants are encouraged to meet with the Program Administrator before submission.

Costs Eligible for Reimbursement

Eligible project costs may include, but are not limited to:

• Awning, lighting, siding, and hardscaping improvements.

• Masonry repair, repainting, and exterior beautification.

• Door and window repair or replacement.

• Removal of outdated signage or exterior finishes.

• Curb appeal enhancements, including pressure washing and landscaping.

• Painting, cleaning, or paint removal on exteriors.

Non-Reimbursable Costs

• Expenses incurred before grant approval.

• Non-compliant project expenses.

• Costs not directly related to facade or signage improvements.

Contacts

For more information or assistance:

• Visit the Facade Improvement Program: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/planning/sustainable-communities/finksburg-sustainable-community/finksburg-facade-improvement-program/program-documents/

• Review Eligible Applicants Map: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/media/15828/finksburg-fip-eligible-applicants-map.pdf

• Contact:

o Email: cstewart@carrollcountymd.gov

o Email: tfossett@carrollcountymd.gov

o Phone: (410) 386-5145

Department of Planning

Carroll County Government

225 North Center Street

Westminster, MD 21157

Overview

The Arts in Education (AiE) Grant, administered by the Carroll County Arts Council and supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, aims to foster arts education in Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS). It provides funding for Maryland artists and performers to conduct various educational activities such as workshops, residencies, assemblies, and performances within CCPS institutions.

Focus Area

The grant focuses on enhancing arts education experiences within Carroll County Public Schools through direct engagement with Maryland-based artists and performers. Activities supported include workshops, residencies, Master Classes, and performances that enrich the school curriculum through artistic expression.

Eligibility

• Applicants: Public schools within Carroll County, Maryland.

• Projects: Must involve Maryland artists or performers.

• Activities: Workshops, residencies, assemblies, Master Classes, performances, and other arts-related educational initiatives.

Ineligibility

• Private schools, non-school organizations, and individuals not affiliated with Carroll County Public Schools.

• Projects that do not involve Maryland artists or performers.

• Activities that do not directly contribute to arts education within CCPS institutions.

Preference

Preference may be given to projects that demonstrate:

• Clear educational objectives aligned with school curricula.

• Innovative and engaging approaches to arts education.

• Demonstrated impact on student learning and artistic development.

Contacts

For more information and application details, please contact: Stephen Strosnider, Assistant Director

Carroll County Arts Council

91 W. Main St., Westminster, MD 21157

Phone: (410) 848-7272

Email: stephen@carrollcountyartscouncil.org

Visit the Carroll County Arts Council's website for additional resources and updates on the AiE Grant program: http://www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org/

Overview

The Anne Arundel County Forestry Board and the Chesapeake Bay Trust offer grants of up to $5,000 for community-based projects aimed at increasing tree canopy and environmental stewardship in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The grant supports activities like tree plantings and invasive species removal, fostering public awareness about the importance of tree canopy, watersheds, and environmental health.

Focus Areas

• Tree Plantings: Support for planting trees in neighborhoods, parks, and communities.

• Invasive Species Removal: Funding for removal of invasive plants as part of site preparation for planting projects.

• Environmental Awareness: Projects that enhance knowledge about tree canopy, air quality, watersheds, and overall environmental health.

Eligibility

• Applicants

o Non-profit organizations

o Community associations

o Faith-based organizations

o Service and civic groups

o Municipal, county, regional, state, or federal public agencies

o Soil/Water Conservation Districts and Resource Conservation and Development Councils

o Forestry Boards

o Public and independent higher educational institutions

• Project Requirements

Must include a native plant list, site plan, project design, photos of the site, and a detailed maintenance plan for at least two years.

Ineligibility

• Ineligible Projects

o Projects not involving tree planting or invasive species removal.

o Projects not including required documentation or long-term maintenance plans.

o Projects on properties without secured permissions or agreements.

• Ineligible Applicants

Entities not meeting the listed applicant criteria or those proposing projects outside Anne Arundel County.

Preference

• Diversity and Inclusion: Projects that engage underrepresented communities and increase awareness among traditionally underserved groups are encouraged.

• Long-Term Commitment: Proposals demonstrating a commitment to long-term upkeep and maintenance of the project will receive favorable review.

• Match Funding: While not required, in-kind and cash matches are viewed positively.

Contacts

• Online Application Portal - https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1520?SA=SNA&FID=35183

• Contact Person: Whitney Vong

• Email: wvong@cbtrust.org

• Phone: 410-974-2941 x122

• Address: The Chesapeake Bay Trust

108 Severn Avenue

Annapolis, MD 21403

Overview

The program aims to implement cost-effective reforestation and afforestation projects in Charles County. The goal is to increase tree canopy, enhance forest habitat, improve water quality, and provide ecosystem services such as natural cooling systems for urban heat. This initiative supports projects that benefit local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay.

Focus Areas

• Increasing tree canopy

• Enhancing forest habitat

• Improving water quality

• Providing ecosystem services (e.g., air and water quality, cooling systems)

• Supporting local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay

Eligibility

• Who Can Apply

o Individuals

o Nonprofit organizations

o Faith-based groups

o Community associations

o Public agencies

o Soil/Water Conservation Districts

o Public and independent higher educational institutions

o Contractors and consultants

• Project Site Requirements

o Must be on private, commercial, community-owned, school, or nonprofit-owned property

o Projects must have or place the reforested area under an easement for protection in perpetuity

• Applicant Types

o Track A: Project managers who will implement forestry projects

o Track B: Individuals or small organizations seeking technical assistance for project site ideas

Ineligibility

• Projects on federal and state land

• Projects that do not benefit local watersheds or the Chesapeake Bay

• Reforestation on lands already protected under long-term agreements or other protection vehicles

• Capital expenditures (e.g., land, buildings, equipment)

• Deficit reduction, fines, penalties, or other financial costs

• Lobbying or political activities

• Fundraising events, awards, scholarships, or private events

Preference

• Establishing and enhancing riparian buffers

• Creating larger contiguous tracts of forest

• Creating and enhancing habitat, particularly for forest interior dwelling species

• Projects on lands already protected or with long-term protection commitments

• Applications from underrepresented groups and projects increasing community awareness and participation

Contacts

• For Technical Assistance: Emily Stransky, (410) 974-2941 x 101, EStransky@cbtrust.org

• Apply Online: https://us.grantrequest.com/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fapplication.aspx%3fSA%3dSNA%26FID%3d35207%26sid%3d1520&SA=SNA&FID=35207&sid=1520

• Address: The Chesapeake Bay Trust, 108 Severn Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403