2024 Underserved, Disadvantaged and Agricultural Communities Conference Scholarships
31st Annual Maryland Land Conservation Conference
September 4-5th, 2024, Crowne Plaza Annapolis (Annapolis, MD)
About the Scholarship
Forever Maryland believes that being “in the room” and in face-to-face conversations is essential to inclusion – bringing about authentic, positive, change. Forever Maryland is dedicated to the conservation of our state’s land, water, wildlife, and other natural values – values that can be experienced and cherished by everyone and will sustain healthy, vibrant, and economically resilient communities. Forever Maryland firmly believes that “the principles of equality, justice, and inclusion should guide us all” and that “racism, injustice, and exclusion must never be found in or advantaged by our work.”
As the host of the 31st Annual Maryland Land Conservation Conference, Forever Maryland is pleased to offer special 2024 Underserved, Disadvantaged and Agricultural Communities Conference Scholarships opportunities.
Continuing with Forever Maryland’s successful 2023 “Greenspace Equity” law passage: (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0503) the organization seeks support to bring individuals/organizations that fit the definition of “Greenspace Equity” into the conversations and shared learning at the 31st Annual Maryland Land Conservation Conference.
Forever Maryland will offer scholarships to individuals from “underserved” and “overburdened” communities (now defined in MD law and viewable within the Maryland DNR Park Equity Map), for participation in the conference and to share their knowledge, struggles, and needs. Scholarships will go towards individuals or organizations operating or living within – but not limited to – the following:
Census tracts where at least 25% of the residents qualify as low income.
Where at least 50% of the residents identify as nonwhite.
Where at least 15% of the residents have limited English proficiency.
From areas associated with higher chemical, traffic, or poor air quality.
Conference scholarships are also available to individuals who are “new, urban, or disadvantaged farmers” for the benefit of education on improving water quality, habitat, food security and more.
Scholarships may cover the cost of conference attendance, travel costs, and other needs directly involved with in-person attendance. The Scholarship Deadline is August 14th, 2024, at 5:00pm EST.