How much funding does Richard A. Henson Award for Nonprofit Excellence Grant provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

When is the deadline for Richard A. Henson Award for Nonprofit Excellence Grant?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Who is eligible for Richard A. Henson Award for Nonprofit Excellence Grant?

Required: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Richard A. Henson Award for Nonprofit Excellence Grant

Community Foundation of the Eastern Shor

Foundation Grants for Nonprofits

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

Foundation

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Required status

501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Overview

The Richard A. Henson Award for Nonprofit Excellence, established by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, honors nonprofit organizations demonstrating exceptional contributions to the community. This award recognizes programs that embody Mr. Henson's commitment to community needs and entrepreneurial spirit. Nonprofits within the tri-county area are eligible, and nominees should exemplify excellence in leadership and resource mobilization to address critical community challenges.

Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
As leaders, grant makers, and stewards of philanthropy, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore connects people who care to causes that matter for the common good of the Lower Eastern Shore. We are a 501c3 nonprofit with an inspiring history of fostering charitable endeavors, and have provided $100 million in grants and scholarships to the local community since 1984. We collaborate with individuals, families, and businesses to match their charitable interests with community needs and strengthen local nonprofits through grants and resources.
In 1989 the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore established the Richard A. Henson Award for Nonprofit Excellence in recognition of Mr.
The Award may be presented annually to a nonprofit organization, within the tri-county region, which has implemented a program or project that has made an outstanding contribution to the well-being of residents of the Lower Eastern Shore. Nominees for the Award should, notably, through their actions, exemplify the spirit of excellence, which filled the life of Richard A. Henson.
Award Criteria
The criteria for the Award correspond closely to Richard A. Henson’s philosophy that achievements in the nonprofit sector should demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, and that resources should be creatively marshalled to provide effective and timely responses to critical or emerging community needs. The Selection Committee looks for nonprofits that have demonstrated board leadership and responsibility within the organization to carry forth their mission and to cultivate financial support in the community.

What Community Foundation of the Eastern Shor actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 238
Total given: $8.01M
Median grant: $14K
Range: $5,123–$663K

By dollars: Maryland 92%, Delaware 3%, District of Columbia <1%. Top recipient cities: Salisbury, MD; Berlin, MD; Ocean City, MD.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
26% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

WOR-WIC Community College Foundation Inc · Salisbury, MD

Education

$663K
Horizons Delmarva Inc · Salisbury, MD

Education

$376K
Wicomico Presbyterian Church · Salisbury, MD

Faith based programs

$348K
Tidalhealth Foundation Inc · Salisbury, MD

Health

$261K
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore Inc · Salisbury, MD

Community development

$205K