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Rural Maryland Council

Rural Readiness

Rural Readiness Program: Participants Selected!

The Council is excited to share that participants have been selected for the 2026 Rural Readiness Cohort!

This initiative supports community-based leaders and organizations working to advance place-based economic development and strengthen local capacity across rural Maryland.

We are currently preparing for the next phase and look forward to introducing our selected participants and sharing more details soon.

Program Goals

  • Promote economic diversification and growth in rural communities
  • Strengthen community organizations and leadership capacity
  • Support innovative, community-driven projects
  • Foster partnerships among local stakeholders, businesses, and government agencies

Who Should Apply?
Individuals who live or work in one of Maryland’s designated rural areas and represent:

  • Community-based nonprofit organizations
  • Local government entities
  • Tribal organizations
  • Other community organizations serving rural Maryland

What We’re Looking For
Projects and programs that directly support:

  • Place-based economic development
  • Community capacity building
  • Leadership development
  • Organizational strengthening
  • Sustainable rural community growth

Preference will be given to applicants demonstrating collaboration with local businesses, educational institutions, and community partners.

Application Requirements
Submit a Letter of Interest and Resume.
Your Letter of Interest should include:

  • Project or Program Narrative
  • Community Impact Statement
  • Capacity Building Plan
  • Supporting Documentation (letters of support, endorsements, community data, etc.)

Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Project relevance and clarity
  • Long-term community impact
  • Feasibility and sustainability
  • Strength of partnerships
  • Innovation and alignment with rural development priorities

Program Information and Supporting Documents

Program Timeline
Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
Cohort Training: 6 sessions between September through December 2026, conducted primarily virtual with one required in-person session
Project Completion Period: Fiscal Year 2028 (July 2027–June 2028)

Cohort Training Sessions

  1. Program Orientation (1.5 hours)
    Introductions, program overview, schedule review, and MAERDAF/RMPIF funding overview.

  2. Grant Writing Workshop (1.5 hours)
    Led by a grant-writing consultant. May be open to a broader audience.

  3. Project Development & Technical Assistance (1.5 hours)
    Project/program worksheet review and individualized support.

  4. Business Planning Workshop (1.5 hour)
    Revenue generation, business models, and sustainability planning.

  5. Partnerships & Funding Resources (1.5 hours)
    Connect with funding partners and resource organizations, including state, federal, nonprofit, and lending agencies. 

  6. Project Readiness & Final Review (3 hours, In Person)
    Complete readiness assessments and finalize project plans.

Additional Support
One-on-one technical assistance and certification support will be available throughout the program as needed.

Apply Today
Letter of Interest and Resume must be submitted electronically at [email protected].

For questions or additional information on the program, please contact the RMC by email at [email protected] or by phone: (410) 841-5772