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Maryland Department of Commerce

Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Fund

About this page.  This page explains the Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Fund in plain language. The Fund and the Advisory Commission that oversees it were created by Senate Bill 698 (2022). If anything on this page conflicts with the statute, the statute controls.

Program Status

The program is active. 

New grant cycle. The program is moving to a calendar-year grant cycle, and the Calendar Year 2027 application period opened in September 2026.

What This Program Does

The Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Fund provides grants that promote the advantages and attributes of Maryland breweries, distilleries, and wineries and the beer, wine, and spirits they manufacture in the State — through research, promotion, and agricultural business development.

The goal is to reinforce Maryland as a world-class producer of craft beverages and a destination for the people who enjoy them.

The program is administered by the Commerce Office of Tourism. The Secretary of Commerce awards grants based on the advice of the Advisory Commission on Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing.

Where the money comes from.  The Fund receives a share of certain Maryland alcoholic beverage tax revenues, as directed by state law. Grant awards depend on how much money is available in the Fund.

Who Can Apply

The businesses being promoted do not apply directly.  Breweries, distilleries, and wineries are the beneficiaries of this program, not the applicants. Grants go to organizations that promote them.

To be eligible to receive a grant, an applicant must be either:

  • A nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, or
  • A State or local government unit

For-profit businesses are not eligible to apply.

What the Grant Can Fund

Subject to the availability of money in the Fund, the Secretary may award grants for the following activities:

  • Invest in the creation and expansion of State breweries, distilleries, and wineries
  • Entice new visitors to State breweries, distilleries, and wineries
  • Create incentives for special events that promote State breweries, distilleries, and wineries
  • Educate the public about alcohol manufacturing in the State, especially the history of the industry
  • Conduct research on, develop incentives for, and promote the growth of State agricultural products used in Maryland-manufactured beer, wine, and spirits
  • Support the expansion of minority ownership and participation in the operation of State breweries, distilleries, and wineries

How to Apply

  1. Review the guidance first. Read the Tips & Hints - PDF - 59.34 KB and Program Schedule - PDF - 61.02 KB documents before you begin your application. 
  2. Submit your application online through the grant application form, in the format stipulated by the Department of Commerce.
  3. Submit by the posted deadline. All applications must be submitted by October 13, 2026 at 11:59pm. Late applications are not accepted.

Guidance documents and application links are updated each year. Confirm you are using the current versions before applying.

How Applications Are Reviewed

Applications are reviewed by the Advisory Commission on Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing, which evaluates each application based on how well it aligns with the eligible activities listed above.

The Secretary of Commerce considers the Commission’s recommendations before giving final approval.

Reporting Requirements

If you receive a grant, you must submit a Final Report within 30 days after the grant term ends, in the format specified by the Advisory Commission and the Maryland Department of Commerce.

The Final Report must cover:

  • Project activities and accomplishments — what you achieved, including a project narrative describing activities and outcomes
  • Financial expenditures — how the funds were spent, including a financial statement detailing their use
  • Impact — the effect of the project, including what was learned and future plans

Important.  Failing to submit the Final Report as required may make your organization ineligible for future funding.

Past Awards

The lists below show past grant recipients and the projects that were funded. Each application is reviewed on its own merits.

Legal Notices and Required Language

The Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Fund and the Advisory Commission on Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing were established in 2022 by Senate Bill 698. The Advisory Commission is the successor to the Advisory Commission on Maryland Wine and Grape Growing.

Program resources:

Applicants should consult the authorizing statute and applicable regulations for the complete legal requirements governing this program.

Contact

Lisa Hansen Terhune
Program Manager
Maryland Department of Commerce, Office of Tourism
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 410-699-3711