{"status":200,"message":"Success","data":{"id":"200530ba-cb97-5ba1-9524-81f76f917f4e","title":"Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) and Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) – FY2027 Grant Programs","description":"Two competitive grant programs administered by the Rural Maryland Council and funded through a shared state appropriation. MAERDAF provides grants to nonprofit organizations and community colleges to increase their capacity to meet rural development challenges, establish public/private partnerships, and leverage non-state funding. Eligible activities include statewide and regional planning, economic and community development, agricultural and forestry education, and training and technical assistance for agricultural and small businesses. RMPIF promotes economic prosperity in traditionally disadvantaged and underserved rural communities by raising the overall standard of living in rural areas to meet or exceed statewide benchmark averages by 2030 while preserving cultural heritage and the rural way of life. RMPIF supports significant targeted investments in economic and community development, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, rural health, workforce development, cooperative development, agricultural development, rural community development, and regional and intergovernmental cooperation. The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland (TCCWMD) is a recipient of RMPIF funding, which it uses to support regional initiatives including establishing a Western Maryland Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, supporting an EPA Brownfields Community Assessment Grant application, serving on the Western Maryland Long Term Recovery Committee, and engaging with the Maryland Tech Council Rural Tech Network. In Western Maryland, RMPIF funding is combined with TCCWMD's Summit Financing Solutions loan fund to improve access to capital for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses and to provide technical assistance to help businesses secure professional services and financing. Together, these programs support the state's five rural regional councils, rural nonprofits, community colleges, and other rural-serving organizations. Both programs use a two-phase application process (Letter of Intent followed by Full Application) and share the same funding cycle administered by the Rural Maryland Council. A dedicated $300,000 RMPIF sub-allocation supports the Rural Nonemergency Medical Transportation Pilot program for interregional health and human services transportation projects. A total of $6,047,464 in state operating budget funds is available for FY2027 (the FY2026 cycle had $6,118,485; prior cycles offered over $9,000,000). The two-phase online grant application opened April 20, 2026. RMPIF was established in 2006 and is authorized through June 30, 2030 under state law, with annual appropriations at the Governor's discretion. The RMC is particularly interested in proposals addressing agriculture, energy, rural broadband, healthcare, youth engagement, and workforce/economic development.","status":{"value":"custom","customValue":"Recurring"},"source":"https://rural.maryland.gov/grant-opportunities","funding":{"details":"A total of $6,047,464 in state operating budget funds is available for FY2027 (the FY2026 cycle had $6,118,485; prior cycles offered over $9,000,000 combined). Grants are awarded through a two-phase application process. For MAERDAF, the maximum grant is $25,000 per award; the historical average has been approximately $18,000. Priority is given to MAERDAF applicants with matching funds from non-state sources (equal match from a non-state source in the prior fiscal year or a documented commitment for the current fiscal year), though matching funds are not required. Federal funds count as matching funds. RMPIF grants cover multiple funding tracks including regional infrastructure, entrepreneurship, agriculture and workforce development, rural health care, and rural regional councils, including a $300,000 dedicated sub-allocation for Rural Nonemergency Medical Transportation Pilot projects. In Western Maryland, RMPIF funding is used alongside TCCWMD's Summit Financing Solutions loan fund to enhance access to capital for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. Technical assistance is also provided to help businesses acquire professional services and improve their ability to secure financing. Projects must serve more than one rural county and be completed within the fiscal year grant period (August 1 to June 30)."},"keyDates":{"closeDate":{"name":"Application deadline","eventType":"singleDate","date":"2026-07-10","details":"FY2027 Phase I (Letter of Intent): Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm; Phase II (Full Application): Friday, July 10, 2026. Awards announced the week of August 17, 2026."}},"acceptedApplicantTypes":[{"value":"custom","customValue":"non-profit"},{"value":"custom","customValue":"for-profit"},{"value":"individual"},{"value":"custom","customValue":"higher education institution"},{"value":"custom","customValue":"government"}],"customFields":{"agency":{"name":"agency","fieldType":"object","value":{"name":"Rural Maryland Council"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/agency"},"contactInfo":{"name":"contactInfo","fieldType":"object","value":{"name":"Charlotte Davis","email":"rmc.grants@maryland.gov","phone":"(410) 841-5772"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/contactInfo"},"additionalInfo":{"name":"additionalInfo","fieldType":"object","value":{"url":"https://compass.maryland.gov/incentives/#/incentive/maryland-agricultural-education-and-rural-development-assistance-fund-maerdaf","description":"Maryland Community Compass record"},"schema":"https://commongrants.org/custom-fields/additionalInfo"},"eligibilityCriteria":{"name":"eligibilityCriteria","fieldType":"object","value":{"beneficiaryTypes":[{"code":"non_profit","name":"non-profit"},{"code":"for_profit","name":"for-profit"},{"code":"individuals","name":"individuals"},{"code":"higher_education_institution","name":"higher education institution"},{"code":"government","name":"government"}],"details":"Rural-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, community colleges, regional rural councils, local and regional public organizations, local governments, and other qualifying organizations (including government entities) serving rural Maryland communities — including those focused on entrepreneurship, infrastructure, rural health, agricultural education, and regional economic and community planning. Also includes small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses in Western Maryland through the RMPIF/Summit Financing Solutions component.\n\nAvailable to organizations serving rural communities across Maryland. MAERDAF projects must serve more than one rural county. State-designated rural counties include: Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester, as well as portions of other counties in close proximity to agricultural activity. The five rural regional councils and rural communities statewide are eligible for RMPIF. In Western Maryland, RMPIF is administered in partnership with the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland, covering Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties."},"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"attachments":{"name":"attachments","fieldType":"array","value":[{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/FY2027-RMC-MAERDAF-Grant-Guidelines-and-Criteria-1.pdf","name":"FY2027-RMC-MAERDAF-Grant-Guidelines-and-Criteria-1.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/FY27-MAERDAF-Application-Instructions-4.20.2026.pdf","name":"FY27-MAERDAF-Application-Instructions-4.20.2026.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/03/MAERDAF-Statute.pdf","name":"MAERDAF-Statute.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/04/MAERDAF_Overview.pdf","name":"MAERDAF_Overview.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/04/MAERDAF_Background.pdf","name":"MAERDAF_Background.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/05/RMC-Proposed-Operating-Budget-and-Line-Item-Form-1.docx","name":"RMC-Proposed-Operating-Budget-and-Line-Item-Form-1.docx"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/RMC-Grant-Goals-and-Measurable-Objectives-Chart.docx","name":"RMC-Grant-Goals-and-Measurable-Objectives-Chart.docx"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/RMC-Vendor-Cost-Documentation-Form.docx","name":"RMC-Vendor-Cost-Documentation-Form.docx"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/FY2027-RMC-Grant-Information-Presentation-Slide-Deck.pdf","name":"FY2027-RMC-Grant-Information-Presentation-Slide-Deck.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/FY2027-RMC-RMPIF-Regional-Infrastructure-Guidelines-and-Criteria-1.pdf","name":"FY2027-RMC-RMPIF-Regional-Infrastructure-Guidelines-and-Criteria-1.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/FY2027-RMC-RMPIF-Entrepreneurship-Agriculture-Workforce-Guidelines.pdf","name":"FY2027-RMC-RMPIF-Entrepreneurship-Agriculture-Workforce-Guidelines.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/FY2027-RMC-RMPIF-Rural-Health-Care-Guidelines-1.pdf","name":"FY2027-RMC-RMPIF-Rural-Health-Care-Guidelines-1.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/FY27-RMC-RMPIF-Rural-Regional-Councils-Guidelines-and-Criteria-4.20.2026.pdf","name":"FY27-RMC-RMPIF-Rural-Regional-Councils-Guidelines-and-Criteria-4.20.2026.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2026/04/FY27-RMPIF-Application-Instructions-4.20.2026.pdf","name":"FY27-RMPIF-Application-Instructions-4.20.2026.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/04/RMPIFStateCode2-207-2014-07-01.pdf","name":"RMPIFStateCode2-207-2014-07-01.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/04/RMPIF_Background.pdf","name":"RMPIF_Background.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/RMC-FY2026-MAERDAF-Grant-Guidelines-and-Criteria.pdf","name":"RMC-FY2026-MAERDAF-Grant-Guidelines-and-Criteria.pdf"},{"downloadUrl":"https://rural.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/FY2026-RMPIF-General-Guidelines-and-Instructions-1.pdf","name":"FY2026-RMPIF-General-Guidelines-and-Instructions-1.pdf"}],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"fundingSource":{"name":"fundingSource","fieldType":"string","value":"Public","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"fundingInstrument":{"name":"fundingInstrument","fieldType":"string","value":"grant; loan; training; other-technical-assistance","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"lastSyncedAt":{"name":"lastSyncedAt","fieldType":"string","value":"2026-10-17T08:01:08.233Z","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdCompassId":{"name":"mdCompassId","fieldType":"number","value":2212,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSlug":{"name":"mdSlug","fieldType":"string","value":"maryland-agricultural-education-and-rural-development-assistance-fund-maerdaf","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdDataQuality":{"name":"mdDataQuality","fieldType":"string","value":"high","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdGeographicScope":{"name":"mdGeographicScope","fieldType":"string","value":"statewide","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdAcceptingApplications":{"name":"mdAcceptingApplications","fieldType":"boolean","value":false,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdRecurring":{"name":"mdRecurring","fieldType":"boolean","value":true,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdAssistanceTypes":{"name":"mdAssistanceTypes","fieldType":"array","value":["grant","loan","training","other-technical-assistance"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleIndustries":{"name":"mdEligibleIndustries","fieldType":"array","value":["Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting","Any"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleCounties":{"name":"mdEligibleCounties","fieldType":"array","value":["All"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleRegions":{"name":"mdEligibleRegions","fieldType":"array","value":["Western Maryland","Eastern Shore","Southern Maryland"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdEligibleOrganizationTypes":{"name":"mdEligibleOrganizationTypes","fieldType":"array","value":["non-profit","for-profit","individuals","higher education institution","government"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdBusinessStage":{"name":"mdBusinessStage","fieldType":"string","value":"any","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdApplicationDeadlineRaw":{"name":"mdApplicationDeadlineRaw","fieldType":"string","value":"FY2027 Phase I (Letter of Intent): Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm; Phase II (Full Application): Friday, July 10, 2026. Awards announced the week of August 17, 2026.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdApplicationProcess":{"name":"mdApplicationProcess","fieldType":"string","value":"The two-phase online grant application opened April 20, 2026. Phase I: Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by May 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm (FY2027). Applicants are notified of Phase I decisions the week of June 8, 2026 or the week of June 18, 2026. Phase II: Invited applicants submit a full application by July 10, 2026. Awards are announced the week of August 17, 2026. The MAERDAF Board reviews applications and makes binding recommendations to the Rural Maryland Council regarding recipients and amounts. Grant information sessions are available in person and via Zoom across the state. All application materials must be submitted as directed by the Rural Maryland Council at rural.maryland.gov/grant-opportunities or via the Rural Maryland Council Grant Portal at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ruralmaryland. For MAERDAF applications, submit a complete package by email including a completed application form, a project narrative of no more than 5 pages, and Appendix Attachments A–E, all combined into one Word or PDF file and emailed to rmc.mda@maryland.gov by midnight on the deadline date. For the Western Maryland RMPIF/Summit Financing Solutions component, contact the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland at info@tccwmd.org or (301) 689-1300, or visit tccwmd.org/programs/rmc. Caroline County organizations may also contact Caroline County Economic Development at info@carolinebusiness.com or 410-479-4188 for assistance applying.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdProgramAudience":{"name":"mdProgramAudience","fieldType":"string","value":"Rural-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, community colleges, regional rural councils, local and regional public organizations, local governments, and other qualifying organizations (including government entities) serving rural Maryland communities — including those focused on entrepreneurship, infrastructure, rural health, agricultural education, and regional economic and community planning. Also includes small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses in Western Maryland through the RMPIF/Summit Financing Solutions component.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdUseOfFunds":{"name":"mdUseOfFunds","fieldType":"string","value":"Regional and statewide planning; economic and community development; agricultural and forestry education; training and technical assistance for small and agricultural businesses; building organizational capacity to address rural development challenges; establishing public/private partnerships to leverage non-state funding sources; targeted investments to raise the standard of living in rural areas; promoting regional and intergovernmental cooperation; entrepreneurship; infrastructure; rural health care; workforce development; cooperative development; agricultural development; rural community development; access to capital for businesses; professional services support; jobs creation; capital items; nonemergency medical transportation; preserving cultural heritage and the rural way of life; entrepreneurial ecosystem development; brownfields assessment; long-term recovery; rural tech network engagement.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdGeographicEligibility":{"name":"mdGeographicEligibility","fieldType":"string","value":"Available to organizations serving rural communities across Maryland. MAERDAF projects must serve more than one rural county. State-designated rural counties include: Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester, as well as portions of other counties in close proximity to agricultural activity. The five rural regional councils and rural communities statewide are eligible for RMPIF. In Western Maryland, RMPIF is administered in partnership with the Tri-County Council for Western Maryland, covering Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties.","schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdRequirements":{"name":"mdRequirements","fieldType":"array","value":["Must be a rural-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a community college, or a local/regional public organization; trade associations are not eligible for MAERDAF","Must serve a regional or statewide rural constituency","MAERDAF projects must serve more than one rural county","Community colleges must provide enhanced training and technical assistance to support agricultural and small businesses","MAERDAF maximum grant is $25,000 per award","Priority given to MAERDAF applicants with matching funds from non-state sources (equal match from a non-state source in the prior fiscal year or a documented commitment for the current fiscal year), though matching funds are not required","Federal funds count as matching funds","Past and current MAERDAF grantees eligible if all requirements of previous grant agreements have been met, including reporting deadlines","Unused grant funds must be returned by July 15 of the grant year","RMPIF applicants must focus on economic or community development in rural Maryland","Two-phase application process required","Submit a Letter of Intent (Phase I) by May 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm (FY2027 cycle)","Invited applicants submit a full application (Phase II) by July 10, 2026 (FY2027 cycle)","Must serve rural Maryland communities","Eligible applicants include community colleges, nonprofit organizations, rural regional councils, and similar entities","Must be a small, minority-owned, or women-owned business, rural nonprofit, or rural community organization (for Western Maryland RMPIF/Summit Financing Solutions component)","Must be located in or serve a rural area of Maryland","Grant recipients must submit written documentation of fund use","Project must have statewide implications and merit state support","Applicants must be able to measure the impact of the project, including populations served","Nonemergency medical transportation proposals must include at minimum interregional transportation","Projects must be completed within the grant period (August 1 to June 30 of the grant year)","Applicant must be a local government, non-profit, or community organization","Must support economic or community development in rural Maryland"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSourceUrls":{"name":"mdSourceUrls","fieldType":"array","value":["https://rural.maryland.gov/2013/10/30/rural-maryland-council-announces-fiscal-year-2013-maerdaf-recipients","https://rural.maryland.gov/2025/04/18/rural-maryland-council-fy-2026-grant-cycle-open-submit-your-letter-of-intent-today/","https://rural.maryland.gov/2026/04/20/rural-maryland-council-fiscal-year-2027-grant-cycle-open-submit-your-letter-of-intent-today/","https://rural.maryland.gov/grant-opportunities","https://rural.maryland.gov/2016/05/10/rmc-announces-555917-available-funds-for-grant-program/","https://rural.maryland.gov/2023/05/01/the-rural-maryland-council-is-now-accepting-letters-of-intent-for-the-fiscal-year-2024-grant-programs/","https://www.tccwmd.org/rmc"],"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"mdSourceCount":{"name":"mdSourceCount","fieldType":"number","value":7,"schema":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/docs"},"stateCode":{"name":"stateCode","fieldType":"string","value":"MD","description":"USPS code of the state whose agency offers this funding","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"agencyKey":{"name":"agencyKey","fieldType":"string","value":"rmc","description":"Portal key of the administering agency","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"agencyAbbrev":{"name":"agencyAbbrev","fieldType":"string","value":"RMC","description":"Administering agency abbreviation","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"upstreamSource":{"name":"upstreamSource","fieldType":"string","value":"maryland","description":"Upstream CommonGrants API this record is read from (src/data/state-portals/upstreams.json)","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"},"bindingMode":{"name":"bindingMode","fieldType":"string","value":"upstream","description":"Read from an upstream CommonGrants API; no editorial card yet","schema":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/schemas/state-portal-v1.json"}},"createdAt":"2026-07-02T21:19:58.109Z","lastModifiedAt":"2026-10-04T20:03:44.892Z","identifiers":{"otherIds":{"opp:maryland:system":{"registry":{"code":"opp:maryland:system","url":"https://md.api.cg.a6lab.ai/common-grants"},"id":"200530ba-cb97-5ba1-9524-81f76f917f4e"}}},"funders":{"primary":{"id":"8f50f308-2327-5a73-96c4-ab8f10e43351","name":"Rural Maryland Council","identifiers":{"otherIds":{"org:opengrants:funder":{"registry":{"code":"org:opengrants:funder","url":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/registries/org-opengrants-funder.json"},"id":"61dbe876-1286-4d80-9468-3b0dd64ca8cf","allIds":[{"id":"61dbe876-1286-4d80-9468-3b0dd64ca8cf","status":"active"}]},"org:us:md:agency":{"registry":{"code":"org:us:md:agency","url":"https://opengrants.io/common-grants/registries/org-us-md-agency.json"},"id":"RMC"}}}}},"competitions":[],"awards":[]}}