Archive for May, 2023
The Rural Maryland Council celebrated the signing of House Bill 695– Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund – Allocation of Grants (Rural Communities Improvement Act of 2023) by Governor Wes Moore on Monday May 8, 2023 at the State House in Annapolis. This bill promotes and expands the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund to include workforce and cooperative development projects and programs in rural Maryland through a formula-driven grant program administered by the Rural Maryland Council.
“We thank our sponsors Delegates Sheree Sample-Hughes (D-District 37B) and Chris Adams (R-District 37A) for their support,” said Susan O’Neill, RMC Executive Board Chair and Executive Director of the Upper Shore Regional Council.
“The strength of the Council’s impact is dependent on the resources provided to them through the State’s operating budget. The Council members and rural non-profit community leverage these funds with local and federal funds to improve the lives of rural Marylanders’, continued O’Neill. “RMPIF funding allows many rural organizations to provide innovative programming that creates jobs, educational opportunities, and enhances the quality of life in our rural communities. For many nonprofit organizations and stakeholders, RMPIF provides the critical support needed to fuel healthy, resilient rural communities.”
The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) is an independent State Agency housed in the Department of Agriculture. RMC is known as the collective voice for Rural Maryland and its mission is to convene stakeholders to collectively address the needs of rural Maryland communities. The Council administers two grant programs – the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) and the Maryland Agricultural and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF). This legislation focuses on the RMPIF program. The RMPIF funds are distributed through a highly competitive grant program to the State’s five Rural Regional Councils and programs and projects eligible under entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and health care. A portion of funds are retained by the Rural Maryland Council for operational expenses consisting primarily of staff salaries.
Demand for RMC programs is high. Over the past five years, in Fiscal Year 2019 through 2022, the RMC grant programs have had an average of 155 applicants requesting $10,819,991. With this funding, RMC has funded on average 66 applicants at $6,080,255. In FY2023, RMC received 50% in additional funding and was able to provide more grants that are helping build stronger rural communities. In Fiscal Year 2023, RMC received 215 grant applications totaling $19,130,407, of which 84 grants were awarded totaling $8,369,629. These grant recipient projects have had significant outcomes such as improved education outcomes of at risk, minority children by providing educational summer enrichment programming; supporting general contractor and infrastructure costs for a new 72-unit affordable housing community; expanding broadband internet connections to new homes; and, providing medical transporation, personnel, and services to those in need.
The Council sought to add Cooperative Development and Workforce Development as focus areas under Rural Entrepreneurship and Agricultural Development as a technical update to the RMPIF statute. Through Rural Workforce Development, the Council will support apprenticeships and community colleges so young adults can stay in rural areas and become part of the rural workforce. Efforts to improve career and technology education through the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future will be a main component of this program. Through Cooperative Development, the Council will support programs that improve the economic conditions of rural areas by helping individuals and businesses start, expand, or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually owned businesses.
The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) is an independent state agency governed by a nonpartisan, 40-member board that consists of inclusive representation from the federal, state, regional, county and municipal governments, as well as the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. We bring together federal, state, county and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to identify challenges unique to rural communities and to craft public policy, programmatic or regulatory solutions.
May 8, 2023 Bill Signing HB695, Joe Andrucyk, Patrick Siebert, govpics.maryland.gov
The Rural Maryland Foundation’s purpose is to support efforts of citizens and governments to meet the
economic and social needs of rural Maryland. It also supports the efforts of the Rural Maryland Council, an
independent state agency.
The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) brings together citizens, community-based organizations, federal, state,
county and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors
to collectively address the needs of Rural Maryland communities. We provide a venue for members of
agriculture and natural resource-based industries, health care facilities, educational institutions, economic
and community development organizations, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and government agencies
to cross traditional boundaries, share information, and address in a more holistic way the special needs and
opportunities in Rural Maryland.
Research Grant Program
One-year grants will be awarded to conduct applied policy research or to identify local strategies that can
result in legislative or program policy considerations or recommendations. For the 2023 grant cycle,
the Foundation will grant research awards up to a total amount available of $100,000. The Foundation may
select one award for the total amount or multiple small awards.
The Foundation is looking to support data-driven anaylsis to address pertinent and timely public policy
concerns impacting rural Maryland. Research proposals should included policy recommendations that can
be supported through identified implementation strateies. The Foundation intends to build a policy resource
for rural Maryland.
Eligibility
The Foundation intends to award grants to individuals and qualified faculty members of the University of
Maryland, its affiliates including Salisbury University, Frostburg University and University of Maryland
Eastern Shore, one of Maryland’s community colleges or of one of the State’s Historically Black Colleges and
Universities. A qualified faculty member must serve as a partner on the project. Partnerships with other
academic institutions, community or enterprise organizations, and public and private agencies are
encouraged.
Targeted Topics
This year the Board of Trustees has approved five targeted topics.
Open Topics
Other topical and beneficial projects that address one or more of the Foundation’s research
areas will be considered by the Foundation under the Open Topics category.
Grant Application Process and Timeline
The Foundation’s 2023 Research Grant Program application process is as follows:
1. Request for Proposals is released May 10, 2023
2. Deadline for submission of Letters of Intent with proposed budget June 12, 2023
3. Letters of Intent are reviewed and selected applicants are invited to submit a full
proposal Late June/Early July 2023
4. Proposal planning discussions are conducted with applicants August – September 2023
5. Deadline for full proposal submissions October 10, 2023
6. Foundation’s Board of Tustees selects projectsfor funding December 14, 2023
7. Final work plans are negotiated and accepted January 2, 2024
8. Memorandum of Understanding are issued, and work begins February 2024
9. Interim report due August 2024
10. Project ends January 2025
11. Final Reportdue February 2025
Letters of Intent
As the first step in the grant application process, researchers must submit a Letter of Intent. No full
proposal will be accepted without submission and approval of a Letter of Intent. Each letter is reviewed to
determine its potential to support the Foundation’s research mandate. Applicants meeting that benchmark
will be invited to prepare and submit a full grant proposal. Applicants whose Letters of Intent are approved
for proposal submission will receive additional information and instructions on proposal preparation,
submission, and review procedures.
Letter of Intent narratives must include the following:
• Project Title
• Project description
• Research scope and methods
• Anticipated policy implications and recommendations including implementation strategies and
resources
• Identification of partners and/or subcontractors (indication that letters of support will be secured
from all project partners is strongly encouraged).
Letters of Intent must be received by the Rural Maryland Foundation via email by the close of
business (5:00pm) on June 12, 2023.
Letter of Intent Submission Guidelines
Letters of Intent must be emailed to the Rural Maryland Foundation’s Secretary, Charlotte Davis, at
charlotte.davis@maryland.gov.
Receipt of a Letter of Intent will be acknowledged via email. If acknowledgement is not received in
three business days from the date of sending, please email charlotte.davis@maryland.gov or call
(410) 841-5774 to follow up.
2023 TARGETED RESEARCH GRANT TOPICS
1. Transfer of Wealth in Maryland
This study of Transfer of Wealth (TOW) in Maryland will provide research on the intergenerational farm and
forestland in Maryand, with particular emphasis on demographic shifts in the
wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its financial implications in rural Maryland. This interdisciplinary
project will analyze trends in intergenerational transfer of wealth, will identify potential impacts and
opportunities for rural communities and how to promote legacy gifting as transfer of wealth.
Key Expected Outcomes:
• Estimate the projected intergenerational wealth transfer for each Maryland county over the next 30
years, in five-year increments.
• Estimate how much land is expected to transfer in the next decade
• Estimate how many rural households and farms have current succession plans
• Identify opportunities, through transfer of wealth, for local foundations and organizations to
support community improvement work.
• Provide public policy implications and/or best practices from across Maryland and other states, as
well as relevant recommendations.
2. Analysis of food distribution and production from Maryland farms and fishing industry
The COVID-19 pandemic caused increased hunger rates throughout Maryland and put a strain on many
Maryland grocery stores, farmers markets and food banks. This research will identify the need for food
system development in rural Maryland and will measure the gaps of the food system production and
distribution.
Key Expected Outcomes:
• Conduct an inventory of all food banks throughout Maryland and include descriptions of operational
• Mapping food networks in Maryland and how does food move in and out of our state identifying the
challenges, opportunities and ecosystem
• Identify structures, funding, and how they serve local hunger-relief organizations.
• Provide an analysis of how food banks distribute food, conduct educational outreach, and provide
other services.
• Provide an analysis of the food supply distribution from Maryland farms and fishing industry
• Identify gaps and barriers in food distribution to rural communities in Maryland.
• Assess the needs of hunger-relief organizations in providing food and services to clients.
• Provide public policy implications and relevant recommendations.
3. The impact of solar development on farmland in Rural Maryland
Across the country and in Maryland, demand for solar energy is growing. With this growth, questions
have emerged about its impact on farmers and communities. This research will complete three to four
profiles of utility-scale projects in Maryland to assess the complexities of farmland solar production and how
these projects have affected agriculture, local governments, transportation, utility companies, residents,
etc., and their impact on farmers and other relevant stakeholders.
Key Expected Outcomes:
• Conduct three to four case studies profiling utility-scale solar projects across Maryland.
• Each case study should include a diverse set of key stakeholders, such as farmers, property
landowners, local governments, utility companies, etc.
• Identify key challenges and opportunities concerning utility-scale solar development on farmland,
with
• particular focus on leasing conditions, supply chain implications, and community impacts.
• Include a policy review of relevant regulations concerning solar development.
• Provide public policy implications and relevant recommendations.
4. Economic Development in Rural Maryand
Rural Maryland continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and in particular agriculture, aquaculture
and forest industries. This study will identify entrepreneurship training needs for rural agri-business
enterprises and the uses of emerging technologies in stabilizing and enhancing rual agri-businesses.
Increasing and supporting historically under-represented populations in agri-business should be a focus.
Key Expected Outcomes:
• Identifying strategies to make our rural communities more attractive for economic development
• Analysis of what growth industry sectors rural Maryland should position itself for in the next ten
years in order to be competitive
• Impact of fedral and state legislation and policies on water and forestry industries.
• Analysis of employment needs within the agriculture industry.
• Identify economic changes to rural Maryland over the past 10 years, and the potential outlook for
the next 10 years.
• Provide public policy implications and relevant recommendations.
5. Volunteerism in rural Maryland
Volunteerism is essential to communities. In addition to direct service impact, it decreases social isolation
and increases community engagement. Across rural Maryland, population decline, transportation
challenges, and other barriers may have caused volunteer shortages. This study will examine the extent to
which rural residents are volunteering and the impact volunteering has on communities. It will also measure
the benefits of volunteerism on rural communities and individual well-being.
Key Expected Outcomes:
• Assess volunteer participation rates in rural Maryland.
• Create a profile of rural volunteers, including who they are and the types of activities and services
they are participating in.
• Identify barriers and opportunities to expand volunteer opportunities in rural Maryland
communities.
• Identify programs in other states that might be applicable to Maryland for encouraging
volunteerism.
• Provide public policy implications and relevant recommendations.
2023 OPEN TOPICS
In addition to the targeted topics, other relevant and potentially beneficial projects will be considered by the
Rural Maryland Foundation under the Open Topics category. Proposed projects for this category must show
a clear relationship to one or more of the Rural Maryland Council’s priorities of agriculture and forestry,
economc and community development, health care, leadership development, youth engagement and
infrastructure development. Application procedures for proposed Open Call projects must follow the Letter
of Intent guidelines. Open Topic projects must define specific key outcomes and specific policy implications
that will benefit communities in rural Maryland.
For the 2023 grants cycle, the Foundation is particularly interested in seeing the following “Special Focus
Areas” addressed through the Open Topics category
• Improving rural education and engagement through remote learning.
• Opiod and other addiction health care in rural Maryland
• Real analysis and realistic solutions to rural public transportation issues
Project Budget
Please include an estimated budget and information related to project duration. Submissions without
budget information will not be considered. Preference will be given to proposals with identified matching
funds.
Ranking Criteria
The following criteria will be utilized by the Rural Maryland Foundation and its Board of Trustees when
deliberating and making award decisions:
• Scope of work – does the proposal include an adequate description of the research proposed and a
list of tasks to be completed?
• Proposed outcomes – does the proposal include recommendations and strategies for
implementation?
• Capacity – does the entity submitting the proposal have experience and staff available to complete
the proposed scope of work?
• Partnerships – does the proposal include partnerships and collaborative organizations to assist in
completing the scope of work?
• Targeted areas – does the proposal address targeted areas of research as determined by the
Foundation?
• Budget – Are budget items clearly described and do they make sense?
• Matching Funds – Are any matching funds being utilized by the applicant?
Award
The Foundation plans to award the grants by January 1, 2024. The Foundation will then mutually discuss and
refine the scope of work with the selected applicant and shall negotiate final conditions, compensation, and
performance schedule.
RFP Questions and Responses
All questions pertaining to this proposal must be submitted in writing via email to: Charlotte Davis, RMF
Secretary at charlotte.davis@maryland.gov.Statement of Non-Commitment
Issuance of this RFP does not obligate the Foundation or the Council to award a grant or to pay any costs
incurred in the preparation of proposals responding to this RFP.
On Tuesday, May 3rd, the Rural Maryland Council celebrated a legislative victory for rural communities with the signing of HB596/SB511 Health and Human Services Transportation Act of 2023.
The passage of this bill allows for the Rural Maryland Council to help establish the Rural Nonemergency Medical Transportation Pilot Program for hospitals to coordinate transportation provided by a nonprofit organization to or from medical services for eligible individuals. “We are incredibly thankful to the Maryland Legislature and the Governor for recognizing the magnitude of this issue. Missing doctors appointments due to the lack of transportation negatively impacts health outcomes. We are proud of the work done through our convening culminating in the passage of legislation and we look forward to implementing this new law,” said Susan O’Neill, Chair of the Rural Maryland Council Executive Board and Executive Director of the Upper Shore Regional Council.
Routinely the Rural Maryland Council (RMC) receives requests to fund health-related transportation projects through the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund grant program. Examples of these requests include the purchase of vehicles to take patients to dialysis; support the development of computer dispatch software to aid in non-emergency medical transportation; and support salaries and wages of staff that intake and coordinate health transportation needs.
The rise in demand for these requests led RMC to partner with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland this past fall to lead three Transportation Health Care Roundtable meetings between healthcare and transportation providers to determine how non-emergency health transportation can be improved in the State. The research and findings generated from these roundtables showed that there is a lack of coordination between the transportation and healthcare sectors, a lack of knowledge of where to go for transportation services, and a lack of resources. Additional findings from the roundtables show that there is a need to develop a rural transit model that provides on-demand services (versus fixed route), and smaller vehicles, and take a more regional approach to support the program. Cross-jurisdictional travel for health care services is often a requirement in rural areas.
With the passage and signing of the Health and Human Services Transportation Act of 2023, the Council is incredibly hopeful that we can look to alleviate some of these difficulties in rural areas throughout the state in order to continue creating a better quality of life. “We thank our sponsors, Senators Arthur Ellis (D-District 28) and Katie Fry Hester (D-District 9) and Delegates Ken Kerr (D-District 3) and the House Health and Government Operations Committee members.”
The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) operates under the direction of a 40-member executive board in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. It serves as the state’s federally designated rural development council and functions as the official voice for rural Maryland. The RMC advocates for rural communities and businesses across the state to flourish and to gain parity to their suburban and urban counterparts. The RMC envisions a future where residents in rural communities are achieving success in education and employment, have access to affordable, quality health care and other vital public services, and live in an environment where natural and cultural resources are being sustained for future generations.
Bill Signing of SB511/HB596 Health and Human Services Transportation Improvement Act of 2023. May 3, 2023, By Joe Andrucyk, Patrick Siebert at Governor’s Reception Room, 100 State Circle, Annapolis MD 21401 https://flickr.com/photos/mdgovpics
2023 RMC Position Statements
The Rural Maryland Council is now accepting letters of intent for the Fiscal Year 2024 grant programs, which includes expansions of several programs to better meet rural community needs. We thank Governor Wes Moore and the Presiding Officers Senate President Bill Ferguson and Speaker Adrienne Jones for including over $9,000,000 in the Fiscal Year 2024 State Operating Budget to support the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) and the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF). Deadlines for grant
submissions is May 19, 2023, at 11:59pm.
“We are thrilled to receive this valuable funding that creates a positive economic impact for rural
communities across the State.” says Susan O’Neill, RMC Board Chair
The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund targets investment to promote economic prosperity in Maryland’s traditionally disadvantaged and underserved rural communities by sustaining efforts to promote rural regional cooperation, facilitating entrepreneurial activities, and supporting key community colleges and nonprofit organizations. This fund will support the Rural Maryland Council’s activities and the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) which provides capacity-building funds to rural nonprofit service providers. It will also support the state’s five rural regional councils, regional infrastructure projects, rural entrepreneurship development (New Additions to Entrepreneurship Include – workforce
development, cooperative development, and agricultural development), rural community development, and rural health care organizations.
Within this year’s RMPIF budget, there is an additional $300,000 dedicated to projects that support the Rural Nonemergency Medical Transportation Pilot program. These proposals are to address nonemergency health and human services transportation projects that must include at a minimum interregional transportation. As with all RMPIF projects, applicants must be able to measure the impact of the project, including populations served and improved health outcomes.
The RMPIF and MAERDAF grant programs have provided substantial amounts of needed opportunities and resources to our rural communities over the years. With the State’s investment, an additional $67 million in federal, local, and private funding has been directed into our rural areas. Overall, the RMPIF program between 2018 and 2021 has resulted in $124 million in economic impact and $40.9 million in employee compensation. The MAERDAF program has provided $12.1 million in additional economic impact and $4.4 million in employee compensation.
The two-phase online grant application process opened on Monday, April 24, 2023, and the Phase 1 –
Letter of Intent will be due by Friday, May 19, 2023, at 11:59 pm. The Council has started to host grant information sessions across the State. These information sessions are important opportunities for participants to meet RMC staff and learn about the Council’s two grant programs. Upcoming sessions will take place on Monday, May 1, 2023, in Southern Maryland at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center from 12pm to 2pm and on Thursday, May 4, 2023, in Western Maryland at the Frederick Innovative Technology Center.
Learn more about the grant programs and register for an upcoming grant information session by
visiting the RMC website – rural.maryland.gov/grant opportunities.
Important Grant Dates
Grant Process Opened: Monday, April 24, 2023
Phase I – Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline: Friday, May 19, 2023
Grantees will be notified the week of June 12, 2023, on the Phase I decisions.
Phase II – Full Application Due: Friday, July 14, 2023
Awards Announced the week of August 14, 2023
The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) operates under the direction of a 40-member executive board in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. It serves as the state’s federally designated rural development council and functions as the official voice for rural Maryland. The RMC advocates for rural communities and businesses across the state to flourish and to gain parity to their suburban and urban counterparts. The RMC envisions a future where residents in rural communities are achieving success in education and employment, have access to affordable, quality health care and other vital public services, and live in an environment where natural and cultural resources are being sustained for future generations.
Phone: 410-841-5772
1-888-373-7888
233733