Adult ESOL Access Grant

Geographic Scope: Montgomery County, Maryland

Purpose: Support the direct costs of implementing adult ESOL classes that are drop-in or offer fewer than 120 hours of instructional time per learner per year. Funding may also be used for learner support such as childcare during instruction and transportation assistance.

What This Grant Can Support

• Classes that are drop-in (adult learners may join at any time during a session/semester)
• Programs that offer fewer than 120 hours of instructional time per learner per year
• Direct costs of implementing adult ESOL classes
• Learner support services (childcare during instruction, transportation assistance)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or have similar IRS designation, or have a partnership that includes a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status
• Be incorporated under state law
• While applicants can have offices outside Montgomery County, beneficiaries of funded services must be either Montgomery County residents or employed in Montgomery County
• May apply regardless of whether they applied for other County-administered grant programs

Funding Notes

• Funding is not guaranteed in subsequent years – dependent on performance in current/previous years
• Total MCAEL grants program announced $1,505,853 in FY25

Contact Information

Address: 9210 Corporate Blvd., Suite 480, Rockville, MD 20850

Application Process

1. Review Grant Guidelines and application documents available on MCAEL website
2. Complete App Data and Budget Workbook (requires Excel or Google Sheets)
3. Access the MCAEL Grant Portal to submit application
4. Refer to MCAEL's Interactive maps and analysis when developing application

Required Materials

• Completed application form
• Budget workbook with detailed expenses
• Organization documentation (501(c)(3) status, incorporation papers)
• Program information (class format, hours of instruction offered, learner support services)

Support Available

• Q&A sessions with MCAEL staff (typically offered in March before application deadline)
• Grant Information sessions (recordings available if missed)
• Technical assistance available via email at program@mcael.org
• Applicants can request assistance if they need help with Excel or Google Sheets

Questions

For questions about whether your organization aligns with MCAEL priorities, contact MCAEL directly.