Six local organizations have been chosen by Purple Line Transit Partners for the first round of Beyond the Rails community grants.
Riverdale Park-based PLTP, the private-sector partner of the Maryland Transit Administration’s Purple Line project, is the exclusive funder of the Beyond the Rails community grant program. PLTP, in partnership with MDOT MTA, sponsors the Beyond the Rails community grant program to give back to the communities where the Purple Line is being constructed and where it will operate for 30 years post-launch.
PLTP consists of the main partners Meridiam and Tikehau Star Infra.
“We’re excited to provide financial backing to these six remarkable groups, which work tirelessly to make our local communities better places to live, work and play,” said Doran Bosso, PLTP Chief Executive Officer. “Choosing these awardees from the numerous worthy applications we received was not an easy task.”
The recipients of the grants include the following projects:
- Art for Education on Reuse and a Sustainable Environment by Community Forklift in Edmonston.
- Envisioning the Purple Line Forum Series by Purple Line NOW in Silver Spring.
- Greater Riverdale Thriving Health Fairs by The Metamorphosis Community Project in Riverdale Park.
- Practical Entrepreneurship Education Program by WETATi Academy in Riverdale Park.
- Purple Line Walkability Community Outreach by Carole Highlands Neighborhood Association in Takoma Park.
- Youth-Led Community Festival on Flower Avenue by Healing Practice Counseling in Takoma Park.
Commencing with these grant allocations, PLTP will present 12 Beyond the Rails community grants annually, with six groups selected every half-year. The subsequent group of recipients is scheduled to be chosen in mid-2024. Community organizations are encouraged by PLTP to submit applications, even if they did not apply previously or were not chosen, by completing a two-page application. Applications are currently being reviewed continuously.
According to a press release, the Beyond the Rails grants range from $1,000 to $3,000 and are open to community-oriented groups in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Successful applicants will benefit organizations or neighborhoods (not individuals), provide advantages to a community near the Purple Line corridor, and focus on the categories of Community and Environment. The Community category supports neighboring communities’ overall well-being, including safety, health, recreation, and education, while the Environment category enhances or protects the natural surroundings.
Additional details about the Beyond The Rails community grant program are available on the Maryland Purple Line website.
Photo Courtesy of The Purple Line Project