Better Together Upcoming Opportunities, Events, & Resources Digest

  • Week of May 29, 2026

    Caroline Better Together Spring Convening June 4

    Please join us for the annual celebration of our collective impact.

    We will have the honor of recognizing Susan Runnels for her many years of service in partnership and collaboration building as Executive Director of the Caroline Human Services Council. The HSC serves as Caroline’s Local Management Board and is the Quarterback-Backbone for collective impact for the county.

    Hope you can join us.

    When: 11:30am – 1pm on Thursday, June 4th

    Where: Chesapeake Culinary Center

    Please RSVP here or visit bit.ly/CBT26.

  • Week of May 21, 2026

    Caroline Better Together Spring Convening June 4

    Please join us for the annual celebration of our collective impact.

    We will have the honor of recognizing Susan Runnels for her many years of service in partnership and collaboration building as Executive Director of the Caroline Human Services Council. The HSC serves as Caroline’s Local Management Board and is the Quarterback-Backbone for collective impact for the county.

    Hope you can join us.

    When: 11:30am – 1pm on Thursday, June 4th

    Where: Chesapeake Culinary Center

    Please RSVP here or visit bit.ly/CBT26.

    Grantwriting in Practice

    What: If strengthening your organization’s grantwriting capacity is a priority this year, now is the time to plan ahead.

    Join Maryland Nonprofits for a two-day, in-person training designed to walk you step-by-step through the process of developing a strong foundation grant proposal. This is a hands-on, small-group experience where you won’t just learn, you’ll actively work on your own proposal with guidance along the way.

    Important Details:
    This is a writing-focused, in-person training, please bring a laptop
    Wi-Fi will be available. Registration includes lunch, coffee, and tea
    Participants should plan to attend both days.

    Spots are intentionally limited to maintain a small-group learning environment, early registration is encouraged and recommended!

    When: July 29-30th, 2026

    Where: Baltimore, MD

    To Register or for more information visit Maryland Nonprofits.

    USDA Farmer’s Market Promotion Program

    Deadline: June 5th

    • Description: FMPP offers four types of projects, 36-month Capacity Building, 36-month Community Development Training and Technical Assistance, 24-month Turnkey Marketing and Promotion, and 24-month Turnkey Recruitment and Training. Capacity Building projects range from $50,000 to $250,000, while Community Development Training and Technical Assistance projects range from $100,000 to $500,000. Each of the turnkey project options are available for a defined set of activities, with funding amounts ranging from $50,000 and $100,000.

      FY26 FMPP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (PDF)
      *The NOFO is a primary resource for information about the Farmers Market Promotion Program grant. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review it carefully and follow its guidance.
    • Eligibility: For information, see the PDF linked above or visit the FMPP homepage.
    • How to Apply

    For any questions regarding FMPP, please contact FMLFPPgrants@usda.gov.

    Shipt’s 2026 Community Impact Grants

    Deadline: June 12th

    • Description: Shipt empowers local partners to build resilient, self-sustaining food systems that nourish their communities for generations. Their three impact focus areas represent a holistic approach to lasting change: teaching farms, mobile markets, and food hubs.
    • Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations
    • Apply here

    21st Century Community Learning Center Program

    Deadline: July 6th

    • Description: The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program supports eligible organizations in providing academic enrichment activities and a broad array of additional services during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session. Programs reinforce and complement regular school-day instruction, target students’ academic needs, and provide families with opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education.
    • Eligibility: A local education agency (LEA), community-based organization, Indian Tribe or Tribal organization, public or private entity, or a consortium of two or more such agencies, organizations, or entities.
    • Apply here

    U.S. HHS Promise Neighborhoods Grant

    Deadline: August 6th

    • Description: The purpose of the Promise Neighborhoods program is to significantly improve the academic and developmental outcomes of children and youth living in the most distressed communities of the United States, including ensuring school readiness, high school graduation, and access to a community-based continuum of high-quality services.

      The program serves neighborhoods with high concentrations of individuals with low incomes; multiple signs of distress, which may include high rates of poverty, childhood obesity, academic challenges, and juvenile delinquency, adjudication, or incarceration; and adverse childhood experiences; and also serves schools implementing comprehensive support and improvement activities or targeted support and improvement activities
    • Eligibility: An institution of higher education, an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization, or nonprofit entities working in formal partnership with an LEA, IHE, the office of a chief elected official of a unit of local government, or an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization.
    • Apply here

  • Week of May 15, 2026

    State Aided Institutions (SAI) Program

    Deadline: June 5th

    • Description: Provides annual grants to qualified non-profit organizations that provide enriching educational programs.

      These educational opportunities emphasize experiential learning and one-on-one support services. This includes but is not limited to free or reduced admission, full-day and residential field trips with hands-on activities, mentoring, and tutoring.

      Pre- and post-visit activities for teachers can be used to connect the experiences to the classroom curriculum. In addition, professional development opportunities for teachers that link the SAI programs to the classroom are also funded.
    • Eligibility: Non-profit organizations
    • Apply here

    Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Support Services Program

    Deadline: June 1st

    • Description: Supports the promotion of positive mental and behavioral health practices for young children by building the capacity of early care and education providers and family members.
    • Eligibility: Community-based organizations and LEAs
    • Apply here

    Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center Peer Training

    Turn your lived experience with substance misuse or mental health challenges into a career helping others!

    What: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Training Program

    Where & When:

    • Training starts in Salisbury on June 15th
    • Training starts in Cambridge on July 6th

    Funded by the MD Department of Labor under the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) program.

    For more information: Click here, call or email us!

    • 410-221-2600
    • wnargiz@esahec.org

    Service & Workforce Grant Opportunity

    $20,000 per Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Member

    The Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program application is now live at serve.maryland.gov!

    Deadline: June 1st for the 2026-2027 cycle.

    What: The Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program connects young adults—primarily 18–24-year-olds—with Maryland organizations for a minimum 9-month workforce and service opportunity.

    The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation is seeking employer partners—including schools, nonprofits, and government agencies—ready to host members. The Partner Guide and application are available here.

    Partners receive a cost-share grant of up to $20,000 per member, covering approximately $12/hour for full-time work for at least nine months. The estimated minimum annual cost for Host Site Partners Members is $7,450 ($180/week + fringe) per Member. More information is available on the manage your grant page.

    • Interested but need more information? Register here for an upcoming Host Site Partner Application Support session.
    • Do you know a potential Member candidate? You can submit a direct Member nomination through our portal here.
    • Ready to apply? Submit your application to host Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Members at serve.maryland.gov.

  • Week of May 8, 2026

    Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center Peer Training

    Turn your lived experience with substance misuse or mental health challenges into a career helping others!

    What: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Training Program

    Where & When:

    • Training starts in Salisbury on June 15th
    • Training starts in Cambridge on July 6th

    Funded by the MD Department of Labor under the Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers (RAMP) program.

    For more information: Click here, call or email us!

    • 410-221-2600
    • wnargiz@esahec.org

    MSDE Home Visiting – Healthy Families – FY 27

    Deadline: May 25th

    • Description: To provide resources at the local level to strengthen community-based services to children, youth, and families with a focus on increasing childhood well-being and with intentional efforts to address childhood trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), address racial and ethnic disparities, and promote research-informed practices.
    • Eligibility: Local Management Boards (LMBs), nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, local government agencies
    • Apply here

    Fiscal Year 2027 Public School Opportunities Enhancement Program

    Deadline: May 29th

    • Description: To establish partnerships designed to expand or create extended day and summer enhancement programs and support existing educational programming during the school day. Programs must be developed and implemented in active collaboration with the school that the students attend.
    • Eligibility: Local education agencies, public community schools, and nonprofit organizations
    • Apply here

    Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Support Services Program

    Deadline: June 1st

    • Description: The Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Support Services grant supports the promotion of positive mental and behavioral health practices for young children by building the capacity of early care and education providers and family members. The program supports young children with developmental, social, emotional, or behavioral issues by providing consultation, referrals, and/or services to children, families, teachers, and caregivers.
    • Eligibility: Non-profit and public agencies
    • Apply here

    FY27 Aging-in-P​​lace NOFO

    Deadline: June 1st

    • Description: To enable low-income older Marylanders who face declining health and social isolation to live in their homes and participate in their communities safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age or ability.
    • Eligibility: AAAs and nonprofit organizations that provide coordinated services and support to help older adults age in place safely, independently, and with dignity
    • Apply here

    Maryland Robotics Grant FY 2027

    Deadline: June 5th

    • Description: This MSDE grant supports the development and expansion of robotics programs across the state. The program provides students with opportunities to engage in high-quality STEM education practices that build critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills and prepare students for success in the 21st-century workforce.
    • Eligibility: Local education agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations
    • Apply here

  • 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

  • Week of April 24, 2026

    Change in dates for Cambridge Peer Training-Cambridge Starting July 6th

    PEER TRAINING

    What: Turn your lived experience with substance misuse or mental health challenges into a career helping others!

    • Training & Certification fees covered
    • Personalized support plans
    • Biweekly trainee meetings
    • Assistance with certification process

    When: Training is tentatively scheduled to start in:

    • Salisbury – June 15th
    • Cambridge – July 6th

    Don’t wait! Complete the interest form, call or email today!

    Register:  Interest Form

    Contact information: Call: 410-221-2600, Email: wnargiz@esahec.org

    Greenspace Equity Program​ Appraisal Grant

    The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Greenspace Equity Program Appraisal Grant round.

    This grant round is specifically to provide funds for obtaining independent appraisals in advance of the eligible applicant’s submission of an acquisition application for the FY 2028 Greenspace Equity Program Grant Application.

    The property proposed for acquisition must meet the general requirements of the Greenspace Equity Program. This is a competitive grant program. Applicants may request funding to cover costs for up to two independent appraisals. Applicants selected and approved for appraisal funding must procure and complete the independent appraisals in time to submit an application for the acquisition of the subject property in the upcoming FY 2028 Greenspace Equity Program Grant round, which will be made available shortly.

    Applications are due on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by 3:00pm.

    A complete FY 2027 Greenspace Equity Program Appraisal Funding Grant for Proposed Acquisition Projects Application and Project Agreement with all the necessary accompanying documents must be mailed to: laplocalgrants.dnr@maryland.gov.

    For more information visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/land/Pages/Greenspace-Equity-Program.aspx.

    Greenspace Equity Program Grant​

    The application materials from the FY 2027 Greenspace Equity Program Grant round are provided below for reference only. Application materials will be updated and information will be posted here when new grant proposals are being accepted for the FY 2028 grant round.

    • Greenspace Equity Program Grant Proposal Guide
      Brief guide on program requirements and how to apply for funds.
    • Greenspace Equity Program Grant Application and Project Agreement​
      Please download the Word file, save on your desktop, and use the saved file to complete all required fields and submit with all necessary attachments.
    • Use the MDEnviroScreen t​ool to determine whether a property is located in an overburdened community or an underserved community.

    ​​Questions about this grant opportunity may be directed to Stephanie Benavides at stephanie.benavides1@maryland.gov or 443-510-4572.​​

    FY26 Aging-In-Place Grant (Deadline: June 9)

    The Aging-In-Place funding opportunity enables older Marylanders to live in their own homes and participate in a community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

    Projects should offer supportive services that effectively assist older adults in maintaining their health, financial security, social connections, and sense of purpose within their homes and communities.

    The Department may make grants to nonprofit organizations and AAAs to expand and establish aging-in-place programs for older adults.

    Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations and Area Agencies on Aging

    Timeline: Agency Q&A on May 8 from 10:30am to 11:30am. Video call link