About Our Grantmaking

Our grant funding is divided into three broad areas with different applications and deadlines.

We fund nonprofits meeting the areas of greatest need in Frederick County through strategic grants. These needs have been identified in The 2011 Frederick County Human Needs Assessment Report and The 2018 Frederick County Human Needs Assessment Report.  The focus of strategic grant funding may change as new data becomes available.

Currently, we are funding high impact projects that:

• reduce emergency department visits
• prevent homelessness and help the newly homeless
• improve school readiness for young children

In FY20, we are funding capacity-building outcomes for programs, organizations, or systems that address:

• supporting families with children
• preparing for an aging population
• responding to substance use disorder

We also support a wide array of programs that improve the community and provide opportunities for people of all ages through impact grants. Funding can support:

• health and human services
• historic preservation
• the arts
• agriculture
• civic causes
• animal welfare
• education
• youth programs
• elder care
• environment

We support nonprofits meeting the needs of individual Frederick County residents through rolling grants. Funds remain available until they are used, or until June 1 each year. Funding can support:

• extraordinary medical needs,
• a “hand-up” to someone experiencing hardship,
• other purposes as funds become available.

Questions? Contact Community Impact.

Organizations submit grant applications through our online system, within the specified application period. The Grants Committee, comprised of board members and other community volunteers with specific expertise, review applications and make funding recommendations to the Board of Trustees. Our team will then help the receiving organization put its grant into motion.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

• a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• a government agency applying for an extraordinary project that is not funded by tax revenue
• a religious organization requesting funding for non-sectarian activities
• a civic group that is not a 501(c)(3) requesting funding for a community cause.

What financial information is required?

A project budget showing how the grant funds will be used as well as all sources of income is required. Applicants must also provide organizational level financial information. 

How is the online grant application system accessed?

Use the button at the bottom of the page to access applications, awards, payment and reporting information. Additional information about creating and using our online grant application system can be found in Applying for Grants Online – Technical FAQs.

The following documents contain information that will help you successfully complete your application. 

• Applying for Grants Online - Technical FAQs
• FY20 Impact Grant Funds List
• FY20 Strategic Initiatives Overview
• Sample Budget
• Financial Form
• Reimbursement Request Guidelines
• Sample Budget to Actual
• Strategic Grants: Examples of Indicators and Activities

Questions? Contact Community Impact.

• Strategic Grants – generally mid-July through mid-August, annually. The specific application date will be posted in the spring of 2020.
• Impact Grants - generally mid-July through mid-August, annually. The specific application date will be posted in the spring of 2020.
• Other Grants - there are currently "rolling" grants available for a variety of purposes from November 1, 2019 through April 1, 2020. View grant list here.

Other reference documents that may be helpful are available in the “How does the grant process work” section above.

Use the link in the blue box below to view all current grant opportunities.

Grantees - use the link in the green box below to access information about grants you have already received. 

Questions? Contact Community Impact.

Access your grant account using the link in the blue box at the bottom of the page. All information you need to know about your grant is posted there.

Helpful documents: 

• Sample budget to actual
• Reimbursement Request Guidelines