Maryland’s Entertainment District Security Grant (EDSG)
Description
The primary purpose of EDSG funding is to assist community organizations, nonprofit organizations, and local governments to fund security operations during times of high pedestrian traffic in entertainment districts from which a higher than average number of calls for police assistance in response to reported crimes are placed.
Program Goal
The goal of EDSG is to strengthen security in Maryland’s entertainment districts through collaborative efforts among local governments, community organizations, and law enforcement. By supporting enhanced security and crime prevention activities, EDSG aims to reduce criminal activity, improve crowd management, and enhance public safety.
Supported Activities
The program funds the following activities:
- Security and Law Enforcement Overtime: Supports overtime for personnel to manage crowd flow and crime hotspots during peak hours.
- Procurement of Security Equipment: Facilitates the purchase of surveillance cameras, enhanced lighting, and communication tools to improve monitoring in high-traffic areas.
- Hiring Security Administrators: Allocates funds for hiring or contracting security officers and administrators to manage daily safety operations.
- Public Safety Awareness Initiatives: Funds programs that promote crime prevention and public safety during peak pedestrian activity.
History
In 2024, Governor Moore signed Senate Bill 774 into law, establishing the Maryland Entertainment District Security Grant Program (EDSG) to enhance public safety in high-activity entertainment districts across the state. These districts are defined as areas up to a half-square-mile with a high concentration of establishments serving alcohol or onsite consumption, hookah bars, or establishments that regularly host live entertainment. Due to increased pedestrian activity and frequent calls for police assistance, particularly during peak times, EDSG provides essential funding to local governments, community organizations, and nonprofits to implement targeted security measures.
Categories Funded
- Contractual Services
- Equipment
- Operating Expenses
- Personnel
- Travel
- Other
Eligible Applicants
- Community-Based Nonprofit Organizations
- County Government Agencies
- Faith-Based Organizations
- Local Government Agencies
- Local Law Enforcement
- Nonprofit Organizations
Documents
Notices of Funding Availability (NOFA)
Additional Documents
Dates
Projected NOFA Release Month
February
Projected Application Month
April