The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Regional Infrastructure Project Grant, administered by the Rural Maryland Council (RMC), is a competitive funding opportunity aimed at raising the standard of living in rural areas across Maryland by 2030. The initiative focuses on fostering economic and community development through strategic infrastructure investments that also preserve rural heritage. The fund encourages regional cooperation and enables local governments and nonprofits to leverage non-state resources in achieving sustainable rural development.

The grant specifically supports infrastructure improvement projects involving two or more local government units. These may include broadband expansion, water and wastewater system upgrades, transportation improvements, workforce housing, and commercial or industrial facility development. Other eligible project types include GIS modernization, renewable energy infrastructure, and similar initiatives that serve rural regions. Projects must be intergovernmental and carried out between August 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Workforce housing projects should serve individuals earning 80 to 120 percent of the community's median income.

For fiscal year 2026, the RMC has allocated $981,250 in General Funds for infrastructure projects. Grant awards are determined by the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) Grant Review Board, comprising state department secretaries or their designees and the Chair of the RMC. The board’s decisions are final and binding. Awardees must provide a 75% match from non-state sources, which may include federal, local, or private funds.

Eligible applicants include local governments, regional councils, community colleges, career technology centers, libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving a regional or statewide rural constituency. Applicants must be in good standing with the State of Maryland and must include an official IRS-issued W-9 form with their application. The majority of project services must benefit Maryland’s rural counties, as defined by the state.

The application process is divided into two phases. Phase 1 requires submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) by May 16, 2025. Successful applicants will be invited to submit full proposals by July 11, 2025. Awards will be announced the week of August 18, 2025. The grant portal for submissions is available at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ruralmaryland.

Evaluation criteria include eligibility, substantiated need, defined project scope, measurable goals, organizational capacity, significant matching funds, community support, and alignment with RMPIF priorities. Grant agreements require reporting and documentation, including interim and final reports due by January 31, 2026, and July 15, 2026, respectively. Awardees must acknowledge RMC support in all materials and communications related to the funded project.

For questions, applicants may contact Charlotte Davis, Executive Director of the RMC, via email at charlotte.davis@maryland.gov or phone at (410) 841-5772.