Governor Wes Moore announced that Maryland state agency projects have received two grants totaling more than $2.6 million over two years from the Public Benefit Innovation Fund of the Center for Civic Futures. These awards fund artificial intelligence initiatives to improve access to public benefits, with Maryland securing two of the seven total grants selected from more than 400 applications across 45 states.
The grants support efforts to streamline service delivery for programs including food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, housing and unemployment benefits. They arrive amid implementation of H.R. 1 (2025), the budget reconciliation law signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, which introduced new work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients and adjusted SNAP rules for able-bodied adults without dependents. The legislation affects potentially up to 80,000 Marylanders eligible for SNAP and approximately 300,000 Medicaid customers by imposing verification and community engagement mandates.
One grant of $1.2 million supports a multi-state project led by the Maryland Department of Human Services, Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Benefits and the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. This initiative develops open-source AI tools to streamline work verification for SNAP and Medicaid eligibility. Maryland will anchor a cohort through the American Public Human Services Association, enabling continuous improvement and deployment of these tools in participating states. The project partners with organizations such as Nava PBC to design adaptable digital solutions.
“The Department of Human Services continues to lean into the work of using technology to better serve Marylanders,” said Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López. “Every day, we’re working to find new ways to make government more accessible and services more seamless, to deliver the world-class customer service that Marylanders deserve.”
A second grant of $1.45 million goes to the Maryland Department of Labor in collaboration with the Government Performance Lab and Computational Policy Lab. This funding tests AI applications to enhance service delivery, including systems that assist staff in navigating complex regulations, processing documents and providing tools such as staff training simulators.
“Modernizing state systems will enable us to better serve Marylanders and provide staff with the professional-quality tools and training they deserve,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “This collaboration will empower our teams to identify and address bottlenecks and remove barriers as we connect Marylanders to support.”
Additional agency leaders emphasized the grants’ role in responsible innovation. “Using technology to break down barriers is critical for our department to evolve and meet the needs of Marylanders. This grant will be instrumental in protecting access to essential health coverage for Marylanders,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “Through this grant and our proactive, multi-agency approach, the Maryland Department of Health and the Moore-Miller Administration are working to ensure all Marylanders can continue to receive the health care they need.”
“We are excited to advance our AI capabilities with this grant to improve the agency and the lives of Marylanders,” said Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Executive Director Michele Eberle. “This collaborative approach between agencies will result in responsible innovation for the state.”
“Maryland is gaining momentum with AI,” said Maryland Department of Information Technology Secretary Katie Savage. “45 states submitted more than 400 applications for this grant. The fact that Maryland was awarded 2 out of 7 total grant awards is a testament to forward-looking leadership across our state. Once again, Maryland is leading the way on the responsible and productive use of AI.”
Governor Moore highlighted the strategic use of technology. “Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for change. Through this partnership, Maryland is harnessing the power of AI responsibly, to ensure more Marylanders can access nutrition, housing, and health care services,” he said. “We’ve been clear since Day One that we can and we must innovate. These awards recognize our state’s work to leverage the potential of technology and our commitment to leaving no one behind.”
All AI systems developed or procured by Maryland state government follow a rigorous intake process and comply with the state’s Responsible AI Policy, which enforces safeguards for data security, privacy and ethical standards. Awardees join a shared learning cohort with other states, researchers and community organizations to refine practices, supported by technical assistance in AI, machine learning, data ethics, privacy, security, pilot design and business strategy.
The Center for Civic Futures, a nonpartisan nonprofit fiscally sponsored by the Digital Harbor Foundation, administers the $20 million Public Benefit Innovation Fund to support AI solutions that improve public benefits access. The recent awards total $8.5 million nationwide, following a competitive open call that drew strong interest from government agencies, nonprofits and partners.
This initiative builds on Maryland’s broader AI efforts, including partnerships with companies like Anthropic for tools such as bilingual chatbots and prior pilots in environmental services. For Southern Maryland residents who rely on state-administered programs in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, these projects aim to reduce administrative hurdles in accessing benefits amid new federal requirements.
The fund’s approach emphasizes collaboration to test innovations responsibly, with future open calls planned for spring 2026. Maryland’s success in this national competition underscores its position in advancing government technology while prioritizing equity and accessibility.