Social Finance is partnering with the State of Maryland on the Maryland Pay It Forward Fund. Thispublic-philanthropic initiative is designed to expand Maryland’s healthcare workforce at a moment of critical need by supporting aspiring nurses.
The $3 million fund is seeded by $2 million from the State of Maryland’s Talent Innovation Fund and $1 million in philanthropic fundingfrom Blue Meridian Partners.
The Maryland Pay It Forward Fund provides zero-interest loans for participants who are enrolled in Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at participating community colleges to support their successful degree completion. In the 2026-2027 academic year, the program will begin with a pilot supporting learners at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC).
Two forms of financial support are available to Maryland Pay It Forward Fund participants. Tuition gap loans cover any remaining tuition and fees after scholarships and financial aid have been applied. Living expense loans help students pay for transportation, childcare, housing, and other expenses while enrolled in their ADN program.
Loans through the Maryland Pay It Forward Fund are designed to be easy for students to understand and to repay. After completing training, participants pay back their loans through flat monthly payments, and repayments never exceed what they originally borrowed. Any borrower not earning above the minimum income threshold, set at $50,000, can apply for income-based deferment on their loan, during which their monthly payment obligation is $0. Loan repayments are “paid forward” or recycled to support future learners, extending the impact of each dollar.
For Interested Learners
Interested learners should visit this webpage for further information on the Maryland Pay It Forward Fund, including information on eligibility criteria and the loan application process.
For Interested Community Colleges
Community colleges interested in partnering with the Maryland Pay It Forward Fund can contact MarylandPIFF@socialfinance.org to learn more.
How It Works
Our administration is committed to building pathways to work, wages and wealth for individuals who aspire to care for Maryland’s community health needs, because nurses are our state’s frontline defense in providing affordable, accessible and quality healthcare. This partnership with Social Finance aids our work to build a stronger pipeline by breaking barriers to entry and ensuring aspiring nurses are given the aid they need to achieve their goals in serving our communities.
Gov. Wes Moore
Governor of Maryland
Cost shouldn’t stand in the way of talented Marylanders who want to become nurses and serve their communities. The Maryland Pay It Forward Fund tackles this challenge head-on by helping nursing students to cover their tuition and day-to-day expenses so they can finish their degree. This is an investment in Marylanders who want to build a better future for themselves while strengthening healthcare for all of us.
Portia Y. Wu
Maryland Department of Labor Secretary
The Maryland Pay It Forward Fund is an exemplary public private partnership—one that provides individual opportunity and fills a critical societal need.
The working group that developed the Maryland Pay It Forward Fund included representatives of the Governor’s Executive Office, Governor’s Workforce Development Board, Maryland Department of Labor, Governor’s Office for Children, Maryland Department of Health, and Maryland Higher Education Commission.
The Fund’s philanthropic supporters include Blue Meridian Partners.
Social Finance is leading the design of the Fund and managing the Fund.
The terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria for this loan program are subject to change without notice. Funding is limited and subject to availability at the time of application. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or funding.
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![Two healthcare workers check a patient’s blood pressure in a clinical setting, both using stethoscopes and wearing blue uniforms, while the patient sits in a chair.](https://socialfinance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-sahilcaptures-35645525-1000x667.jpg")
