Community Investment Tax Credits Program

​​​​​​​​​​Community Investment Tax Credits support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations by awarding allocations of State tax credits for use as incentives to attract contributions from individuals and businesses to benefit local projects and services.

Community Investment Tax Credits complement other State funding programs which offer resources to assist communities with revitalization efforts. As part of an annual, competitive application process, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations apply to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for tax credit allocations. The Community Investment Tax Credit program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 projects across the State.

Businesses and individuals that donate $500 or more to a qualified organization’s approved project(s) can earn tax credits equal to 50% of the value of the money, goods or real property contribution. These tax credits are in addition to the deductions on both Federal and State taxes as a result of the charitable contribution. Visit GIVE Maryland for information on specific projects and donate now to nonprofits that have available tax credits.

Individuals and businesses must use the tax credits against taxes owed for the year in which the contribution was made and may not be used retroactively for taxes from a prior year. An​y individual or business contemplating making a donation is encouraged to consult with their accountant or tax professional for information about their specific tax benefits.

How to Apply

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​.  

Resources

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. 

Who Can Apply

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.  

Eligible Projects

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.  

Eligible Contributions

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.  

Eligible Donors

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

Useful Links

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.  

More Information

For general information and assistance, please contact:
Barbara Kearney
CITC Program Manager
citc.nr@maryland.gov
Schedule a meeting with Barbara​