Manage Your Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Grant
Begin managing your grant as soon as your award is confirmed with requirements, reporting, and support
As a Maryland Corps/Service Year Option Host Site Partner, you’ll find the essential steps to set up your grant, access required systems, review your award documents, and understand the responsibilities that come with receiving state funding.
Make sure to read your grant agreement thoroughly and bookmark this page for ongoing reference.
Cost-Reimbursement Grants: What Host Sites Need to Know
What Does Cost-Reimbursement Mean?
A cost-reimbursement grant means your organization covers approved program expenses first, then receives a quarterly reimbursement from DSCI after submitting documentation.
In simple terms: you pay upfront, DSCI pays you back.
As a Host Site, you will:
- Pay approved member costs as they occur
- Keep clear and accurate financial records
- Submit reimbursement requests on a quarterly basis for allowable costs
- Follow grant guidelines and reporting requirements
What Does This Mean for Your Budget?
A grant from DSCI covers approximately two thirds of the member wages, your funds cover the rest of the member’s wages, taxes and benefits, your funds are also referred to as cost-sharing. In addition, DSCI provides training, coaching and professional development directly to the members.
$27,450 per year per full-time member
You are reimbursed: Up to $20,000 per year
Your remaining cost: About $7,450 per year
This equals about $180 per week
Below is an example to help you estimate your out-of-pocket costs after reimbursement.
Quick Cost Guide (per Member)
| Hourly Wage | At least $15 an hour* |
|---|---|
| YOUR Estimated Annual Minimum Cost | ~$7,450 |
| YOUR Estimated Weekly Minimum Cost | ~$180 |
| Total Estimated. Weekly Cost - Payroll and Required Taxes | ~$670 |
| Total Estimated. Annual Cost - Payroll and Required Taxes | ~$27,450 |
DSCI Reimbursement (For Full-time 40 hours per week) | Up to $20,000 |
*For jurisdictions where the minimum wages are higher, YOUR estimated costs will increase due to the increase in wages. Reimbursements are proportional, meaning that both the state and your organization have financial obligations each quarter.
Member Health Insurance: What to Expect
Some members may need health insurance during their service term. Historically, about 15–20% of members enroll in health insurance, which will increase your program costs.
If a member needs coverage, Host Site Partners are required to make sure the member has access to basic health insurance (self-only coverage).
You can meet this requirement in one of the following ways:
- Provide health insurance through your organization’s plan, or
- Support the member in enrolling through the Maryland Health Exchange and reimburse at least 50% of their monthly premium (Premiums are variable, but given the majority members are under 24, In 2025, the average monthly premium after subsidies was $184)
Both options satisfy the program’s health insurance requirement.
Payroll Provider
If a reimbursable grant is not a good fit for your organization, you may be able to use the DSCI sponsored payroll provider. The payroll provider will become the employer of record and pays the member directly. Your organization pays the payroll provider every two weeks for payroll taxes and your portion of the member’s wages.
Your estimated cost is approximately $180 a week, or approximately $7,450 annually, paid on a bi-weekly basis to the payroll provider. If you live in a jurisdiction where the hourly wage is higher than $15 an hour, you can expect your weekly costs to increase by proportionate amount of the wage increase.
Please note, DSCI may require some HSPs to use the payroll provider to ensure member payroll is delivered consistently, compliantly, and efficiently, while allowing your organization to focus on its core mission.
Cost-Share Waiver Process
- If your organization is unable to meet the required cost-sharing, you may apply for a competitive cost-share waiver. A cost-share waiver reduces your required cost-sharing, but will not relieve the payroll taxes associated with your member (approximately 11% of the member’s salary).
- If available, cost-share waivers are awarded through a competitive review process. Decisions are based on your organization’s capacity and on community circumstances that limit your ability to provide the required cost-sharing.
- For priority consideration for a cost-share waiver, please submit this application no later than June 1, 2026.
Support and contact information
Need help? DSCI’s team is here to support you throughout your grant. If you have questions about compliance, reporting, or financial processes, reach out to us anytime!