Annapolis, MD (April 7, 2025) – County Executive Steuart Pittman today announced the opening of applications for Anne Arundel County’s Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission (CRRC) Grants. These grants, funded by the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), support community-based programs that benefit low- to moderate-income (LMI) households, particularly in communities most impacted by the criminalization of cannabis.
“When Maryland legalized recreational cannabis, we knew it was our responsibility to ensure that the benefits reached the communities most harmed by decades of enforcement,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “The Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission is how we begin to fulfill that promise by directing resources to support mental health, housing, education, and jobs in places that need them most. I want to thank the Commission, Arundel Community Development Services, and our government and community partners for turning that vision into action.”
The grant application will be available through the Neighborly Portal today at noon. Applicants must register for a free Neighborly account to apply. A link to the application and account registration will be available here and on the Anne Arundel County and ACDS websites when the application opens.
Grant Eligibility and Priorities
Grants are open to both registered 501(c)(3) organizations and nonprofit groups with a fiscal sponsor. Organizations and community groups serving low- to moderate-income households are encouraged to apply.
Priority will be given to applicants serving residents in the following Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs), identified based on historical impacts of cannabis criminalization: 21060, 21061, 21113, 21122, 21144, 21225, 21401, 21403, 20724, and 20755.
Eligible programs must address one or more of the strategic priorities identified by the Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission:
Mental health and substance abuse services
Education, youth enrichment, and after-school activities
Housing and homelessness prevention
Workforce development and employment training
Two tiers of funding are available:
Tier 1 Grants: Multi-year grants (up to 3 years), ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 per year
Tier 2 Grants: Single-year grants ranging from $20,000 to $75,000
Application Training Sessions
To assist applicants, the County will host several training sessions, both in person and online:
- Tuesday, April 8 at 2:00 p.m. – Virtual via Zoom
- Wednesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. – Chesapeake Arts Center
- Friday, April 11 at 3:30 p.m. – Stanton Center
- Thursday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. – Severn Center
All in-person sessions will include a virtual participation option at the following link. The Zoom session on April 8 will be recorded and made available for on-demand viewing. Applicants should complete the training RSVP form to sign up for training.
The Anne Arundel County CRRC was created in accordance with the Cannabis Reform Act, passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2022. This act legalized adult-use recreational cannabis and established the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), which allocates a portion of cannabis sales tax revenue for community reinvestment.
“It is with great pride that I announce the launch of the grant process on behalf of the CRCC,” said Dr. Shawn Ashworth, CRRC Chair. “This funding represents a critical investment in community-driven change, one that uplifts local organizations who are not only passionate but deeply intentional in their work. By addressing long-standing systemic gaps, this initiative aims to provide equitable, restorative support to communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. Together, we are building a foundation for lasting opportunity, healing, and resilience.”
The CRRC is supported by Arundel Community Development Services (ACDS), which administers the grant program in partnership with the County.
More information about the CRRC, CRRF, and the application process can be found here.