Community Service Grant Program

The City of Gaithersburg's Community Service Grant Program is an established funding initiative designed to support nonprofit organizations serving residents within the incorporated boundaries of Gaithersburg, Maryland. With a long-standing commitment of over 25 years, this program continues to enable service delivery in critical areas such as medical care, mental health, vocational training, food access, housing preservation, and support for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The City’s FY27 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), released on September 5, 2025, invites eligible not-for-profit organizations to apply for funding to implement service-oriented programs that directly benefit City residents. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1) organizations with a minimum of five years of relevant service experience. All services funded through this program must be delivered either in person or virtually to individuals living within the official City limits of Gaithersburg. The City emphasizes outreach, cultural competency, outcome-based programming, and partnerships. Applicants must outline a multilingual outreach strategy and demonstrate a strong track record of community engagement. Awarded contractors are required to coordinate with the Gaithersburg Financial Empowerment Center and participate in quarterly meetings with the Gaithersburg Coalition of Providers. The program offers a total of $769,195 in funding, with a minimum request amount of $5,000. Awardees must allocate at least 85% of funds toward direct program services, with no more than 15% permitted for indirect or administrative costs. Funding may be used for personnel salaries and benefits, program supplies, materials, training, and limited administrative costs. The period of performance will begin July 1, 2026, and run through June 30, 2027. There is a possibility of a one-year renewal based on City Council budget approval, compliance with reporting, and program prioritization. Applications must be submitted electronically via the City’s grant portal by 5:00 PM on October 31, 2025. Applicants must submit a complete proposal package, including a logic model, budget spreadsheet, staff resumes, three letters of support, recent audit or financial statement, IRS 990, proof of nonprofit status, good standing documentation, and other supporting materials. A confirmation email will be sent upon successful submission. Technical assistance is available through optional virtual information sessions held on four dates in September 2025. While participation in these sessions is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. Questions about the NOFO must be submitted in writing by October 23, 2025. Answers will be posted publicly to the City’s grant website. Evaluation and scoring are conducted by a City-appointed Community Advisory Committee. Proposals are judged on multiple criteria, including program design, need, logic model, past experience, staffing, and budget alignment. Notification of awards is expected in Spring 2026. Contract awardees will be subject to quarterly reporting and site visits for quality assurance. Continued funding and contract renewal are contingent upon compliance with all requirements, performance metrics, and submission of documentation, including anonymized client addresses within City limits.

Review the NOFO in full. Attend info sessions. Ensure logic model and budget are aligned to services and outcomes.