Helping Empower Area Resources Together (HEART) Grant Program

The Helping Empower Area Resources Together (HEART) Grant Program, initiated by Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, aims to provide emergency funding to local nonprofit organizations impacted by the federal government shutdown. Announced on November 7, 2025, the County Executive proposed a $1.5 million one-time allocation to support nonprofit agencies that deliver critical services to Frederick County residents, particularly those experiencing operational or financial hardship due to the shutdown. The HEART program will award grants of up to $50,000, based on an organization’s current fiscal year budget, with a maximum grant size capped at 10% of the applicant’s annual operating budget. Funds must be used for essential operational costs resulting from revenue gaps, increased service demands, or for the expansion of direct services to residents. These expenses must be new and not previously covered by other federal, state, or county funding streams. Disbursements will be provided as lump-sum payments upon execution of a grant agreement. To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing with the IRS, the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, and Frederick County Government. Organizations must be headquartered in Frederick County and serve at least 51% of local residents. Applicants must have been established before July 1, 2022, and plan to continue operations through at least June 30, 2026. Fiscal sponsors and specific types of nonprofit entities such as churches, labor unions, and political foundations are not eligible to apply. Applications open on November 19, 2025, and must be submitted through Frederick County’s Foundant grant portal by January 8, 2026. The review process will consider organizational needs, budget size, and community benefit, with final award decisions made by the County Executive. Awardees will enter into formal grant agreements, which include conditions for fund usage, documentation retention for five years, and County audit rights. Technical assistance sessions will be held on December 4 and December 15, 2025, to support applicants. All awardees must submit financial reports detailing fund usage by March 31, 2026, and a final report by June 30, 2026. Any unused funds must be reported and returned to the County.

Apply early; ensure proof of standing and budget documents are accurate; only organizations directly serving Frederick County and without fiscal sponsors are eligible.