CFES Community Needs Grant

The CFES Community Needs Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, supports charitable programs that address community needs in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofits, government entities, and nonsectarian programs from places of worship. Grant requests may reach up to $10,000, with a focus on operational or programmatic support. Applicants must demonstrate a two-year history of service in the area and provide a Letter of Inquiry detailing their impact.

The Community Needs grant supports a broad range of charitable programs. CFES aims to meet the evolving needs of our grantees as they work to serve our communities. Applicants may request support for operations or programs. However, limitations may apply and some organizations, particularly those new to our grant programs, may be restricted to programmatic requests. If this is the case, staff will provide direction after the letter of inquiry review. This grant program will start with a LETTER OF INQUIRY.  It will be important to explain in your Letter of Inquiry the impact your organization makes in our region, the amount requested, and intended use of funds.

Eligibility

Applicants must be 501c3 nonprofit organizations, places of worship providing nonsectarian community programming, or government entities.Applicants must be established for a minimum of two years, serving citizens of Maryland's Somerset, Wicomico and/or Worcester Counties currently and for at least two years. Collaborative projects may be eligible for a higher grant maximum – please clearly specify collaborative partnerships in your letter of inquiry.Places of worship may request programmatic support for non-sectarian work (community programming accessible to all and not limited to congregation members). Government agencies may request programmatic support. Pre-K through 12 schools may request support through our annual Education Grants program.

Ineligibility

Out of area applicants are not eligible to apply. Organizations new to CFES may not be eligible for operational support and may be limited to a lower grant maximum. We will communicate any restrictions or concerns upon reviewing your letter of inquiry.