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MSDE Special Fiscal Programs

The Pandemic Relief for Nonpublic Schools (PRNS) program is designed to provide federal support to eligible nonpublic schools, assisting in enhancing safety measures and addressing educational disruptions caused by challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aims to provide nonpublic schools with the resources to create a safe learning environment that allows for virtual or hybrid learning.

For more information, visit the PRNS webpage.

The Nonpublic School Health and Security program provides funds for school nurses, other health services, and for school security for nonpublic schools that participated in the BOOST Scholarship Program in fiscal year 2023. By providing necessary resources and support, the NSHS Program provides funds to ensure schools can deliver quality education while prioritizing the health and safety of their students.

For more information, visit the NSHS webpage.

Authorized by Senate Bill 794, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides annual grants to qualified non-profit organizations that provide enriching, educational programs to Maryland students. These programs provide learning experiences that cannot be replicated in the classroom. In addition, they provide professional development and resources to support Maryland teachers. Collectively, these programs are known as State Aided Educational Institutions (SAI). Currently, there are 56 organizations in the SAI program. In FY 2021 approximately 340,000 Maryland students and teachers were served through this program.

For more information, visit the SAI webpage.

The Governor’s Annual Budget Bill provides funds for the purchase of textbooks or computer hardware and software and other electronically delivered learning materials for loan to students in eligible nonpublic schools.

For more information, visit the Nonpublic Textbook program webpage.

The Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program provides scholarships for some students who are eligible for the free or reduced-price school meals program (FARMS) to attend eligible nonpublic schools. Awards are granted based on household income, with the lowest income served first. 

For more information, visit the BOOST program webpage.

Authorized under Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Bill (House Bill 200, Section 19), these grants are intended to support the operating costs associated with the educational programming offered by the non-profit organization specified under the “eligibility” section of each respective Grant Information Guide below. 

Operating Grant to the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation


Operating Grant to First Generation College Bound


Operating Grant to Junior Achievement of Maryland


Operating Grant to Living Classrooms Foundation


Operating Grant to the Maryland Science Center


Operating Grant to Northbay Education