The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF), administered by the Rural Maryland Council (RMC), supports targeted economic and community development in Maryland’s rural areas. For Fiscal Year 2026, the RMPIF is offering grant opportunities in four main areas: Rural Entrepreneurship Development, Agricultural Development, Workforce Development, and Cooperative Development. The program is designed to raise the standard of living in rural areas to statewide averages by 2030 while preserving rural heritage and culture.

The fund facilitates regional and intergovernmental cooperation and encourages projects that generate long-term economic growth through entrepreneurship, training, and capacity-building. Eligible applicants include local governments, regional councils, higher education institutions, community colleges, career and technology centers, libraries, and nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) designation that serve rural constituencies. Projects must be regional (covering two or more counties) or intergovernmental (between two governmental units). Applicants do not need to be physically located in a rural area but must serve rural counties.

Funding awards are determined by the RMPIF Grant Review Board and are contingent on a minimum 25% cash match from non-state sources. There is no specified maximum award amount; however, $981,250 in total funding is allocated for entrepreneurship projects for FY2026. Stronger cash matches result in higher evaluation scores. Proposals must include a detailed scope of work, demonstrate replicable and measurable impact, and show alignment with one or more of the fund’s priorities.

The FY2026 grant period runs from August 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The process begins with a required Letter of Intent (LOI) due by May 16, 2025. Accepted applicants will be invited to submit a full application by July 11, 2025. Awards will be announced the week of August 18, 2025. Eligible expenses include wages, equipment, administrative costs (up to 25% of request), meals (with justification), and indirect costs (up to 15%). Ineligible expenses include sub-awards, lobbying, fundraising, live animals, and gifts.

Applications and reporting must be submitted through the RMC grant portal. Interim reports are due by January 31, 2026, and final reports by July 15, 2026. Grantees are also required to use the RMC logo and acknowledge funding in all related promotional materials.

For administrative support, applicants may contact Charlotte Davis, Executive Director, Rural Maryland Council, at charlotte.davis@maryland.gov or (410) 841-5772.