The Rural Maryland Council will accept grant applications for the Strengthening the Well-Being of Rural Maryland Families Program through August 11, 2008. Funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the program awards direct service grants to nonprofit organizations that help disadvantaged rural families become economically stable. The Rural Families program has awarded $300,000 in grants to 14 rural-serving organizations since it began in FY 2006.

During FY 2009, the Rural Families program is narrowing its focus and providing grants only to those organizations who are proposing projects that:

1. Ensure families claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or develop systematic savings plans;
2. Help each family develop a financial plan that uses those funds to eliminate/reduce a financial burden; and
3. Connect families with available support services.

Grants are generally $20,000 or less, and the project period runs from September 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. For more information and to download grant application materials, see the Rural Maryland Council website at: www.rural.state.md.us