Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Over $2.2M for Operating Assistance Grants, including Main Street Improvement Awards

Funding will help local governments, Main Streets and nonprofit organizations across Maryland build capacity to achieve their community revitalization and economic development goals

New Carrollton, MD (September 15, 2023) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today announced $2,235,700 has been awarded for 92 projects in 23 jurisdictions as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Assistance Grant program. The funding will assist local governments, Main Street communities, and nonprofits with operating costs associated with local housing efforts and community revitalization projects and initiatives.

“From a food distribution program in Calvert County to the rehabilitation of vacant storefronts in Baltimore’s Station North District, this year’s Operating Assistance Grants showcase all the work that’s being done in Maryland’s communities,” said Secretary Day. “The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is proud to make this investment in these 92 projects, programs and organizations that are working to create more loveable places and stronger economies across Maryland.”

Operating Assistance Grants include funding for Main Street Improvements and Technical Assistance. In the FY 2024 application round, the department received 157 applications requesting nearly $6 million.

Main Street Improvements: Funding is targeted to assist Maryland’s 34 designated Main Street Maryland communities and Baltimore City’s eight designated Main Street neighborhoods. The grants can be used for staff and consultant services, general operating expenses, market and business recruitment strategies set up to improve a business district, street furniture, advertising, façade improvements and other projects that have been identified in the applicant’s work plans as key to its Main Street efforts. 

Technical Assistance: Funding supports nonprofit organizations, local governments, and local development corporations involved in community and economic revitalization activities. Funding supports the costs of strategic consultants or services, general operating expenses and other costs directly associated with critical community development projects. 

For a full list of awardees, visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Documents/PressReleases/FY24-OAG-Awards.pdf.

To learn more about the department’s Operating Assistance Grants, please click here.