Talbot County has awarded $200,000 to 10 projects through its inaugural Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) grant cycle.
Established by the State of Maryland and supported by revenue from the adult-use cannabis tax, CRRF is intended to reinvest in communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis enforcement and related social and economic disparities. Talbot Family Network, serving as Talbot County’s CRRF Commission, coordinated the local application and review process.
The County received 19 applications across two grant pathways. Combined requests totaled $867,350 for the $200,000 available. Six projects received Small Grant awards totaling $50,000, and four projects received Community Impact Grant awards totaling $150,000.
Small Grant awards were made to:
- Bay Hundred Community Volunteers— Home Repairs / Accessibility – Easton
- Mid Shore Behavioral Health— Workplace Excellence Program
- Mid Shore Early Learning Center— Bridge Fund for Families: A Financial Aid Initiative
- Polaris Village Early Learning Center— PVELC Playground Development Project
- Tilghman Area Youth Association— Tilghman After School Kids (TASK)
- Talbot County Public Schools— Expanding Career Pathways for Youth
Community Impact Grant awards were made to:
- Building African American Minds— Youth Workforce and Transition Success Initiative
- Foundation of Hope— Economic Development and Empowerment Program – Easton Site
- Talbot Mentors— Multiorganizational Effort to Increase Youth Literacy in Talbot County through Talbot Mentors/READ Alliance
- Talbot County Department of Social Services— Building an Anti-Oppressive Child Welfare System
Together, the funded projects represent a range of approaches, including housing stabilization, early childhood education, youth development, literacy, career and workforce preparation, and systems change.
“These inaugural awards represent an important first step in using CRRF as a strategic community investment tool,” said Lauren Weber, chair of the Talbot CRRF Commission. “The strong response to this first funding opportunity also underscores the importance of continued public input as Talbot County develops the framework that will guide future investments.”
This inaugural funding round provided useful insight into community needs, existing services, organizational readiness, and opportunities for coordination and impact. The Commission will use lessons learned from the application process and project implementation to inform future CRRF funding opportunities and program design.
Additional CRRF funding rounds are planned for 2027 and will be informed by development of Talbot County’s CRRF Distribution Plan. Community members and organizations are encouraged to learn more about the future planning process and opportunities at www.talbotcountymd.gov/crrf.
