Week of May 1, 2026

Rural Maryland Council FT2027 Grant Cycle

The Rural Maryland Council is excited to announce that the Fiscal Year 2027 grant cycle opened on Monday, April 20, 2026! This is a two-phase application process, and Phase I – the Letter of Intent – is due by May 15, 2026, at 11:59pm.

Explore RMC grant opportunities and view the FY2027 Grant Guidelines and Criteria at rural.maryland.gov.

Caroline Foundation Grant Cycle Open

The Caroline Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations that provide medical and/or health-related services to residents of Caroline County.

There is one grant cycle per year. The application opens on April 1st and closes on July 1st. Applications are reviewed and considered by the directors of the Caroline Foundation. Applicants are notified of funding decisions in November.

To apply, create an account/login to the Online Grants Portal and complete the Caroline Foundation’s Grant Application.

Webinar: Artificial Intelligence with Fred Christie

What: Join us for a webinar on artificial intelligence! In this webinar, participants will learn how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of AI tools and learn the best practices for protecting data.

This webinar is designed and facilitated by Fred Christie, Chief Information Officer at Easton Utilities, an IT Professional with over 30 years of experience.

This session is part of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to support nonprofit organizations through expert led training and networking opportunities. All are welcome and there is no cost to attend. Advanced registration is required.

When: May 6, 2026, 9:00am – 10:00am

Register here

For additional information, contact:
Heather Pickens
Mid-Shore Community Foundation
Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
hpickens@mscf.org

AHEC Celebrating Our Community Health Heroes!

As we look ahead to Community Health Worker (CHW) Awareness Week at the end of August, we are excited to begin planning a meaningful and impactful celebration that truly honors the incredible work of our CHWs in the community.

To make this initiative successful, we are seeking 3 passionate individuals to join a Planning Committee.

What we’re looking for:

  • Individuals willing to share ideas and collaborate in a small team
  • Input on how CHWs would like to be recognized and celebrated
  • Support with engagement to increase participation

Potential ideas for the week include:

  • A recognition ceremony to honor CHWs’ contributions
  • A “Story Wall” featuring testimonials and photos for social media
  • A community lunch or picnic to foster connection
  • Inviting a guest speaker to inspire and uplift our workforce

This group will collaborate to develop creative ideas and help shape a celebration that reflects the voices and experiences of CHWs.

This is a wonderful opportunity to amplify CHW voices, strengthen our community, and ensure this week is both meaningful and memorable.

If you are interested in being part of this committee, please email admin@esahec.org.

Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board Opportunity

The USWIB is looking for employer partners to join their Learn & Earn Six‑Week Summer Program and help provide meaningful, hands‑on work experiences for youth ages 14–21 this summer (2026)!

By hosting a student intern, your organization can:

  • Support local workforce development
  • Mentor the next generation
  • Benefit from motivated young people ready to learn

Each student is supported by a case manager (and a job coach if needed) to ensure a great experience for both you and the student.

Interested in becoming a host site? Sign up at https://bit.ly/4tvK0Yj

Questions? Email slake@chesapeake.edu or call 410‑443‑3937

Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund

LOI due May 15th, Application due July 10th

  • Description: Increase the overall capacity of rural serving nonprofit organizations and community colleges to meet a multitude of rural development challenges and to help them establish new public/private partnerships for leveraging non-state sources of funding
  • Eligibility: Rural-serving nonprofit organizations and community colleges
  • Apply here

Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund

LOI due May 15th, Application due July 10th

  • Description: To raise the overall standard of living in rural areas to a level that meets or exceeds statewide benchmark averages by 2030 while preserving the best aspects of cultural heritage and rural way of life. Resources provided to RMPIF are designed to facilitate significant targeted investments in important economic and community development programs and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation
  • Eligibility: Local and regional public and nonprofit organizations
  • Apply here

Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development

Deadline: May 28th

  • Description: Employers with cybersecurity skill shortages to build local talent pipelines through work-based learning (apprenticeships, internships, co-ops) in coordination with education and training providers.
  • Eligibility: All non-federal U.S. entities, including community-based orgs, economic development orgs, institutions of higher ed, secondary school districts, training providers, nonprofits, for-profits, and State/local/Tribal governments. Current or previous RAMPS awardees may apply, but cannot propose to simply sustain an existing project.
  • Apply here

Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Program

Deadline: May 14th

  • Description: This program supports low-income, first-generation, and other priority adults (19+) in accessing postsecondary education and career pathways. It provides counseling, application assistance, and financial literacy support to help individuals enroll in college, apprenticeships, or other credential programs. The grant emphasizes career advising, workforce-aligned pathways, and economic mobility.
  • Eligibility: Institutions of higher education, Public or private organizations (including community-based organizations), Secondary schools, State education and workforce agencies, Consortia of the above entities
  • Apply here

Mid-Shore Restoring Hope in Women – Bed Availability

Mid-Shore Restoring Hope in Women believes that every woman should have a fighting chance at battling her addiction. They work to help alleviate some of the stress as women transition through recovery.

Currently Mid-Shore Restoring Hope in Women has 350 bed nights. There are currently 4 beds available.

If you know anyone needing a level 2 recovery house please have them reach out to the contact listed below or visit restoringhopeinwomen.org to fill out an application.

Cathy Bowrey
Vice President Mid-Shore Restoring Hope in Women
410-829-7020
MCORR Certified Recovery House Level 2