The FY2025 Community Services Grant is administered by the City of College Park, Maryland, to support local nonprofit organizations in their efforts to provide valuable services to residents. The grant is designed to assist organizations that are incorporated or registered in Maryland, have a valid organizational bank account, and consist of at least two or more members. Individual applicants are not eligible. This funding opportunity extends to organizations providing community services, civic association activities, direct grants, and city sponsorships. However, separate applications and policies govern Public School Education Grants, Community Events Micro-Grants, and Facility Rental Fee Reductions/Waivers.

Applications for the grant must be submitted by March 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM, using the prescribed form. Only one copy of the application is required, and all sections must be completed or marked as not applicable (N/A). Additional supporting documents such as brochures, participant lists, or volunteer records may be attached, but they will not be returned. A detailed budget narrative outlining expenses for each line item is required. If the program has been previously implemented, applicants must provide a history of its effectiveness. Furthermore, applicants must complete and sign the non-discrimination clause and Hold Harmless Agreement before submission.

The City Council’s Grants Subcommittee will review applications and provide award recommendations to the full City Council for final approval. Applicants are not required to attend the City Council meeting. Awards will be determined based on the measurable impact of the proposed program on the City of College Park and its residents. Grant recipients must sign the hold-harmless agreement and non-discrimination policy before funds are disbursed.

Grant funds will be disbursed by check following the approval of awards by the Mayor and City Council unless alternative arrangements are made with the Director of Finance. Activities funded under this grant must be completed by December 31, 2025. If an organization is unable to meet this deadline, an extension request must be submitted to the Director of Finance for consideration.

Upon completion of the funded activities, recipients are required to submit a final grant report within 30 days of the last expenditure or obligation of grant funding. The report must include general program information, a summary of the program’s impact, participant statistics (especially regarding College Park residents), details on how grant funds were utilized, an assessment of whether program goals were met, and a budget comparison detailing any significant differences between projected and actual expenditures. Failure to submit the final report will disqualify an organization from future grant opportunities.

For questions regarding the application process, applicants may contact Gary Fields, Director of Finance, via email at gfields@collegeparkmd.gov.