ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) has officially opened the application process for its fiscal year 2026 grant programs, offering funding for infrastructure, rural health, entrepreneurship and capacity-building initiatives that support Maryland’s rural communities.
Interested applicants must first submit a letter of intent by Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. through the council’s online system. The two-phase process is part of the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) and the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF), which aim to improve the quality of life and promote economic opportunity across rural Maryland.
“We are grateful to receive this valuable funding, which supports vital programs in our rural communities,” said Susan O’Neill, RMC board chair. “While we’re disappointed by the reduction in this year’s budget, it has only strengthened our resolve to work even harder on behalf of rural Maryland.”
The FY2026 state operating budget includes $6,118,485 to support these programs. In past years, the grants have helped leverage millions in additional federal, local and private dollars.
FY2026 Grant Tentative Timeline
- April 21, 2025: Application portal opens
- May 16, 2025: Letter of intent deadline
- Week of June 9, 2025: Phase I notifications
- July 11, 2025: Full application deadline (Phase II)
- Week of Aug. 18, 2025: Awards announced
Southern Maryland Information Session
Local applicants are encouraged to attend an in-person information session hosted by the Rural Maryland Council in Indian Head:
Southern Maryland Session
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Noon to 2 p.m.
United States Bomb Technician Association
4450 Indian Head Highway, Indian Head, MD 20640
Lunch will be provided.
Additional sessions will be held statewide, including virtual and in-person events in Western Maryland and on the Eastern Shore. A full list is available on the Rural Maryland Council website.
FY2025 Southern Maryland Grant Highlights
In FY2025, Southern Maryland received significant funding through RMPIF and MAERDAF:
- Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland – $600,000
- St. Mary’s Nursing Center – $80,000
- The Patuxent Partnership – $29,000
- The Jude House – $28,000
- Ivy and Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities Inc. – $8,500
These grants supported projects in infrastructure, healthcare, economic development and workforce training.
For full details on eligibility, funding priorities and how to apply, visit the Rural Maryland Council’s official grant page: https://rural.maryland.gov. The FY2025 grant award list is also available in the press release PDF.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
