Sustainable Maryland Action Grants

Sustainable Maryland Action Grants is a University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center program offering $5,000 to $20,000 to incorporated municipalities registered with the Sustainable Maryland program. Created by state legislation in 2022, the program bridges gaps between local budgets and state funding to support community-scale sustainability efforts.

Registered communities (not yet certified) may receive up to $5,000 (up to 4 awards), while Bronze or Silver-certified communities may receive up to $20,000 (up to 4 awards). Eligible activities include community gardens, food forests, electric vehicle charging stations, climate action planning, greenhouse gas inventories, and resiliency hubs.

The application deadline is November 10, 2025, with projects expected to run from January 2026 through January 2027.

SM Action Grants - Sustainable Maryland Application due date: November 10, 2025 11:59pm Awardees announced: early December Timeline: Projects may begin January 2026 and are expected to be completed January 2027 Sustainable Maryland is excited to announce the second year of funding for the Sustainable Maryland Action Grants for incorporated municipalities, furthering our commitment to enhance livability for all Marylanders by supporting a wide range of community-scale sustainability efforts.

Funding for this grant program has been made possible by the State of Maryland when it created the Sustainable Maryland Program fund in 2022. By offering $100,000 to municipalities that are registered and certified with Sustainable Maryland, these grants seek to bridge the gap between local budget and resource capacity and state funding.

Sustainable Maryland’s mission is to provide opportunities for Maryland municipalities to continue to thrive and build a better tomorrow. With this grants program, Sustainable Maryland strongly encourages applications from municipalities across the state that seek to protect their natural assets, reduce their carbon footprint, and revitalize and improve the long-term quality of life for current and future generations.

Registered Communities (awards up to $5,000 – up to 4 awards expected) These grants will be awarded to municipalities registered with the Sustainable Maryland program that are still pursuing certification. Any incorporated Maryland municipality can become registered by creating an account on the Sustainable Maryland website and passing a municipal resolution. Use this sample resolution as a template for drafting your local resolution.

The final resolution document must include a signature from the municipal clerk verifying the authenticity of the resolution and indicating the date of passage. Certified Communities (awards up to $20,000 – up to 4 awards expected) These grants will be awarded to municipalities who are registered and either Bronze or Silver-certified in the Sustainable Maryland program.

Municipalities obtain certification by completing Actions on the Sustainable Maryland A ction Menu that are then submitted to reviewers for approval.

Eligible activities for both tracks in this year may include, but are not limited to (intended for inspiration): Community gardens/food forests Electric vehicles/charging stations Climate action planning (climate plans, greenhouse gas inventories, resiliency hubs, flood risk planning) Renewable energy (solar panels/solar parking canopies) Green infrastructure (rain gardens, bioswale, pervious paving, green roofs) Biodiversity (native plantings, pollinator meadows/corridors) Energy efficiency (energy audits, LED streetlights, heat pumps, heigh-efficiency HVACs, white roofs) Bicycle/Pedestrican infrastructure or planning (bike lanes, bike parking, bike/ped audits, Safe Routes to School, Complete Streets) Land preservation and enhancement (parks, trails, easements, tree canopy plans) Outreach and education programming Apply for the SM Action Grant!

SM Action Grant Program 2025 Request for Proposals Packet Register for the Action Grant informational webinar - Oct.

8, 12-1pm Forest Heights: Seeds of Sustainability: Enhancing Community Wellness through Urban Gardening - $7,500 Salisbury: Salisbury Pollinator Pathways: Expanding Urban Habitat through Education, Partnerships, and Demonstration - $20,000 University Park: Community Learning Garden - $20,000 Chestertown: Chestertown Is For The Birds - $10,500 Mount Airy: Mount Airy Naturally: Phase II, Growing a Certified Wildlife Community - $14,000 Eagle Harbor: Seed of Hope: Eagle Harbor Municipal Organic Garden - $5,000 Emmitsburg: Emmitsburg Community Garden, Four Seasons Expansion Project - $13,000 Galena: Park LED Lighting - $10,000 Hampstead: Community Garden - $5,000 Frostburg: Edible Arboretum: Phase II - $10,000 Emmitsburg: Community Garden Improvements - $15,000 Gaithersburg: Compost Drop-Off Site - $20,000 Mount Airy: Greenhouse & Sustainability Education Hub - $20,000 Middletown: Remsburg Park Perimeter Nature Trail Design and Planning - $20,000 Bowie: Bike Rack Update and Expansion - $10,000 Laurel: Bigbelly Solar Compost Bins Project - $10,000 Galena: Pocket Park - $10,000 All questions regarding the SM Action Grants Program should be directed to SMGrants@umd.

edu .