9-01-2026 4:20am

Deadline For $2.2M

Baltimore County Continues Investment in Community Improvement Projects

FY27 grant program will support capital projects in neighborhoods and business districts across the County

TOWSON — Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier and the Department of Planning announced that applications are open for the Fiscal Year 2027 round of Baltimore County’s Community Improvement Grants program, which supports community-led capital projects in neighborhoods and business districts.

Baltimore County has allocated $2.2 million for the FY27 grant cycle, continuing—and expanding—a program that provided $1.8 million for community improvement projects last year. This year, eligibility has been extended countywide, allowing organizations anywhere in Baltimore County to apply.

Through the program, eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $3,000 to $200,000 for projects that support the goals of Baltimore County’s 2030 Master Plan. Projects must be designed to last at least 15 years and provide a lasting benefit to the surrounding community.

“Some of the best ideas for our communities come directly from the people who live, work and spend time there,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “By continuing this program and expanding it across the County, we are helping local organizations bring those ideas to life and make meaningful, lasting improvements in their communities.”

Eligible Projects and Applicants

Funding is available for capital projects anywhere in Baltimore County. Eligible projects include:

Murals and other public art
Neighborhood gateway and wayfinding signage
Improvements to community-owned properties and buildings
Benches, bike racks, planters and security cameras in commercial districts
Community gardens on privately owned land
Playgrounds and pocket parks on land that is not County-owned

Projects located in County parks, on public or private school property or within gated communities are not eligible.

For larger projects with total costs between $15,001 and $200,000, applicants may request up to 10 percent of the total project cost for project management expenses. The maximum grant award remains $200,000.

Community organizations, nonprofit organizations, Baltimore County-based Chambers of Commerce and nonprofit organizations managing proposed projects in Baltimore County are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) designation and be in good standing with the State of Maryland. Organizations that do not have tax-exempt status may apply through an eligible pass-through organization.

Past grant recipients include:

Music City Maryland Association: $100,000 for improvements to its outdoor performance space in District 1
HopeWell Cancer Support: $11,400 for new entrance signage and lighting in District 2
Turner Station Conservation Teams: $11,400 for community gardens at Chestnut Park in District 7

Information Session and Application Deadline

The Department of Planning will host an informational webinar for prospective applicants on Thursday, September 10, at noon.

Information about the webinar, grant requirements and the application is available through the Department of Planning’s Community Improvement Grants webpage.

Application deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026

The October 30 deadline is the only funding round for the Community Improvement Grants program in FY27.

A pre-application meeting is required for all prospective applicants. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to contact Thomas Suchecki with the Department of Planning at TSuchecki@BaltimoreCountyMD.gov.