Project Restore 2.0 Grant Program
Welcome
October 7, 2024 at 9 am : Application Opens
October 15, 2024 at 3 pm : Application Closes
By December 1, 2024 : Awards Announced
The Charles County Charitable Trust is pleased to announce the availability of $135,000 in Project Restore 2.0 Program funding for eligible nonprofit and for-profit businesses operating in Charles County. These Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (“SLFR”) are provided by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This grant program is administered in partnership with the Charles County Economic Development Department.
This year, Governor Wes Moore announced that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded more than $16.2 million to assist small businesses and support local revitalization projects and activities. Grants from Project Restore 2.0 will provide funds to spur community revitalization by attracting, retaining, and expanding small businesses.
Grants of up to $33,750.00 will be awarded for the grant period beginning December 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025.
The Project Restore 2.0 Grant is now open for preview. Grant applications will be accepted starting at 9 am on October 7, 2024 and will close at 3pm on October 15, 2024. It is highly recommend interested businesses/organizations download and review the application in advance of the application portal opening.
GRANT GUIDELINES – WHAT DOES PROJECT RESTORE 2.0 FUND
Project Restore 2.0 funding activates vacant buildings, supports small businesses, and increases local economic activity by providing financial support to improve the vitality of Maryland’s commercial corridors.
Eligible uses of Program funds include:
- Renovations/improvements to vacant commercial building spaces.
- Acquisition of furniture, fixtures, and equipment to enable businesses to open in previously vacant buildings.
- Rent payments for businesses to occupy previously vacant buildings (see suggested property list below). An eligible property must have been vacant prior to the date it receives Project Restore 2.0 funds. Properties must be approved by the Charitable Trust before execution of a grant agreement.
Other Award Requirements:
- Grantee may not use grant funds for any activities at properties other than the identified, agreed upon property.
- The portion of the grant funds allocated to rent assistance shall be no more than the Grantee’s actual monthly rent for the grant agreement period.
- The portion of grant funds allocated for interior and exterior improvements to the property shall be based upon estimates received from licensed contractors or service providers that could perform work on the property. If the actual cost of the renovation is less than what is allocated for that activity on the grant budget, the amount of the grant may be decreased accordingly. If the actual cost of the renovation is more than what is allocated for that activity on the grant budget, the Grantee shall be responsible for the difference.
- The portion of grant funds allocated for furniture, fixtures, and equipment required for the Grantee’s business to be operational shall be based upon estimates. If the actual cost of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment is less than what is allocated for those activities on the grant budget, the amount of the grant may be decreased accordingly. If the actual cost of furniture, fixtures, and equipment is more than what is allocated for those activities on the grant budget, the Grantee shall be responsible for the difference.
- Grant funds may not be used for acquisition of real property or to pay or reimburse executive salaries or bonuses.
- Grantee shall permit the Charitable Trust and its agents to periodically inspect the property during the grant agreement period.
- The grantee shall obtain or provide reasonable assurances that they will obtain all federal, State, and local government approvals, permits, licenses, and reviews which may be required to accomplish the project activities.
- Grant funds may not be used to pay for activities that are part of a religious practice. If applicant is or is related to a religious or faith-based organization, Grant funds shall be used solely to support its nonsectarian activities (for example, childcare, a food pantry, or providing meeting space for self- help groups).
- Grantees must maintain property and commercial liability insurance coverages on the property during and after construction or rehabilitation funded by grant funds for the term of their grant agreement.
Preferred Property Addresses:
- 101 Charles St, Ste 302, La Plata
- 406 Charles St, La Plata
- 2 Industrial Park Drive, Waldorf
- 3825 Leonardtown Rd, Waldorf
- 4445-4461 Crain Hwy, White Plains
- Other eligible property:
You may search for other eligible “sustainable communities” properties here: https://portal.dhcd.state.md.us/GIS/revitalize/index.html
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a business/organization currently operating in Charles County OR planning to operate in Charles County in 2025
- Must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Must be in good standing with the State of Maryland
- Must be able to complete requirements of grant award for the duration of the grant period, including being open and operational in the agreed upon property no later than December 31, 2025.
GRANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Click here for instructions on how to create an application account and to fill out the online application.
STAFF CONTACT
Questions about the grant program can be directed to Jessica Minopoli, jminopoli@charlesnonprofits.org or Christie Burnett, cburnett@charlesnonprofits.org, or by calling 301-934-3700.