Charles County Charitable Trust Grant Program

The Charles County Charitable Trust administers an annual grantmaking program designed to support nonprofit organizations that serve the residents of Charles County, Maryland. For the Fiscal Year 2027 cycle, the Trust will provide funding of up to $65,000 per grant for projects operating between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. The program prioritizes nonprofit organizations whose missions and services focus on enhancing the quality of life for underserved populations. These include residents facing poverty, low-income households, and individuals with disabilities, among others. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that are physically operating within Charles County. To qualify, organizations must have been operational for at least three years, maintain a functioning board of at least three unrelated members, and manage an annual budget. The funded programs must provide direct benefit to Charles County residents. Collaborative proposals involving multiple nonprofits are permitted, but a lead organization must be designated to submit the application on behalf of the partnership. The Charitable Trust welcomes proposals addressing a wide range of community needs, including health and human services, education, environmental initiatives, civic and community development, and cultural or arts-based programming. Preference is given to programs that demonstrate strong community partnerships, the ability to scale or sustain services, and diversified funding sources beyond the grant request. The grant is competitive, with a structured review process conducted by the Charitable Trust’s staff and Board of Directors. Applications are first screened for completeness and eligibility before being scored by a review panel. Each proposal is evaluated based on several factors, including the clarity of program goals and outcomes, the projected impact on underserved and broader county populations, partnership strategy, and financial sustainability. The extent to which the proposed services align with the needs of Charles County residents plays a central role in the selection process. Successful applicants will be notified of their award status by June 30, 2026. The application portal for this grant cycle opens on February 19, 2026, and all submissions must be completed by 3:00 PM on April 9, 2026. Questions regarding the grant process can be directed to Christie Burnett via email at [email protected] or by phone at 301-934-3710. Applicants are encouraged to review the full grant guidelines, including details on eligibility, funding priorities, and application components, prior to submission.