Maryland has secured more than $2.6 million in grant funding over two years to support state agency projects that use artificial intelligence to reduce barriers and improve access to public services. The funding was awarded through the Public Benefit Innovation Fund of the Center for Civic Futures, which reviewed more than 400 applications from 45 states. Maryland received two of the seven total awards, highlighting the state’s national leadership in responsible public-sector innovation.
The grants will support a portfolio of AI-driven initiatives aimed at strengthening how governments and community organizations deliver essential services such as food assistance, Medicaid, housing, and unemployment support. The funding comes at a critical moment, as new federal work requirements are expected to affect tens of thousands of Maryland residents seeking nutrition assistance and hundreds of thousands of Medicaid beneficiaries, increasing administrative complexity for both agencies and service users.
One grant of $1.2 million will fund a multi-state project led by the Maryland Department of Human Services in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Benefits, and the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. The initiative will develop AI tools to streamline work verification processes for SNAP and Medicaid, with Maryland anchoring a multi-state cohort to create solutions that can be adapted and deployed by other states.
A second grant of $1.45 million will support the Maryland Department of Labor’s collaboration with academic partners to test AI applications that improve service delivery and operational efficiency. These efforts include tools to help staff navigate complex regulations, process documents more effectively, and enhance workforce training through simulation-based systems.
The successful grant applications were developed through collaboration among multiple state agencies, including Human Services, Health, Information Technology, and Maryland Benefits. These efforts build on the Moore-Miller Administration’s broader strategy to integrate AI responsibly into state operations, including partnerships with leading technology firms and a strong emphasis on ethical deployment.
All AI systems developed under these grants will follow Maryland’s Responsible AI Policy, ensuring strict standards for data protection, security, privacy, and ethical use. Awarded teams will participate in a shared learning cohort with other states, researchers, and community organizations, receiving technical assistance and contributing to the identification of best practices. This collaborative approach is designed to ensure that AI innovation strengthens public trust while delivering tangible improvements in access to essential services for Marylanders.
