RESOURCES

 
 
 

GRANTS + TAX CREDITS

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE: Below are links to federal, state, and local GRANTS + TAX CREDITS for the research, design, and renovation and/or construction of SMALL BUSINESS + NONPROFIT spaces. Use this as a resource guide to find funding for your small business or nonprofit space. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter using the form below and follow us on Instagram @triplelinestudio for updates.

 
 

GENERAL TOOLS

 

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DATABASE OF STATE INCENTIVES FOR RENEWABLES & EFFICIENCY

Find federal, state, and local policies and incentives by entering your zip code.

 
 

FEDERAL

 

Inflation reduction act (IRA) FEDERAL TAX CREDITS

30% or higher tax credits for solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and wind power. For tax exempt groups, like nonprofits, this will be a direct payment!

A tax deduction (179D) of up to $5.00 per square foot is available to owners of commercial buildings that demonstrate reduction in energy by 50% ($2.50/sf for 25%). This can be used with new construction or existing buildings. Nonprofits can still save, even though they do not get the deduction, by allocating the tax deduction to their architect or engineer and therefore paying reduced fees for these services.

 

FEDERAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDIT

A 20% income tax credit is available for the rehabilitation of historic, income-producing buildings that are determined by the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, to be “certified historic structures.”

 

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

  • Grants for Arts Projects Grants for Arts Projects largest grants program for organizations, providing expansive funding opportunities for communities across the nation in a wide variety of artistic disciplines. Funds project design (pre-development) but not construction.

  • Challenge America grants are awarded at $10,000 each to reach historically underserved communities with rich and dynamic cultural identities. This program may be a good entry point for organizations that are new to applying for federal funding. Grants are awarded in all artistic disciplines for a wide variety of arts projects. Funds project design (pre-development) but not construction.

  • Our Town is a creative placemaking grants program, using arts, culture, and design to strengthen communities and advance local priorities such as health, community development, environment/climate, and public safety, among other community issues and aspirations. Funds project design (pre-development) but not construction.

ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY PARTNERS FAITH-BASED DEVELOPMENT INTIATIVE

Enterprise’s Faith-Based Development Initiative (FBDI) provides houses of worship the knowledge and tools to develop underutilized land into affordable homes and community facilities with grants, capital, technical assistance, and training.

Department of Energy’s Building Upgrades Inspiring Local Transformation (BUILT Nonprofits) Grant

BUILT Nonprofits will provide awards of up to $100,000 to eligible nonprofits for energy efficiency equipment designed to decrease energy consumption, curtail carbon emissions, and yield both immediate and sustained energy cost savings. With energy costs being the second-highest operational expense for nonprofits, even minor improvements in energy efficiency can result in substantial savings that can then be redirected to support the vital community services these organizations provide.

Environmental Protection Agency’s Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program

EPA’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. They are designed to deliver on the transformative potential of the IRA for communities most adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution, and historical disinvestments.

GHHI’s Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

GHHI’s Thriving Communities Grantmaking program, in collaboration with the EPA, will award $40 million in grants, flowing from the Inflation Reduction Act, to fund 171 eligible projects in historically disinvested communities throughout EPA’s Region 3 (includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and 7 federally recognized tribes).

 
 

STATE

MARYLAND

 

MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS INCENTIVES

 

PROJECT RESTORE

Project Restore provides two grant opportunities for businesses, including nonprofits, that are expanding, moving to or opening in a property that was previously vacant for at least six months:

  • Property Assistance Grant: Provides up to $30,000 for one year to support costs associated with rent, mortgage payment or property improvements as applicable.

  • Business Operations Grant: For businesses that generate sales and use tax, provides up to $250,000 per calendar year to support capital (property improvements, equipment etc.) and operating (staff salaries, marketing, inventory etc.) costs associated with business operations in the vacant property.

 

MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST GRANTS + TAX CREDITS

  • Maryland Heritage Areas MHAA provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities for capital and non-capital projects located within a Heritage Area.

  • African American Heritage Grants to assist in the preservation of buildings, sites, or communities of historical and cultural importance to the African American experience in Maryland.

  • Historic Preservation Non-Capital Grants of up to $75,000 to nonprofits (state and federal government entities may apply as nonprofits) and local jurisdictions. Activities may include preservation plans, historic and cultural resource surveys, educational outreach programs, and National Register nominations.

  • Historic Preservation Capital Grants of up to $100,000 to nonprofits, local governments, businesses, and individuals for eligible projects such as the acquisition, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic properties in Maryland.

  • Competitive Commercial Tax Credit Owners of income-producing properties have the opportunity to earn a state income tax credit (capped at $5 million) that is equal to 20 percent of eligible rehabilitation expenses for substantial rehabilitation projects.

  • Small Commercial Tax Credit Eligible projects may earn a state income tax credit equal to 20 percent of qualified rehabilitation expenditures. Small commercial rehabilitations are defined as projects that do not exceed $500,000 in total qualified rehabilitation expenses.

 

MARYLAND MANUFACTURING 4.0 GRANT PROGRAM

Companies that invest in Industry 4.0 technologies can benefit from increased productivity and sales, cost savings, retention of employees, and more. Awarded grants will cover 50 percent of project costs, with a minimum grant of $15,000 and a maximum grant of $50,000. Projects must clearly demonstrate a tie to Industry 4.0, and a long term strategy for Industry 4.0 adoption.

Maryland state arts council arts capital grant program

Arts Capital grants are offered to Maryland-based nonprofit organizations, with $3 million or less in annual operating costs, that include the delivery of arts and cultural education or experiences as a core part of their mission or vision. Grant applications must fit into one of these 3 categories: Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment ($5,000 to $100,000 grants), Design Preparation and Planning ($5,000 to $100,000 grants), Facility Improvement ($10,000 to $300,000 grants). No match is required.

MARYLAND DHCD NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSWORKS BUSINESS BOOST MICROGRANT

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) through the Neighborhood BusinessWorks (NBW) program, is offering up to $2,000,000 of Business Boost microgrants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 to support small businesses who need capital for growth and/or expansion opportunities.

MARYLAND DHCD COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKS

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers Community Health and Safety Works grant opportunities to improve the livability and economic potential of Maryland communities through targeted investments in the physical environment that impact health and safety. Eligible Applicants include tax exempt nonprofits and/or local governments.

 
 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

GREAT STREETS

  • Great Streets Retail Small Business Grant The grant is meant for retail small business owners in eligible corridors throughout DC to renovate their storefront to attract new customers and drive profitability.

  • DC Locally Made Manufacturing Grant The DC Locally Made Manufacturing Grant is for qualified small business and real estate developers whose core business aligns with light manufacturing. The grant will support capital or tenant improvements of commercial property with designated industrial use located in a Great Streets corridor.

  • Neighborhood Prosperity Fund The Neighborhood Prosperity Fund (NPF) supports architectural and engineering costs, construction costs, tenant improvements, or historical preservation building improvements that are located within the boundaries of NPF census tract.

 

ENERGYSMART INCENTIVES

  • Small Business Solar Program: Solar incentives for qualifying small businesses in the District. Read more>>

  • Mapdwell: Free evaluation of your business’s rooftop solar potential. Read more>>

  • Business Energy Rebates: Upgrade to new energy and water efficient technologies and equipment. Read more>>

  • DC SEU Commercial and Institutional Services: Ask about financial incentives, no cost upgrades, and technical assistance. Read more>>

  • Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE): Find financing solutions for energy efficiency improvements. Read more>>

  • Buy Green Power: Find electricity from sources like wind and solar. Read more>>

 

RIVERSMART INCENTIVES

RiverSmart Communities: Receive rebates to improve your property with rain gardens, trees, rain barrels, pervious pavement, and more. Read more>>

  • RiverSmart Rewards Stormwater Fee Discount: Lower your water bill by making your property RiverSmart. Read more>>

  • Stormwater Retention Credit Trading Market: Generate and sell credits by installing green infrastructure that reduces stormwater runoff. Read more>>

  • RiverSmart Rooftops Rebate Program: Receive a rebate to help fund the installation of a green roof on your building. Read more >>

 
 

LOCAL

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

This grant is for business owners to make improvements to exterior façade, implement place-making, and install lighting and major building systems improvements that enhance retail competitiveness and viability. This is a 50% match grant. The minimum award $50,000 for $100,000 in total project cost and the maximum grant is $350,000 for $700,000 or more in total project costs.

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS

Community Impact Grants to award to county civic/neighborhood associations or community-based organizations that are incorporated as 501(c)3 entities. Grants must be used for capital purposes such as the purchase of equipment and materials.

 

RAIN CHECK REBATE PROGRAM

The Rain Check Rebate Program allows property owners to receive rebates for installing ‘Rain Check’ eligible stormwater management practices like pavement removal, permeable pavement, rain gardens, rain barrels, cisterns, conservation landscaping, green roofs, and trees, up to $20,000.

 

GREEN BUSINESS TAX REBATE

Green Business Certification Program is a voluntary recognition program designed to encourage businesses and other organizations to take steps that reduce their ecological footprint.

 

HISTORIC PROPERTY GRANT PROGRAM

This grant helps fund rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, or acquisition of historic property.

 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION NON-CAPITAL GRANT PROGRAM

Grant Program provides grants to support projects that identify, preserve, promote, and protect the historic, cultural, and archeological resources of Prince George's County for the benefit of the public and to encourage the revitalization of communities, that are not “brick and mortar.” The Grant Program can be used to pay for the costs of professional services such as preservation and planning consultants, planning studies, design work, and education.

 

ANACOSTIA TRAILS HERITAGE AREA ROCKET GRANTS

Although projects must be non-capital in nature, ie. cannot be bricks-and-mortar projects or repairs, they can be for placemaking, signage, and wayfinding. Projects should seek to attract cultural heritage tourists to the region by creating a new tourism product, enhancing/interpreting an existing product, and/or providing access to these assets.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

  • Economic Development Incentive (EDI) Fund Whether you need funding for a new project, expansion, relocation, or equipment purchase, the EDI offers you an incredible tool for taking your business to the next level.

  • Enterprise Zone An Enterprise Zone is an area of a county, city, or town in which state and local incentives and assistance are offered to encourage the expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new business activity and jobs. Prince George’s County’s Enterprise Zone encompasses approximately 8,492 acres of property.

  • High Technologies Facilities Tax Credit The High Technology Facilities Tax Credit encourages growth and development of existing and new high-technology facilities. The property tax credit is for manufacturing, fabrication, assembling, research and development facilities. 

  • Revitalization/redevelopment Tax Credit The credits are available in all census tracts inside the Beltway where the median household income does not exceed the County’s median. Eligible improvements to real property located within these districts shall be allowed a tax credit on County real property taxes.

  • Opportunity Zones The program provides tax incentives for investors to re-invest their unrealized capital gains into Opportunity Funds that are dedicated to investing into Qualified Opportunity Zones designated by the chief executives of every U.S. state and territory.

  • More Jobs for Marylanders The More Jobs for Marylanders program promotes the growth of the manufacturing sector by:

    • Providing tax incentives for manufacturing job creation

    • Encouraging manufacturers to invest in new equipment through accelerated and bonus depreciation

    • Funding job training and apprenticeship programs to help strengthen Maryland's workforce

  • Additional Tax Incentives Incentives may include expediting permits, tax credits, work force assistance, site identification, county and state financial assistance, and financial assistance from the Small Business Association.

 
 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

 

RAINSCAPES REWARDS REBATE PROGRAM

The RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program offers rebates to property owners who install RainScapes techniques such as rain gardens, rain barrels, conservation landscaping and other approved projects that help control stormwater. This program is open to properties in Montgomery County outside the municipalities of Rockville , Gaithersburg , and Takoma Park.

 

BUSINESS FUNDING & INCENTIVES

Montgomery County has a wide range of funding and incentive programs which may help you grow your business. Some of these are offered in partnership with local, state, or federal agencies. Others are specific to certain industries, small businesses, or Minority, Women, or Disabled-owned businesses.

CLEAN WATER MONTGOMERY GRANT PROGRAM

The Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program funds public outreach and stewardship projects, community-based restoration water quality implementation projects, tree planting and reforestation projects, and litter reduction projects in the Anacostia River Watershed. Projects should educate and engage residents in watershed improvement while achieving measurable impacts and sustainable behavior change. Creative and innovative proposals are encouraged.

 
 

HYATTSVILLE

 

HYATTSVILLE COMMERCIAL FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The grant is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of $5,000 - $50,000. The use of grant funds are limited to exterior improvements including re-painting, exterior shutters, gutters, windows, siding, doors, masonry, finishes, lighting, and signage. The funds are ineligible for interior improvements, structural repairs, or roof repairs.

 

HYATTSVILLE CORRIDOR INVESTMENT GRANT PROGRAM

The City of Hyattsville created the Corridor Investment Grant Program as a funding opportunity for private and non-profit partners with creative placemaking projects, programming initiatives, and business development strategies. 

 

HYATTSVILLE SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE

List grants, tax credits, funding, and other resources for businesses in Hyattsville, Prince George’s County, and Maryland.

Vandalism Recovery and Prevention Grant Program

The City of Hyattsville Vandalism Recovery and Prevention Grants Program is intended to provide economic relief to small businesses and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in Hyattsville that have been negatively impacted by vandalism. The $30,000 fund, paid for through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), includes a $15,000 fund to help small businesses and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations cover the costs associated with eligible repairs to their small business or non-profit organization after a vandalism incident, and a $15,000 fund to help cover costs to add eligible security measures to their business or organization.

 

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