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Notice of Availability of Application for Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund Grants

December 22, 2025

The Maryland Office of Financial Regulation (“OFR”) announces the availability of the application for collaborating financial technology companies (“fintechs”) and Maryland state-chartered banks and credit unions (“Maryland financial institutions”) to submit requests for Maryland Community Investment Venture (“MCIV”) Fund grant dollars. The application, accessible on the MCIV Fund webpage, guides fintechs and Maryland financial institutions through the steps required to apply for funds in support of a pilot project that utilizes a fintech’s products to help the Maryland financial institution expand its services to more Maryland businesses in low- to moderate-income (“LMI”) communities.

The MCIV Fund was established under the 2023 Access to Banking Act, which directed OFR to operationalize a strategic initiative that expands access to innovative financial solutions for Maryland’s small businesses. Through targeted grants, the MCIV Fund enables Maryland financial institutions to adopt and integrate fintech products and services that enhance their ability to support small businesses in LMI communities. Utilizing these innovative solutions can help Maryland financial institutions make an impact in these communities and support opportunities for strategic growth for small businesses, such as by:

  • Increasing access to affordable credit through more efficient and inclusive lending processes;
  • Improving small business cash flow with faster, lower-cost payment capabilities;
  • Streamlining onboarding and reducing paperwork, making it easier for entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses;
  • Enhancing financial stability through budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow tools;
  • Strengthening business decision-making by providing financial education that improves financial literacy, planning, and long-term resilience;
  • Expanding market opportunities via modern merchant services and digital banking channels; and
  • Deepening customer relationships through data-driven insights and educational support that help business owners grow sustainably.

Together, these innovations are intended to empower Maryland’s small businesses to thrive, build resilience, and contribute to strong, vibrant local economies—while advancing the Access to Banking Act’s goal of improving equitable access to banking, credit, and financial capabilities across Maryland. Potential applicants should carefully review the application now available and should keep in mind the following details about the MCIV Fund program:

  • An application is submitted in tandem by a fintech and a Maryland financial institution that have discussed and agreed upon a pilot project that supports greater accessibility to financial services for businesses in LMI communities.
  • Available grants will be in the range of $25,000 to $50,000.
  • Each application will be reviewed by OFR staff, presented to the MCIV Fund Advisory Board for consultation and recommendation and, the Commissioner of Financial Regulation will make a final decision on the application.
  • The deadline for the first round of applications is January 15, 2026.
  • OFR anticipates scheduling additional application rounds in the future. OFR strongly encourages fintechs and Maryland financial institutions who are not yet ready to submit an application to continue working together in anticipation of soon-to-be-announced additional funding application rounds.

Contact

For questions about this advisory notice, please contact Stephen J. Clampett, Assistant Commissioner - Corporate Activities, by phone at 410-230-6104 or by email at [email protected].