(a) In evaluating the applications submitted in accordance with § 11–1404 of this subtitle and selecting eligible entities to receive a matching grant under the Program, the Division shall:
(1) seek equitable geographic and demographic diversity, including rural and urban areas;
(2) ensure that selected eligible entities will serve areas where direct care, or a related occupation, is an in–demand industry sector or occupation; and
(3) give priority to eligible entities proposing to predominately serve the individuals described under § 11–1404(c)(10)(i) and (ii) of this subtitle.
(b) An eligible entity shall secure contributions for the project in an amount of money or other consideration at least equal in value to the amount of money requested from the Program.
(c) (1) The Division may not award a matching grant to an eligible entity that exceeds $50,000 each year.
(2) If the Division receives applications for matching grants totaling more than the amount of funds appropriated for the Program for a fiscal year, the Division shall award the grants on a pro rata basis.
(d) The Division shall encourage each eligible entity receiving a matching grant under the Program, in developing and carrying out a project, to consult with:
(1) institutions of higher education;
(2) the Maryland Department of Health;
(3) one–stop career centers; and
(4) organizations with expertise in the needs of women, racial minorities, immigrants, and the impoverished.
(e) An eligible entity that carries out activities for purposes of recruiting, retaining, or providing advancement opportunities to direct care workers before receipt of a matching grant under the Program may use the grant to continue carrying out those activities.
(f) A matching grant awarded under the Program shall be valid for at least 3 years.
(g) An eligible entity receiving a matching grant under the Program shall use the funds to carry out at least one project or to continue an activity commenced before receipt of the grant that:
(1) develops and implements a strategy for the recruitment, retention, or advancement of direct care workers that includes an activity described in the eligible entity’s application; and
(2) provides compensation to each direct care worker for any training received under the project or activity.
(h) (1) An eligible entity receiving a matching grant under the Program may use not more than 10% of the funds of the grant for costs associated with the administration of a project under the Program.
(2) An eligible entity receiving a matching grant under the Program shall use at least 5% of the funds of the grant to provide direct financial assistance, such as supportive services, to direct care workers to support the financial needs of the direct care workers to enter, remain enrolled in, and complete the project assisted by the grant.
(3) An eligible entity receiving a matching grant under the Program shall use the grant to supplement, and not supplant, the amount of funds that, in the absence of the grant, would be available to address the recruitment, retention, or advancement of direct care workers in the region served by the eligible entity.