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Montgomery County
Grant Opportunities Newsletter

January 23, 2025

The Montgomery County Grant Opportunities Newsletter provides grant seeking stakeholders with a concrete schedule of new, currently open, and soon to be launched grant programs as well as status updates for closed grant programs.  The newsletter also highlights the Office of Grants Management (OGM) events, non-County grant opportunities, and other events/news items of interest to grant seeking stakeholders.  For a long-term projection of County grant programs, download the most up-to-date version of the FY25 Grant Program Forecast. Past Newsletters can be found on OGM's About Us website.

New This Week

• FY25 Food As Medicine Grants Program: The Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR) will solicit grant applications to support innovative programs that increase access to culturally diverse, medically-relevant, nutritious, and locally produced food for Montgomery County children and households with children ages 0-18 who are: 1) currently at high-risk or actively experiencing diet-related disease and 2) at risk of or currently experiencing food insecurity. This application will only be open to applicants who applied in Stage One of the application process (closed on January 8, 2025).

Key OGM News

Remaining FY25 Grant Program Schedule Now Available

OGM has updated the FY25 Grant Program Forecast. to include all expected, remaining FY25 grant programs.  The timeline remains somewhat fluid as OGM continues to work with County departments on finalizing these competitions and/or awaiting legislation to fund some of these grant programs.  As details settle and links to grant program pages are posted, they will be included in the Forecast and this Newsletter.

OGM is Switching to a New Grants Management System, Euna Grants

OGM is closing out SM Apply as its application, review, and report collection platform and switching all operations to the Euna (formerly eCivis) Grants platform.  OGM staff is finishing up our training and will be soon launching trainings for our stakeholders.  Action you should take now:

1. Log into the Euna (eCivis) Portal to create an application profile https://portal.ecivis.com/#/login
2. Download and review the Euna (eCivis) applicant user guides
   1. Logging into Your eCivis Portal Account
   2. Reviewing and Submitting your application
   3. Transfer Application Ownership
3. Download and archive your old reports, applications, and other SM Apply data
4. Keep an eye out for OGM trainings and workshops on this transition in our Newsletter

Check out the OGM January Community Forum presentation and slide deck for more details.

Coming Soon (Next 30 Days)

• FY25 Place-Based Management Grants Program: (Anticipated Launch: Late January 2025). The Community Engagement Cluster (CEC) will solicit grant applications from qualified organizations providing direct services that support economic growth and revitalization strategies and services across the County’s commercial corridors. While changes may be made in FY25, see the FY24 Place-Based Management Grants Program application page for information on last year’s competition. 

• FY25 Cost Sharing Capital Grants Program: (Anticipated Launch: Late January 2025). The FY25 competition will be limited only to projects that have an existing State. While small changes may be made for  FY25, see the FY24 Cost Sharing Capital Grants Program application page for information on last year’s competition and application structure.

• FY25 Fentanyl Use, Overdose, and Death Reduction (FUODR) Grant Program: (Anticipated Launch: February 2025) The Department of Health and Human Services has allocated $100,000 of Opioid Abatement Funds for a grants program that aims to reduce the number of persons using, overdosing and dying from the use of fentanyl in Montgomery County, MD. While changes may be made in FY25, see the FY24 FUODR application page for information on last year’s competition.  HHS anticipates making 1-2 awards with a $50,000 minimum and $100,000 maximum.

Status of Closed, but not Awarded, Grant Programs

• FY25 Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Reviews are complete. OGM is supporting OEMHS as they develop award recommendations from the review and score data.

• FY24 Cost Sharing Capital Grants (CSCG): Reviews are complete. Recommended results have already been transmitted to the Chief Administrative Officer for the Arts Facility funding category with the non-Arts to be transmitted this week. Final results will be announced this week or next at latest.

Upcoming Grant Related Events and Resources 

• February 2025 OGM Community Forum – Tuesday February 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM: OGM staff will cover “Grant Funding Sources” as a requested special topic, forecast of the remaining County FY25 grant programs, provide other general OGM updates, and open up for questions. Recordings and slide decks for all past OGM Forum events will continue to be posted on the OGM About Us website.
• State of Nonprofits in Montgomery County 2025 Report & Expo: Tools to Thrive on March 20, 2025 from 12:00 - 4 pm at the Silver Spring Civic Center:On March 20, 2025, Nonprofit Montgomery will release the State of Nonprofits in Montgomery County Report, offering a comprehensive look at the local nonprofit landscape. This key report will be followed by a resource-packed Exhibit Hall, connecting nonprofits with the tools, services, and partners their organizations need to thrive.  This comprehensive event is designed to equip local nonprofits with vital insights and resources for success.

• Are you looking for feedback on an unsuccessful grant proposal? Unfunded List is an organization of volunteers that reviews proposals and provides feedback. They offer two rounds of review per year, with an upcoming deadline of March 15, 2025.

Non-County Funding Opportunities

• Community Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Grant Program: This is a non-competitive, first-come, first-served award that will close on or before March 28, 2025. The Maryland Energy Administration invites applications for funds to offset costs of planning for EV infrastructure (AOI 1), construction of converting parking spaces to be EV ready (AOI 2), or installing chargers or storage (AOI 3). The Program is open to Maryland businesses, non-profits, and state, tribal, and local/municipal governmental entities for projects located in low and moderate income, overburdened, and underserved communities in Maryland. The maximum grant for AOI 1 is $50,000; AOI 2 is $100,000; and AOI 3 is $1 million.
• Farmers Advocating for Organic (FAFO) Fund: Letters of Interest due February 14, 2025. Organic Valley Company invites nonprofit and academic organizations to apply for funding to support research, education, and advocacy projects that will address the long-term needs of the organic marketplace and the future of organic agriculture. Awards will be between $5,000 and $50,000.
• Reading is Fundamental (RIF) 2025 Matching Grant: Applications due February 24, 2025. Nonprofits, local government organizations, and schools can apply for one of three programs geared towards children in under-resourced communities: Books for Ownership, Read for Success, or Skybrary. A 1:1 match is required, up to the maximum award of $15,000. There is a webinar on February 3, 2025.
• Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species Small Grants Program: Applications due February 28, 2025. Nonprofit, local government, academic institutions, landowner, and private sector organizations are welcome to apply for support with preventing and controlling Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in the mid-Atlantic region. The maximum available is $38,000.
• Out-of-School Time (OST) Youth Mentoring Grant: Applications due February 28, 2025. With support from the U.S. DOJ’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) invites applications from nonprofit and local government organizations for funding to support developing and managing a youth mentoring program within parks and recreation. The maximum grant is $60,000.
• Blue Pearl Pet Hospital Medical Equipment Grants: Applications due February 28, 2025. Funding to nonprofit animal organizations and local/state government agencies helps with the purchase of veterinary medical equipment for on-site animal shelter veterinary clinics, low-cost veterinary practices, mobile veterinary units, disaster relief vehicles, etc.
• Digital Art History Grants: Letters of Intent due March 1 and September 1. Nonprofit and academic institutions may indicate interest in digitization projects in the field of European art. Past award amounts have ranged from $2,000 to $100,000.
• AARP Community Challenge: Applications due March 5, 2025. Nonprofits and local governments can apply to support permanent physical improvements, temporary demonstrations, or new and innovative programming that makes communities more liveable. AARP offers three separate grant programs: Flagship, Capacity-building Microgrants, and Demonstration grants. The maximum grant is $25,000. There is a webinar on January 29, 2025.
• US Department of Justice Grants Programs: First applications due March 3, 2025. The US DOJ released more than 40 grant opportunities in January. A range of organizations are eligible and programs support a variety of youth to adult services and programs. Search US DOJ on grants.gov.
• US Dept. of Labor Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Programs (3 Categories): Applications due March 17, 2025. For-profit, nonprofit, government, educational, and other organizations are eligible to apply for support to enable veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness to reach their full employment potential and obtain high-quality career outcomes. Grants must fall into three categories: Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP), Homeless Women Veterans' and Homeless Veterans’ with Children (HWVHVWC), Incarcerated Veterans' Transition Program (IVTP). Grants must be between $150,000-$1,500,000 for 3-year projects. There are webinars on February 5 and February 11.
• USDA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program: Applications due April 15, 2025. Nonprofits, government, consortia, and academic institutions may apply for projects that will increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by USDA SNAP/NAP participants by providing incentives at the points of purchase. There is a webinar on February 6.
• Maryland Solar Access Program Grants for Residential Solar Systems: Grants are on a first-come, first-served basis; the application window Is now open and closes June 13, 2025. These grants will provide up to $7,500 (at $750/kW) for new household solar PV systems. Eligibility is limited to households with a total income that does not exceed 150% of the statewide area median income. The application requires two phases, including an initial application to reserve funds. Please read the FAQs (updated December 2024).  
• Coalition for Green Capital and ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA – Municipal Investment Fund (MIF): Applications due February 5, 2025. Communities may apply to receive technical assistance and up to $250,000 in grant funding to develop public-private partnership plans that can accelerate the deployment and financing of National Clean Investment Fund-qualified projects. At least two projects per state will be funded.
• TD Charitable Foundation Housing for Everyone Competition: Applications due February 6, 2025. 501(c)3 organizations with a history of providing supportive services to low- to moderate-income community members facing challenges to sustained homeownership may apply for $200,000 for projects that demonstrate impactful post-purchase homeownership support and its role in home preservation on a path to wealth development. There are webinars on February 21 and 28.
• Dollar General Literacy Foundation - Summer Reading (Youth): Applications due February 6, 2025. Nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries are eligible to apply for a grant to support programs that target new readers, below-grade level readers, or readers with learning disabilities. The maximum grant is $3,000.
• Dollar General Literacy Foundation – Adult Literacy: Applications due February 6, 2025. Organizations that provide direct services to adults in need of literacy assistance may apply for a grant to support Adult Education, GED preparation, or English language acquisition. The maximum grant is $10,000.
• Dollar General Literacy Foundation – Family Literacy: Applications due February 6, 2025. Nonprofit organizations who support whole family literacy through Adult Education, Children’s Education, and Parent and Child Time Together (PACT) may apply for continued support. The maximum grant is $10,000.
• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Consultation/ Documentation Grants: Applications due March 31, 2025. Diverse organizations may apply for a grant to support consultation, documentation, and repatriation of Native American human remains or cultural items. The maximum grant is $150,000.
• Dollar General Literacy Foundation – Youth Literacy: Applications due April 3, 2025. Schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations who help K-12 students that are below grade level or having trouble reading are eligible to apply for a grant to support new or expanding literacy programs, technology, equipment, or purchase of books or related materials. The maximum is not stated.
• Trails Capacity Program (American Trails): Applications due January 31, 2025. Nonprofits, local government entities, and other organizations can apply for support with trail maintenance, stewardship training, or research and education. Projects on public or private lands are eligible. The maximum award is $5,000.  
• Tri-M Foundation Performing Arts Grant: Proposals due February 15, 2025; These grants focus on giving to small to medium size nonprofits, nonprofit umbrella arts organizations, and individual artists. See grant posting for more information and whether 501c3 status is required. The maximum award size is $10,000.  Ideal projects are new works making bold choices and take a unique regional perspective. Proposed projects must comply with the applicant’s established mission and vision, be a featured project in the organization’s season, and demonstrate detailed planning.
• Maryland MEA FY25 Commercial Solar Grant Program: Grants are on a first-come, first-served basis; the application deadline is March 31, 2024. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) welcomes applications from nonprofits or state-registered business located in or serving LMI overburdened/ underserved populations. Funds may be used to purchase solar PV systems (applicant-owned or third-party owned). The maximum grant is $500,000. Cost-share varies from 50% to 75% or by maximum kW allowance.   
• Maryland MEA Commercial, Industrial & Agricultural FY25 Grant Program (Energy Savings): Grants are on a first-come, first-served basis; the application deadline is February 14, 2024. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) welcomes applications from eligible applicants including facility owners that operate businesses (registered corporations, LLPs, LLCs, GPs, etc.) or non-profit entities operating in specific areas. Grant funds can be used to accelerate investment into clean, energy-efficient building technologies by defraying their installation cost in existing or new facilities, agricultural facilities, or combined heat & power. Grants can also support displacement of fossil-fuel use in commercial, industrial, or agricultural facilities. Awards typically range from $100,000 to $250,000 per project, with a maximum of $400,000. Cost-share is at least 25%.   
• Teiger Foundation Contemporary Visual Arts Grants: Applications due January 28, 2025. 501(c)(3) cultural and community organizations and/or curators are welcome to apply for public arts projects or curatorial, programming, research, or development support. Register for an information session on January 9, 2025. Applicants may indicate interest in the  Climate Action for Curators Program when applying.  
• The Home Depot’s Veterans Housing Grants: Applications due March 21 or July 3, 2025. Nonprofit organizations that meet specific criteria are welcome to apply for support for construction or rehabilitation of housing for veterans (at or below 80% AMI). Awards typically range from $100,000 to $500,000, and cost-share must be at least 50%. 
• USDA Community Wildfire Defense Grant (Northeast-Midwest): Applications due February 28, 2025. Nonprofit organizations including homeowner associations can apply for support to plan for and mitigate risks created by wildfire. Projects may be conducted on state, local, or tribal lands, private lands, or on homeowner association-owned lands. The maximum grant is $250,000 for creation or updating of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, or up to $10 million for a project within a protection plan.  
• Montgomery County Job Creation Fund: Rolling applications accepted; Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Employers based in Montgomery County that are company headquarters or national nonprofit organizations or who are in the targeted categories of Life sciences, advanced technology, cybersecurity, quantum computing or hospitality may be eligible for up to $500,000 in grant funding to create jobs and support their growth and expansion. Read the Montgomery County Blog Update about the opportunity.  
• Archival Projects and Archival Collaboratives: Drafts due February 19, 2025; Final deadline is May 7, 2025. The National Archives invites applications from nonprofit organizations, private institutions of higher education, repositories, and state or local government entities for archival projects. The maximum award for a Project is $150,000; it varies for Collaborative grants.  
• FY 2025 Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program: Applications due March 17, 2025. Nonprofits, local governments, businesses, and individuals may apply for support from the Maryland Department of Planning Historical Trust for eligible properties (listed in or determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places). Eligible projects include acquisition, rehabilitation, restoration, or predevelopment costs. The maximum award is $100,000 and there is a 1:1 match required. Register for a virtual workshop on January 9 or Q&A sessions on February 5 and 28.  
• Environmental Justice Thriving Community Grantmaking Program – EPA Region 3: NEW DEADLINE: 2-year grant deadline has been extended to December 30; 1-year grants open until April 30, 2025. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Region 3 partner Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI), is accepting grant applications across a wide range of environmental justice issues: air and water pollution, food access, stormwater, asbestos, pesticides and toxic substances, healthy and efficient homes, cleanups, climate and health risks, GHG workforce development, training, climate resiliency and adaptation, engagement of disadvantaged groups into federal and state processes, and more. Nonprofits, local and tribal governments and consortia, Native American Organizations, and Institutions of Higher Education may apply. The maximum grant varies by tier: Tier 1 Assessment - $150,000 and 1 year; Tier 2 Planning - $250,000 and 1-2 years; Tier 3 Implementation - $350,000 and 2 years. 
• NASA Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES): 2-step proposal process - Notices of intent due February 14, 2025; Proposals due March 14, 2025. NASA Earth Science Division seeks proposals for projects that apply Earth observations to improve or develop decision-making activities in ecological conservation and management. Award size will be based on project scope.
• Rural Business Development Grants: Applications due February 28, 2025. Nonprofit entities serving rural areas may apply for enterprise or opportunity grants that promote the development and expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Grants range from $10,000 to $500,000, and there is no cost-sharing requirement. Check property eligibility.
• Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee (MUCFC) Grants Program: Applications reviewed on our around February 15 and July 15 annually. Forestry Boards are welcome to apply for assistance with tree planting on public lands or for educational projects about trees in urban environments. The maximum grant is $1,000.

For a list of all grant programs from every fiscal year and award winners, visit the Office of Grants Management’s “Grants Program” page.