AFF General Grant

The Ausherman Family Foundation offers General Grants for organizations seeking to fund operating, program, or project costs that align with their mission. Eligible applicants must serve Frederick County, MD residents and request a minimum of $2,500. Grants can include a challenge matching funds component, encouraging community support and engagement. However, in-kind and government funding cannot be counted as matching funds. This grant is an excellent opportunity for local organizations to enhance their services and impact.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for review by the Trustees. There is no application deadline. Applicants are eligible to receive one General Grant per 12-month period.
Overview
Applicants who wish to apply for a grant award that does not fit into other specific Foundation grant programs may apply for a General Grant. The request must fit the Foundation's guidelines.
General Grants
General Grants are awarded to fund costs associated with operating an organization, and/or developing, implementing, and/or maintaining a project or program.
Operating costs include the fixed and variable expenses of the organization.Program costs include expenses associated with the services related to the organization's mission.Project costs include expenses associated with a specific activity that moves the organization's mission forward.
Grants may be awarded with or without a challenge matching funds component.
General Grants with a Challenge Match Funds Component
The goal of the matching funds component is to encourage others to give, including inspiring board members to support the organization and to leverage new donors and contributions in the community. Grantees have a defined time frame in which to raise matching funds as well as restrictions on eligible donations. In-kind and government funding cannot count toward matching funds.
Funds must be raised within the grant-award period.Matching funds’ parameters are requested by the applicant and reviewed and approved by Trustees.The Grantee may request disbursement of the matching funds by:Providing a statement signed by an executive on staff and a board officer that the donations are accurate and in line with the terms in the Grant CovenantOR use the previous method of proving matching donations by providing a list of donors, the dates of the donations, and the amount of the donation given toward the matching grant, plus any materials that support the donations, such as check copies, charges, and online donations. The list of donations and the supporting materials must be submitted in the same order.Foundation funds are distributed after the matching funds are raised and documentation is provided to the Foundation.
Children, Youth, & Families
Organizations or programs that provide enrichment and increased opportunity to children and youth as well as organizations or programs that strengthen families. Programs and activities included are scouting, mentorships, youth leadership, youth community service clubs and job training, parent engagement, college access, academic enrichment, and arts activities.
Health & Human Services
Human Services programs and services that provide basic welfare to help individuals, families, and communities to prevent, alleviate, or better cope with crisis, change, and stress. This includes the following sub-categories: crime and delinquency prevention, legal services, employment/jobs, food, housing/shelter, and women’s issues.
Health services include treatment and rehabilitative programs relating to physical and mental health. Programs and services include but are not limited to the following sub-categories: mental health and crisis intervention, diseases, disorders and related medical disciplines, nutrition, and dental care.
Arts & Culture
Organizations or activities that promote enjoyment or understanding of the visual, performing, folk, or media arts; communication organizations (film, video, publishing, journalism, radio, television); and organizations or activities that promote the appreciation or understanding of historical events. Included are organizations which support artists, performers, entertainers, or writers, art and performing art schools, centers, studios, and historical societies and museums.
Public/Society Benefit
Organizations or programs that contribute to the public good and benefit society including, but not limited to, the following sub-categories: Beautifying public spaces, civic organizations and institutions, community/neighborhood development and improvement, and philanthropy, volunteerism, and grantmaking foundations.

Eligibility

Request must fall into one of the Foundation’s areas of interest.The organization must provide services to Frederick County, MD residents. Only the costs of the programs or projects associated with the services provided to Frederick County residents will be considered for funding.Minimum amount considered for grant requests is $2,500.Requested dollar amounts must be realistic and supported by documentation. A clear description of the need for funding must be provided.Operating costs include the fixed and variable expenses of the organization.Program costs include expenses associated with the providing the services related to the organization’s mission.Project costs include expenses associated with a specific activity that moves the organization’s mission forward.Applicants are eligible to receive one General Grant per 12-month period.

Ineligibility

In-kind and government funding cannot count toward matching funds.What We Don't FundAnimal Welfare OrganizationsAthletics, Leisure, RecreationEnvironmentAreas considered government responsibilitySchools, including private, charter, or Frederick County Public SchoolsPublic Safety, Disaster Preparedness, and ReliefIndividuals, including Political SupportReligious MissionsInternational ProjectsGrant requests of less than $2,500