Help Our Neighbors Fund

The Help Our Neighbors Fund, established in 2008 by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC), aims to provide urgent financial assistance through local nonprofit and faith-based organizations to residents of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Created in response to an increased demand for emergency support, the fund has continued to serve as a vital resource in times of crisis, enabling families and individuals to meet basic needs during difficult circumstances. Since its inception, the fund has distributed grants to numerous agencies, including the Fuel Fund of Maryland, Owensville Primary Care, Blessed in Tech Ministries Inc., SPAN, Inc., Downtown Hope, St. James Parish, and The Light House Homeless Prevention Center. These organizations report that the financial support enabled them to assist residents with covering essential expenses such as rent, utilities, car repairs, medication, food, and more. The overarching goal is to stabilize the lives of individuals and families, helping them retain housing, maintain employment, access healthcare, and stay on the path toward independence. The funding amount per grant ranges from $500 to $2,500, with disbursements made directly to vendors providing services, such as utility companies, landlords, pharmacies, or grocery stores. In exceptional cases, alternate disbursement arrangements may be considered. The severity and immediacy of the financial need, as well as the potential impact on the individual or family’s ability to remain stable, are key considerations in grantmaking. Organizations may apply for new funding upon submitting sufficient documentation of how prior grants were used. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit or faith-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status and active registration with the Maryland Secretary of State. They must also demonstrate a reliable process for assessing and addressing emergency needs and tracking the disbursement of financial support. Furthermore, they must be based in and serve residents of Anne Arundel County. CFAAC emphasizes transparency and accountability in the administration of these emergency assistance funds. The application window for the 2025 cycle runs from September 22 through October 28, with award announcements scheduled for November. This grant opportunity is designed for established organizations that can provide immediate, direct relief to county residents in crisis. Interested applicants may contact the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County at grants@cfaac.org or by phone at 410.280.1102 x104 for more information or assistance with the application process.