FY 2026 Agricultural Marketing Grant

FY 2025 AGRICULTURE MARKETING GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY IN FY 2026.

 

Purpose:

The Agriculture Marketing Grant Program is designed to assist local agriculture businesses in Garrett County, Maryland, by helping fund marketing and promotional efforts that improve visibility, attract new customers, and grow business operations.

Grant Overview:

  • Maximum Grant Amount: $1,000
  • Required Match: Minimum of 10% of the total project cost
  • Grant Type: Reimbursement only — purchases must be made after written grant approval and within specified timelines.
  • Taxable Income: Grant awards are taxable as income. Grant recipients will receive a 1099 at the end of the calendar year in which the grant is awarded.

Eligibility Requirements:

Eligible applicants must meet all the following criteria:

  • Be a farm, farm business, farm-related business, or farm-related organization or association based in Garrett County, Maryland.
  • Be a registered business in good standing with the State of Maryland and Garrett County Government, if required by law.
  • Hold a current business license, if one is required for your business type.

Eligible Marketing Expenses:

  • Website development or redesign (including e-commerce integration)
  • Digital marketing (e.g., social media ads, Google ads)
  • Print advertising (e.g., newspaper, magazines, mailers)
  • Radio or television advertising
  • Graphic design for branding or promotions
  • Signage, banners, or other promotional materials
  • Farmers Market display items, i.e., canopies, tables, tablecloths, etc.

Ineligible expenses include:

  • Items or services purchased before grant approval
  • Sponsorships
  • Marketing materials created in-house
  • Marketing materials purchased from another company owned by the applicant or the applicant’s owners
  • Operating expenses not directly tied to marketing
  • Salaries or wages
  • Travel, meals, or entertainment
  • Personal or household expenses
  • Employee uniforms
  • Equipment purchases
  • Any other expenses not listed in “Eligible Marketing Expenses” above

 Program Rules and Requirements:

  • Applicant must submit a completed application (including a completed and signed IRS W-9 form and vendor information request form) and receive written grant approval before making any purchases. The application, IRS W-9 form, and vendor information request form must reflect the same mailing address. Incomplete applications will be denied.
  • All approved marketing purchases must be completed within 30 days of written grant approval. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant.
  • Proof of purchases (itemized receipts/invoices) and payments (credit card receipts or fronts/backs of canceled checks) must be submitted within 30 days of written grant approval. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant.
  • Grant funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement after documentation is received and verified, and only if all grant requirements are met.
  • An applicant  is not eligible for multiple awards during any given fiscal year.
  • Grant funds are subject to availability of funds.
  • Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • The grant program for any given fiscal year will close once available grant funds have been exhausted.
  • FY 2025 Agriculture Marketing Grant recipients are not eligible to apply in FY 2026.

Application Process:

  1. Submit Application
    • Describe marketing materials to be purchased.
    • Provide cost estimates or vendor quotes.
    • Document at least 10% matching funds.
    • Include business license (if required) and verification of good standing from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (if required).
    • Include completed and signed IRS W-9 form.
    • Include completed Vendor Information Request form (applicant is the vendor).
  2. Review and Approval
    • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
    • Applicants will be notified in writing of approval status.
  3. Make Approved Purchases
    • Purchases must be made within 30 days of written grant approval. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant.
  4. Submit Documentation
    • Submit proof of purchases (itemized invoices/receipts) and payments (credit card receipts or fronts/backs of canceled checks) for reimbursement  within 30 days of written grant approval. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of the grant.
  5. Receive Reimbursement
    • Reimbursement will be provided for approved expenses only up to 90% of $1,000.

Application Documents:

FY 2026 AGRICULTURE MARKETING GRANT APPLICATION & GUIDELINES (267.96 KB)

IRS W-9 FORM (92.54 KB)

VENDOR INFORMATION REQUEST FORM (63.01 KB)

Contact Information:

Kim Durst, Manager of Business Development, Garrett County Department of Business Development
PH: (301) 334-1992     |    Email: kdurst@garrettcountymd.gov.