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Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund

The purpose of the fund is to provide grants that promote the advantages and attributes of state breweries, distilleries, and wineries and their products manufactured in the state through research, promotion, and agricultural business development, reinforcing Maryland as a world-class producer of craft beverages and a desirable destination for craft beverage lovers to visit.​

The Secretary of Commerce shall award grants to eligible applicants from the fund based on the advice of the Advisory Commission on Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing and Promotion. Subject to the availability of money in the fund, the Secretary may award grants to eligible applicants for the following activities:

  • Invest in the creation and expansion of state breweries, distilleries, and/or wineries
  • Entice new visitors to state breweries, distilleries, and/or wineries 
  • Create incentives for special events to promote state breweries, distilleries, and/or wineries 
  • Educate the public about alcohol manufacturing in the state, especially the history of the industry 
  • Conduct research on, develop incentives for, and promote the growth of State agricultural products used in state manufactured beer, wine, and spirits; or 
  • Support the expansion of minority ownership and participation in the operation of state breweries, distilleries, and wineries

The grant program is administered by the Department of Commerce Office of Tourism, whose  primary mission is to stimulate and drive Maryland’s thriving tourism economy with a goal of creating a great place for all Marylanders to live, work and play.  

ELIGIBILITY 


To be eligible to receive a grant from the Fund, an applicant must be either:
  • A nonprofit organization under 501(c)(3) or (6) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • A state or local government unit

HOW TO APPLY 

FY26 Grant Application Period Open through Wednesday, November 19, 2025. 

  1. Prior to submitting an application, review these Tips & Hints. 
  2. Applications submitted after November 19, 2025 will not be accepted. 
  3. Applications must be submitted in the format stipulated by the Department of Commerce.
  4. Applications must be submitted online

Optional Virtual Training Session at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025

  • Register for the Training Session here.

APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed by the Advisory Commission on Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing and Promotion. The commission evaluates applications based on their alignment with the activities above. The Secretary of Commerce considers commissions recommendations prior to giving final approval. 

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

If awarded a grant, you will be required to submit a Final Report within 60 days after the grant term ends. This report must be in the format specified by the Advisory Commission On Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing & Promotion and the Maryland Department of Commerce. The Final Report needs to cover:

Project accomplishments: What did you achieve? Include a narrative describing project activities and outcomes.

Financial expenditures: How were the funds spent? Include a  financial statement detailing how funds were used.

Impact: What was the effect of the project? Include information on what was learned and future plans.

Important: Failing to submit the Final Report as required may make you ineligible for future funding.

CONTACT


Lisa Hansen Terhune
Program Manager
[email protected]
410-699-3711