Grant Opportunities for Maryland Community Projects

Providing much needed investment.

The Neighborhood Design Center provides design and planning support to communities creating positive change in their local environments. Often, these projects need additional financial support to get to the next step, but these grants can provide much-needed investment in your community project.

Grant Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis

Prince George’s County Community Gardens Mini Grant

The Chesapeake Bay Trust is proud to partner with Prince George’s County on the Prince George’s Community Gardens Mini Grant Program. This mini grant supports the creation and need for community gardens that provide resources to the Prince George’s County community while supporting the Prince George’s County Climate Action Plan. 

Grant Amount: Up to $9,500

What this funds: The development of new community gardens as well as the growth of existing community gardens that plan to expand regenerative practices. Please see the RFP for types of community gardens that can be supported. 

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations, Prince George’s County municipalities, watershed organizations, community associations including Homeowner Associations, faith-based organizations, schools and institutions, and Green Teams.

Urban Trees Mini Grant

The Urban Trees Mini Grant Program provides funding for small tree planting projects in urban, underserved areas across Maryland. Part of Maryland’s commitment to plant 5,000,000 native trees by 2031, the goal of the Urban Trees Mini Grant Program is to improve access to natural resources that connect neighborhoods to a healthy, greener environment for current and future generations.

Grant Amount: Up to $10,000

What this funds: Communities that would like to implement small tree planting projects are encouraged to seek support and funding through this opportunity.

Who can apply: Non-profit organizations, community and homeowner associations, faith-based organizations, and more. Please see the Request for Proposals (RFP) for full list of organizations.

Community Spruce-Up

The Central Baltimore Partnership’s Community Spruce-Up Program provides grants to neighborhood-driven, public space, capital improvement projects in all 11 Central Baltimore Neighborhoods. 

Grant Amount: $7,500 - $25,000

What this funds: The program has been an essential resource for community-building in Central Baltimore and has funded over 90 community-led projects. Priority will be given to public space projects that promote healthy  living in parks and open spaces, family friendly and early childhood development interventions, and that support social interaction among  community residents of all backgrounds.

Who can apply: neighborhood associations, merchant groups, or other not-for-profit organizations located in, or serving, the neighborhoods of Abell, Barclay, Charles North, Charles Village, East Baltimore-Midway, Greenmount West, Harwood, Oakenshawe, Old Goucher, Remington,  Wyman Park, and/or the Waverly Main Street.

Facade Improvement Program 

The Facade Improvement Program supports visible exterior upgrades that enhance the appearance, safety, and longevity of buildings within Downtown Baltimore. Grant funds may be used for eligible exterior improvements including, but not limited to, signage, awnings, lighting, painting, brick and masonry repair, historic restoration/renovation, and the removal and/or installation of windows and doors.

The program is administered in coordination with the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), and improvements must adhere to DPOB’s Storefront Criteria.

Who can apply: Business owners and property owners.

Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grant

The Community Engagement and Restoration Mini Grant Program is designed to support activities that enhance communities, engage residents, and improve natural resources. This program runs annually; we typically begin accepting applications at the start of July every year.

Grant amount: Up to $5,000

What this funds: Activities such as tree plantings, rain gardens, stream cleanups, and storm drain stenciling. To see a longer list of potential projects, read the full Request for Proposals (RFP). Please note the RFP is updated every year. 

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations, community associations, faith-based organizations and more. See RFP for full list of organizations and details.

Community Tree Planting and Education Grant Program 

The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council (MUCFC) provides funding to support community-based tree planting and forestry education projects that strengthen Maryland’s urban forests. 

Grant amount: Up to $1,000

Who can apply: Organizations statewide for work on public lands that improves the urban tree canopy, engages citizens, and promotes long-term environmental stewardship.

BNIA-JFI Technical Assistance

The Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance – Jacob France Institute (BNIA-JFI) will offer no cost, pro bono technical assistance to community organizations, nonprofits, and colleges and universities seeking to better understand and utilize community data.

Small Block Grants

Small Block Grants are HNI-funded grants that support neighborhood marketing and project organizing that build the real estate market and strengthen social connections among neighbors.

Grant amount: between $500 to $5,000

What it funds: Funded projects may include lighting, community events, neighborhood clean-ups, realtor outreach, sign construction, and more.

Who can apply: These grants are distributed to neighborhoods within network after submitting an official application. If you are interested in applying for a Small Block Grant for your neighborhood, note that proposals may be submitted in hard copy or email to the appropriate area coordinator.