Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) Grant

Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) Grant is sponsored by Rural Maryland Council. Supports rural-serving nonprofits and community colleges in enhancing agricultural education, economic development, and community initiatives in rural Maryland.

Accessibility Information Rural Maryland Council – Fiscal Year 2027 Grant Cycle Open: Submit Your Letter of Intent Today! Annapolis, MD – The Rural Maryland Council is now accepting letters of intent to apply for the Fiscal Year 2027 grant programs, which include funding for capacity building, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, rural health, and regional economic and planning to meet rural community needs.

We thank Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland General Assembly Presiding Officers Senate President Bill Ferguson and Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk for including $6,047,464 in the Fiscal Year 2027 State Operating Budget to support the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) and the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF).

The deadline for grant submissions is Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm. “The FY2027 funding represents an important investment in the strength and sustainability of rural Maryland communities,” said Susan O’Neill, RMC Board Chair. “We appreciate the State’s continued investment in rural Maryland through the FY2027 budget and remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure these resources have a meaningful impact.

RMC will continue to advocate for the needs of our rural communities and build on this support in the years ahead. ” Fiscal Year 2027 Important Grant Dates Grant Process Opened: Monday, April 20, 2026 Phase I – Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 Grantees will be notified the week of June 8, 2026, on Phase I decisions.

Phase II – Full Application Deadline: Friday, July 10, 2026 Awards Announced the week of August 17, 2026* (*This date is subject to change) The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund targets investment to promote economic prosperity in Maryland’s traditionally disadvantaged and underserved rural communities by sustaining efforts to promote rural regional cooperation, facilitating entrepreneurial activities, and supporting key community colleges and nonprofit organizations.

This fund will support the Rural Maryland Council’s activities and the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) which provides capacity-building funds to rural nonprofit service providers.

It will also support the state’s five rural regional councils, regional infrastructure projects, rural entrepreneurship development, workforce development, cooperative development, agricultural development, rural community development, and rural health care organizations. The RMPIF and MAERDAF grant programs have provided critical opportunities and resources to rural communities across Maryland for many years.

With continued State investment, since 2018 the Rural Maryland Council has generated $301. 2 million in economic output, supported 2,152 jobs, and contributed more than $102 million in wages. These figures, based on a study conducted by the Regional Economic Studies Institute at Towson University, represent more than just statistics – they reflect real growth, meaningful employment, and lasting impact.

Through its work, RMC continues to strengthen communities and enhance quality of life throughout rural Maryland. The two-phase online grant application process opened on Monday, April 20, 2026, and the Phase 1 – Letter of Intent will be due by Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm. The Council plans to host grant information sessions across the State.

These information sessions are important opportunities for participants to meet RMC staff and learn about the Council’s two grant programs. Lunch will be provided at the in-person sessions. FY2027 Grant Information Session Dates and Locations Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Southern Maryland Association of Realtors Wednesday, April 29, 2026 Garrett County Community Action Committee 3525 Conowingo Rd.

Suite 700 The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) operates under the direction of a 40-member executive board in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. It serves as the state’s federally designated rural development council and functions as the official voice for rural Maryland. The RMC advocates for rural communities and businesses across the state to flourish and to gain parity to their suburban and urban counterparts.

The RMC envisions a future where residents in rural communities are achieving success in education and employment, have access to affordable, quality health care and other vital public services, and live in an environment where natural and cultural resources are being sustained for future generations. Learn more about the grant programs and register for an upcoming grant information session by visiting the RMC website – rural. maryland.

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