Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund

Charlotte Davis
410.841.5772
charlotte.davis@maryland.gov.

Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) provides grants to rural-serving nonprofit organizations that undertake statewide and regional planning, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education projects.

MAERDAF also provides grants to community colleges that support small and agricultural businesses through enhanced training and technical assistance.

Priority funding areas include:

• Agriculture and forestry
• Energy
• Rural broadband
• Youth engagement
• Economic development
• Community development

Examples of past programs include:

• Wellness program for elderly persons to participate in community gardening
• Integration of SNAP benefits into local farmer's markets
• Education, training, and outreach on environmental illness prevention and aqua therapy programs for older adults

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve a regional or statewide rural constituency. Community colleges, career technology centers, regional councils, and libraries are eligible to apply.

While the applicant does not have to be located in a rural area or in the area it serves, locally-serving community-based organizations have preference.

Proposed projects must serve more than one rural county in Maryland. Counties are listed in the application instructions.

Award ceiling: $45,000
Total funding available: $878,964

Priority is given to applicants that have secured matching funds from non-state sources; however matching funds are not required. Federal funds are considered matching funds.

Links to additional guidance and application instructions are available on the program website.

Submit a letter of intent using the online application portal by May 17, 2024. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a Phase 2 full proposal, with a deadline of July 12, 2024.

Applicant webinar recording