Community Trust Foundation’s Nonprofit Grant

The Community Trust Foundation (CTF) serves as a philanthropic leader in western Maryland and northeastern West Virginia, focusing its grantmaking on communities within Allegany and Garrett Counties in Maryland, and Mineral County in West Virginia. Since its establishment in 2006, the foundation has awarded over $7 million in grants that support strategic, high-impact investments aligned with the region's evolving needs. CTF partners with donors and nonprofit organizations to catalyze community-driven change and has become an important resource for local nonprofits seeking support for initiatives that enrich quality of life. CTF’s General Grant Program is its primary competitive funding cycle, open annually from January 1 through February 28. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government entities (such as public schools and health departments), and educational institutions that are either located in or serve the target counties. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted for organizations without their own tax-exempt status, provided they partner with a qualifying 501(c)(3) sponsor. Importantly, programs must serve residents of the eligible counties and must not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability. The foundation does not fund general operating support, fundraising efforts, or reimbursement of past expenses. The application must be submitted through the CTF Grant Portal, and applicants are urged to thoroughly review the application form prior to submission, as edits cannot be made after it is submitted. Once submitted, applications are reviewed in March, with award notifications issued in May. Awards are distributed in person at a required June ceremony, where attendance by a representative is mandatory. The foundation emphasizes transparency and communication during this process, offering applicant guidance via email or phone support. CTF prioritizes funding in several thematic areas: Arts & Historical Preservation, Education & Youth Leadership, Health & Wellness, and Recreation & Thriving Environment. These categories reflect the foundation’s commitment to a well-rounded approach to community development. Grants typically range between $2,500 and $7,500, although awards in recent cycles have varied more broadly—from as low as $500 to as high as $175,000—depending on project scale and available resources. While CTF generally supports innovative or emerging projects, it may also consider short-term funding for existing programs with strategic potential. In 2025, the foundation awarded $460,000 in total funding to 32 nonprofit organizations, spanning arts councils, educational foundations, animal welfare shelters, youth leadership groups, and food security programs. This diverse portfolio illustrates CTF’s commitment to inclusive impact. Notable recipients included Allegany Arts Council, Garrett College Foundation, and Western Maryland Food Bank. These investments were made possible through a combination of donor-advised funds and endowments managed by the foundation for sustained regional benefit. CTF’s grants do not require matching funds, making them accessible for a broad range of applicants. Interested organizations should begin by accessing the Grant Portal and are encouraged to review the Applicant Tutorial before applying. Questions can be directed to the foundation via email or phone. The foundation's headquarters is located at 112 Baltimore Street, Suite 201, in Cumberland, Maryland. Additional information about CTF’s mission and impact can be found on its official website.

Carefully review the application before submitting; it cannot be edited once submitted.