Small Grants

The Small Grants program, administered by the Community Foundation of Howard County, offers funding for one-time opportunities and short-term crises. Grants up to $5,000 are available on a rolling basis, emphasizing emergency requests. Organizations may receive only one grant per year, ensuring that funds support projects with high community visibility and responsible financial management. This initiative aims to address immediate needs while promoting sustainability in local nonprofits.

NOTE: Small grants are administered on a rolling cycle each calendar year. Applications are accepted and evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis until funds available for the calendar year are gone.
Our communities and nonprofits may face unexpected, short-term crises or opportunities.Small grants will be available between our grant cycles. These are to be used for specific, one-time opportunities or unexpected, short-term crises. An organization may receive one small grant in a calendar year but may not receive a small grant the following calendar year. These grants are not for recurring costs or for general operations. We will continue accepting applications on a rolling cycle.
Small grant guidelines:
Requests must be for $5,000 or less.Requests for emergencies or immediate needs will be given priority.The implementation of small grant requests should fall outside the annual grant cycle timeframe. Small grant requests received during the annual grant cycle application cycle must either be:an emergency request where funding is needed immediately or a request for a small, one-time project under $5,000.

Eligibility

Requests should be for a one-time expense. Small grants will not sustain operating or programming costs from year-to-year. Small grant requests to cover a portion of a new ongoing expense must explain the plan for future sustainability.Organizations may only receive one (1) mini-grant per calendar year.Grants will be made only to organizations whose programs benefit the residents of Howard, Clinton or Carroll counties and preference will be given to those projects that have high visibility in the community.Grants will be made only to organizations which provide for a responsible fiscal agent and adequate accounting procedures.

Ineligibility

Requests for funding for sponsorships or events will not be considered.Typically, we do not award grants:For costs incurred prior to the grant application being approved.Please be mindful of board action deadlines when completing your application.For annual fund drives or generic solicitation letters.To individuals, families, or businesses.For attending seminars or taking trips except where there are special circumstances which will benefit the larger community.Sectarian religious purposes but will consider grants to religious organizations for general community programs.Endowment funds.Projects which have been proposed by individuals or organizations responsible to advisory bodies or persons unless letters of recommendation or approval from those advisory bodies or persons accompany the grant proposals.