Friends of The Great Frederick Fair Grant Program

The Community Foundation of Frederick County is offering grants to support agriculture in Frederick County, Maryland. These grants are specifically for nonprofit organizations that provide agriculture education, support the renovation, construction, and/or maintenance of buildings promoting agricultural activities, and/or promote agriculture as an industry and way of life. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to foster community well-being by investing in local initiatives. The available funding for this grant cycle totals $45,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The target beneficiaries for this program include existing nonprofit 501c3 organizations, existing government/quasi-governmental agencies applying for extraordinary projects not funded by tax revenue, faith-based organizations requesting funding for non-sectarian activities, and civic groups that are not 501c3 organizations requesting funding for a community cause. The impact goals are to strengthen agricultural education, improve infrastructure for agricultural activities, and elevate the profile of agriculture within the community. The program prioritizes initiatives that directly contribute to the vitality of the agricultural sector in Frederick County. This includes educational programs that inform the public about agriculture, projects that enhance facilities used for agricultural promotion, and efforts to celebrate and sustain agriculture as a core industry and lifestyle. The expected outcomes are an increase in agricultural literacy, improved resources for agricultural activities, and a stronger community appreciation for the agricultural sector. While specific measurable results are not detailed, successful projects would likely demonstrate an increase in participation in agricultural education programs, an improvement in the condition or accessibility of agricultural facilities, and enhanced public engagement with agricultural events and initiatives. The Foundation's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, include supporting local economic drivers and cultural heritage. By investing in agriculture, the Foundation operates on a theory of change that by strengthening key community pillars, overall community health and prosperity are enhanced. This grant specifically aims to contribute to a thriving agricultural community, which in turn supports local businesses, preserves local heritage, and provides educational opportunities for residents.