SOUTHERN MARYLAND —Southern Maryland organizations are getting a share of more than $5.4 million in statewide rural grants, bringing more than $480,000 back to the region for programs supporting economic development, youth services, rural health, tourism and community projects.
The funding reaches across several corners of Southern Maryland, with awards aimed at strengthening local organizations, expanding opportunities and supporting projects that serve residents throughout the region.
The Rural Maryland Council announced 64 grants totaling $5,468,485 after receiving 166 applications requesting more than $17.3 million.
The Southern Maryland organizations specifically identified among the recipients received a combined $481,380, with awards ranging from smaller project grants to a major regional investment.
Southern Maryland Grant Recipients
The largest local award went to the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, which will receive $385,000 through the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund.
The council is one of five rural regional planning and development councils receiving $385,000 each. The funding can support regional efforts including economic and small-business development, agricultural development and education, transportation systems, summer career enrichment and rural economic research.
Several Southern Maryland organizations also received funding through the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund.
Ann’s Circle Inc., doing business as Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons, will receive $30,000 through the program’s economic development category.
The Arc Southern Maryland will receive $15,700, while Visit St. Mary’s MD Inc. will receive $5,680. Both awards also fall under economic development.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maryland will receive $30,000 through the Youth Engagement and Leadership Development category.
Freedom Hill Horse Rescue in Owings will receive $10,000 through the program’s community development category.
Another $5,000 will go to Ivy and Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities Inc. through the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund’s rural health category.
More Than $5.4 Million Awarded Statewide
The Rural Maryland Council received significantly more requests than it could fund this year.
A total of 166 applications requested $17,355,004, while 64 awards totaling $5,468,485 were ultimately approved.
The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund accounted for 32 competitive grants totaling approximately $2.74 million, in addition to $1.925 million distributed among Maryland’s five rural regional councils.
Another 27 grants totaling $804,517 were awarded through the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund.
That program supports agricultural and forestry education, community development, economic development and youth engagement and leadership development. No awards were made in its energy category for fiscal 2027.
The Rural Maryland Council was allocated $6 million in the fiscal 2027 state budget to support its work and grant programs.
“The FY2027 grant awardees are turning vision into action and demonstrating the incredible impact that local organizations can have when they have the resources to meet the needs of their communities,” Rural Maryland Council Board Chair Susan O’Neill said in announcing the awards.
The Rural Maryland Council, founded in 1994, serves as Maryland’s federally designated rural development council and administers the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund and Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
