The Community Foundation of Frederick County offers a range of grant opportunities designed to support diverse community interests and causes, with a mission to enhance the quality of life throughout Frederick County, Maryland. Established with the backing of local donors, the Foundation plays a central role in mobilizing resources to respond to local needs. Through its rolling grants program, it provides responsive and accessible funding to nonprofits, civic groups, religious organizations conducting non-sectarian activities, and government or quasi-government agencies executing extraordinary projects not funded by tax revenue.
The Rolling Grants program is open from February 15 to May 31, 2025, and operates on a rolling basis, with awards given until funds are depleted. These grants are drawn from various field-of-interest and special-purpose funds managed by the Foundation. Applications are submitted online through the Foundant platform. Prior to applying, applicants are encouraged to consult the Foundation’s Grant Seeker’s Guidebook and contact the grants team directly at 301-695-7660 for assistance.
Organizations applying must directly benefit Frederick County residents and meet specific eligibility requirements. Eligible applicants include existing 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing with the IRS, the Maryland Secretary of State’s charitable division, and the Department of Assessment and Taxation’s Maryland Personal Property Tax Division. Additionally, government agencies, religious organizations conducting secular activities, and civic groups working on community causes are also eligible.
Applicants must create a Foundant account and submit individual applications for each fund they seek support from. The minimum grant request is $500, and maximum amounts vary by fund. Funded projects must be completed between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Interim reports are due by July 31, 2025, and final reports by January 31, 2026, providing updates on the use and impact of grant funds.
Questions regarding eligibility or application procedures can be directed to the grants team at community.impact@FrederickCountyGives.org. Additional grant opportunities are also available through the Foundation, including Strategic Grants, Impact Grants, and specific initiatives like the Women’s Giving Circle and Veterans Relief Fund, each with unique criteria and timelines. A full grant timeline is provided for planning purposes, with reviews and notifications scheduled appropriately for each funding type.
