Telecommunications Access of Maryland (TAM) was established to provide equal access to telecommunications services for Marylanders who are Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, DeafBlind, blind, low vision, or have cognitive, mobility, or speech difficulties. Through our Maryland Relay and Maryland Accessible Telecommunications programs, we empower individuals to confidently connect with family, friends, and their communities. We believe communication is a fundamental right and everyone deserves equal access to telecommunications services and solutions.
In alignment with our mission of supporting equal access to telecommunications for those who are Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, DeafBlind, or have cognitive, mobility, or speech difficulties, TAM is making grant funding available for projects or initiatives that meet the communication and access needs of Marylanders. While TAM's primary focus remains to be telephone accessibility, this grant opportunity encourages broader approaches to communication and access challenges faced by our community. Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Applications should be submitted via email to More.Info@Maryland.gov by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Use of Grant Funding
Grant proposals will be accepted for a variety of innovative programs, community initiatives, and activities that enhance communication access. Examples include:
- Technology literacy initiatives: Training workshops or demonstrations on using Relay services or accessible telecommunications devices; curriculum development for basic telecommunication device accessibility for low-vision and blind users
- Public awareness campaigns: Educational videos about communication accessibility in different facets of life; development of accessible communication tools or resources
- Direct services: Interpreters for specific community projects, events, or initiatives; Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services for local events
Applications for direct programming will be given preference over applications for administrative and organizational costs.
Complete applications must include:
Organization information and primary contact details
Project summary (maximum 250 words)
Brief project description (maximum 2 pages) including:
What need you're addressing
Project goals and activities
Who will benefit from the project
Timeline of activities
Simple budget outline showing how funds will be used
Eligibility
To be eligible, the applicant must be in good standing with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).
Grant Review
All grant applications will be vetted by TAM staff to determine initial eligibility and then by a Review Committee for final approval. Strong applicant submissions will:
- Include people with disabilities in project planning and implementation
- Propose practical solutions to communication barriers
- Present a reasonable budget
- Have a clear timeline and goals
Preference will be given to proposals that address unique or underserved needs within the community. Activities under the proposal must be completed by March 31, 2026.
Grant Requirements
The grant requires a brief final programmatic and financial report. Grantees should:
- Provide a simple accounting of how funds were used
- Summarize project activities and outcomes
- Share any materials developed for the project
Submitting pictures, videos, and testimonials is encouraged and may be posted on TAM's website or social media (with appropriate consent and releases). All communications related to the project must credit Telecommunications Access of Maryland (TAM). Successful projects may be approached for replication or expansion by TAM.
Grant Schedule
- Applications due: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, no later than 5 p.m.
- Awards will be announced via email no later than Friday, May 30, 2025
- Checks will be mailed the third week of June 2025
- Final report due: 30 calendar days following project completion, and no later than April 30, 2026
