Start-Up Grants

MCAEL is pleased to announce a special grant opportunity for start-up adult ESOL classes in 2024. These grants are offered with the generous support of the Montgomery County Government. 


The grant period will run from January 1 through June 30, 2024; grants will be in the amount of $3,000 or less.


The Application period is now closed. Please stay tuned for future grant opportunities.

Overall Goal:

To increase the number of in-person classes offered in Montgomery County by local community organizations that work with immigrants, in line with our Strategic Plan. 

Objectives:

  1. To support core costs of startup adult ESOL classes (in-person) by organizations that may have no previous experience, and may not have 501c3 status.
  2. To provide technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of community organizations to implement English classes, in the form of consultations by experienced adult ESOL program administrators. 

Who May Apply:

  • Organizations or groups that may or may not be incorporated as nonprofits with 501c3 status 
  • Organizations or groups with a primary location and/or verifiable mailing address in Montgomery County, MD for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the application deadline
  • Organizations who are not current MCAEL grant recipients 

Geographical Focus Area:

  • Priority will go to programs that are in or serve populations that fall within a  MCAEL Equity Focus Area in Montgomery County. 

Use of Funding

  • Funding can be used for core costs of in-person adult ESOL classes

         - Instructor fees 

         - Program coordination time

         - Textbooks/materials  

         - Rent for classroom space  

         - MCAEL grant funding cannot be used for:
               - Refreshments or food 

                - Gift cards for volunteers, instructors, or learners (stipends for instructors or volunteers are allowable) 

MCAEL Will Assist With

  • As part of a Start-Up Grant, MCAEL will provide:

      - Training/individualized technical assistance consultation on starting up a class 

       - Templates for class documents (such as registration and registration forms) 

       - Access to the MCAEL website for publicizing classes/job listings 

       - Professional development opportunities for program coordinators and instructors through our regular series of instructor workshops and Topics in Program Administration meetings 

       - Chances to interact with other adult ESOL programs in Montgomery County 

Grant Requirements

  • Grant recipients must:

       - Keep accurate program records, including enrollment, attendance, and accurate records of grant funds expended

       - Submit a final report (form to be provided by MCAEL) by July 15, 2024

       - Schedule a site visit or virtual check-in if one is requested by MCAEL 

       - Acknowledge MCAEL and Montgomery County Government in all publicity and in all promotional or informational materials used in connection with this program 

       - Acknowledge MCAEL’s authority to withhold and/or recover grant funds in case such funds are not used for the purpose for which the grant was made

The application is now closed. Please stay tuned for MCAEL's 2024 Start-Up Grants Application


Click on the button below to apply. Please complete the application form by November 20, 2023, at 5:00 pm.


Use this budget form template to complete question 28.


Email program@mcael.org with questions.

The Application is Now Closed

We encourage applicants to refer to MCAEL’s Interactive maps and analysis when developing your application.  For questions about whether your organization or project aligns well with MCAEL's priorities, please Contact Us.