The Community Investment Tax Credit application is available online via DHCD’s Project Portal.  

In order to access the application and apply you must be registered in the Portal system. On the DHCD's Project Portal​, select “New User?” and complete the registration request form. Requests for registration may take up to 72 hours to be approved.  

The Project Portal is expected to open to accept FY25 CITC applications on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.  

The deadline to submit FY25 CITC applications is June 26, 2024 by 5:00 pm​.  

Video of the May 29, 2024 virtual application training​. 

Be sure to review the program FAQs​ for answers to commonly asked questions about the program. 

Nonprofit organizations, designated a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service, are eligible to apply for Community Investment Tax Credits to support a project or activity that is either located in or serving a community in a Priority Funding Area.  

Organizations soliciting charitable contributions in Maryland are generally required to register with the Office of the Secretary of State as a charitable organization. Nonprofits must maintain their charitable registration status with the Office of the Secretary of State of Maryland. As well as, provide an official Certificate of Status from the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation.  

Once awarded tax credits, nonprofit organizations are required to submit a Semi-Annual Report in January and July providing information on:  

• Project activity/status
• Use of tax credits/contributions received
• How the organization is marketing their project and the availability of tax credits

After the initial tax credit award has been made, an organization may make a request for an additional allocation of tax credits no more than twice during the time period of their award agreement. The Community Investment Tax Credits program reviews requests for additional allocations in February and August of each calendar year. Current awardees seeking additional tax credits must complete the Community Investment Tax Credits Request for Additional Allocation Form. For February consideration requests must be received by February 28 and for August consideration by August 31.  

Projects must be located in or serve residents of a Priority Funding Area​.  

Projects typically involve activities such as:  

• Education and Youth Services
• Housing and Community Development
• Job and Self-Sufficiency Training
  
• Enhancing Neighborhoods and Business Districts
• Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation
• Economic Development and Tourism Promotion
• Technical Assistance and Capacity Building
• Services for At-Risk Populations

Visit GIVE Maryland for information on specific projects funded by Community Investment Tax Credits.  

Donors that make contributions of $500 or more are eligible to receive Community Investment Tax Credits. Individuals and businesses making donations are required to obtain from the nonprofit a Donor Acknowledgement Form and complete and submit it to the nonprofit organization receiving the contribution. Individuals or businesses that wish to donate real property must contact the nonprofit prior to making the donation.  

GIVE Maryland provides an opportunity for individual donors to connect directly with nonprofits that have available tax credits. Search by county for a nonprofit organization working in your community to give.  

Businesses: Any entity that conducts a trade or business in the State and is subject to: the State income tax on individuals or corporations; the public service company franchise tax or the insurance premiums tax. These types of entities generally include corporations, public utility companies, insurance companies, financial institutions, S corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships and limited liability corporations.  

Individuals: An individual is a natural person or fiduciary having personal tax liability in the State of Maryland.  

Individuals and businesses that make charitable contributions benefit by:  

• Reducing their Maryland tax liability
• Helping a local nonprofit organization achieve an essential community goal
• Making a targeted community impact
• Improving community relations and increasing their visibility

The following information may be useful to both individuals and businesses making contributions, as well as nonprofit participants in the Community Investment Tax Credit program. This information is for reference only and any individual or business contemplating making a contribution, that has questions about their specific tax advantages, is encouraged to consult with their accountant or tax professional.  

• Comptroller of Maryland
• Office of the Maryland Secretary of State
• Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
• IRS Publication 526 – Charitable Contributions
• ​IRS Publication 561 – Determining the Value of Donated Property