Hoyer Hosts Grants Workshop with Maryland Nonprofits on Recovery Act Funding

Bowie, MD -Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) hosted a workshop today on the campus of Bowie State University to discuss the grant opportunities available for Maryland nonprofit organizations under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Approximately 150 representatives from nonprofits in Prince George's County and throughout the Fifth Congressional District attended to learn how their organizations could access the federal funding.

"The Recovery Act contains several new funding opportunities for nonprofits to serve their local communities," stated Rep. Hoyer. "It is important that we empower the nonprofit sector with the information and guidance they need to apply for these resources and make an impact that will help meet the goals of economic recovery, while investing in worthy local projects and services."

In February, Congress passed and President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, providing new investments and tax relief totaling $787 billion to preserve and create jobs, promote economic recovery, provide assistance to those most impacted during the recession, and help states and local governments minimize painful cuts. Some of the funding was directed to federal programs that award grants through a competitive process. 

The workshop featured several speakers from federal and state grant-making agencies who gave briefings on the available economic recovery funding and how nonprofits can apply.  Some of the areas of grant availability are: employment and job training, education and internet access, housing and community development, national and community service, energy, human and social services, and the humanities and arts.

Nonprofit organizations can obtain the materials from today's workshop, as well as easy access to links and information for federal and state grant-making agencies on Congressman Hoyer's Recovery Act Grant Information page at http://www.hoyer.house.gov/.  The broad range of nonprofits and the diverse nature of the services they provide require those seeking federal grants to carefully review the range of options to see what the funding possibilities are.

The workshop was held in conjunction with the Governor of Maryland's Grants Office, the Maryland Center at Bowie State University, and the Human Services Coalition of Prince George's County.

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