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Host the 2027 Main Street Maryland Conference

Grant Writing Training in Annapolis, MD - March 26-27, 2026

The Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grant writing workshop in Annapolis on March 26-27, 2026. This training is for grant seekers from all disciplines. Attend this class to learn how to write winning government grant proposals and find the available grant funding.

The winter issue of the National Civic Review examines how local democracy is being reshaped in response to declining trust, deepening divisions, and rapid technological change. From the role of community foundations and bridging institutions to new models of local governance, civic dialogue in schools, and the emerging implications of artificial intelligence, contributors explore what democracy actually looks like on the ground today. Together, these pieces highlight the evolving practices, leadership, and cultural forces shaping more inclusive, responsive, and resilient communities.

 

Deadline extended to March 5. The National Civic League invites tribes, towns, cities, counties, and regions to apply for the 2026 All-America City Award, the nation’s most prestigious community recognition. For 77 years, the award has honored communities that embody the spirit of democracy through collaboration, innovation, and civic engagement. 

2026 Theme

Join the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Heritage Areas Program for a grant information session and workshop on Tuesday, January 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Hosted by the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area, Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area, and Beach to Bay Heritage Area, this free event, sponsored by the Waterfowl Festival, is an opportunity to learn more about two state-level grant programs and hone your skills as a grant writer.

Register today

Looking to stand out during the ultimate legislative launch event in Annapolis? With over 1,000 attendees at last year’s reception, this is a great opportunity to be part of one of the most exciting and important legislative networking events of the year. 

Be a sponsor. Check out the event's limited sponsorship opportunities.

The National Civic League is now accepting applications for the 2026 All-America City Award. The theme for 2026 is “America at 250: Strengthening Civic Health and Building Trust.” The League is seeking communities that are bringing our founding ideals to life by ensuring that people have the power and opportunity to shape their collective future. 

Apply to join the 9 communities from Maryland that have won the All-America City Award! You can view the full list of past recipients here.  

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) invites you to participate in a brief, 10-minute survey to share your experiences, concerns, and challenges living or working in rural Maryland.

Your feedback is essential — it will directly inform the Council’s legislative and funding priorities for our two grant programs: the Maryland Agriculture Education & Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) and the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF).

• Rural Maryland needs your input.
• Your community needs your voice.
• Share your perspective and help shape the future of rural Maryland.

Be part of the solution — complete the survey today and help us improve the quality of life for everyone in rural Maryland.

Click this link. It only takes 10 minutes, and your voice can make a lasting impact.

To learn more about RMC, visit rural.maryland.gov or contact us directly at 410-841-5772 or [email protected].

Congratulations to our 2025 Municipal Achievement Award winners. Your innovative programs and dedication to improving the quality of life in Maryland’s municipalities exemplify the very best in municipal service. Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence and for setting a shining example for municipalities everywhere.

• City of Bowie - Citywide Municipal Energy Efficiency Retrofit Initiative representing excellence in Sustainability
• City of Laurel - Laurel Living Newsletter representing excellence in eGovernance
• City of Rockville - ADA Access and Inclusion Program representing excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Town of Somerset - Town Events to Bridge Community/Youth Entrepreneur Market representing excellence in Community Engagement 

 

The fall issue of the National Civic Review explores how communities are confronting democracy’s toughest tests with creativity and resolve. From reimagining how citizens participate in public life to tackling challenges like homelessness, environmental sustainability, and civic trust, contributors share practical insights for making democracy work better for everyone.

This issue highlights how local leadership, innovation, and everyday participation continue to shape a more responsive and resilient democracy. 

Explore the online edition of the Review, made possible through the Maryland Municipal League’s partnership with the National Civic League. Access it here

Applications are now open for National League of Cities (NLC) Federal Advocacy Committees and Member Councils. Join a Federal Advocacy Committee to bring your voice to the national conversation or join a Member Council and connect with municipalities like yours. Applicants must be from an NLC member city, town or village – deadline Tuesday, December 2.

Visit the NLC membership webpage to apply or for additional information. Email the NLC Member Services and Engagement team at [email protected] with questions.

Have a vacancy to fill?

Gain access to Local, County, and State government job seekers.

Sustainable Maryland is excited to announce the second year of funding for the Sustainable Maryland Action Grants for incorporated municipalities, furthering our commitment to enhance livability for all Marylanders by supporting a wide range of community-scale sustainability efforts.

Funding for this grant program has been made possible by the State of Maryland when it created the Sustainable Maryland Program fund in 2022. By offering $100,000 to municipalities that are registered and certified with Sustainable Maryland, these grants seek to bridge the gap between local budget and resource capacity and state funding.

Sustainable Maryland’s mission is to provide opportunities for Maryland municipalities to continue to thrive and build a better tomorrow. With this grants program, Sustainable Maryland strongly encourages applications from municipalities across the state that seek to protect their natural assets, reduce their carbon footprint, and revitalize and improve the long-term quality of life for current and future generations.

Application due date: November 10, 2025 11:59pm

Awardees announced: early December

Timeline: Projects may begin January 2026 and are expected to be completed January 2027

Details

The League adopted an initiative in 2024 to give back to the local community organizations where our conferences are held. After evaluating several worthy options, the Conference Planning Committee chose The Dove Center located in Oakland, Maryland to be part of MML's 2025 Fall Conference.

The Dove Center provides safety, advocacy, and counseling to individuals whose lives have been shattered by domestic violence and/or sexual assault, and strives to expand public awareness of those issues.

Check out our MD Municipal Careers Job Board featured employment opportunity from University Park.

The summer issue of the National Civic Review explores how communities are revitalizing democracy through civic tradition, collaborative leadership, and local innovation. Articles highlight the promise of citizen-focused democracy, strategies like fusion voting, and reforms to make public meetings more inclusive.

Contributors examine how storytelling shapes civic life, how cities are improving street safety, and what today’s local leaders can learn from historical figures. Together, these stories offer a hopeful view of how American communities can revitalize democracy through shared purpose, strategic innovation, and local leadership.

Explore the online edition of NCR. Access it here. 

Join us Friday, August 1 for a timely panel series tackling Maryland’s most urgent energy and climate challenges. Hear directly from legislators, experts, and local leaders as they dive into the rising cost of energy, who it’s impacting most, and the solutions being put into action. Also, be there to learn how communities across the state are securing funding for climate projects and building strategies for long-term resilience. 

For a closer look at what’s in store, check out the full Summer Symposium agenda below

Our summer conference is jampacked and fast-paced from day one to day four, so plan accordingly before you go:

Start considering which of the 60 workshops and sessions you want to attend.

• Academy For Excellence core, elective, and graduate classes
• Face-to-face time with Cabinet Secretaries
• Dive into the Legislator Shark Tank
• Cybersecurity and A.I.
• Harnessing Your Inner Leslie Knope
• And so much more

Explore the Expo

 

Chesapeake Bay Trust is now accepting applications for its Urban Trees Mini Grant Program, an exciting funding opportunity supporting tree planting in underserved urban areas across Maryland. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help implement small-scale tree planting projects that improve public health, reduce urban heat, and enhance neighborhood livability.