Strategic Grants

The Community Foundation of Howard County offers Strategic Grants to support initiatives that enhance community well-being. Focus areas include mental health, economic growth, and cultural diversity. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities benefiting Howard County residents. The Foundation emphasizes inclusivity and aims to remove barriers to access services. Notably, grants are not awarded for individual projects or prior costs. First-time applicants are encouraged to consult the Foundation before submission.

NOTE: LOI should be submitted through the grant portal at least two weeks before the target grant deadline to allow adequate time to construct a full proposal. First-time applicants must contact the Foundation to discuss grant proposals prior to submission.
We are seeking applications that make significant progress in one of these aspirations prioritized by you and our neighbors:

• Safe and Healthy

This includes affordable housing, shelters, mental health and substance abuse services (bilingual services for care), removing barriers (includes transportation) to access services, family strengthening initiatives, safe housing, mental health resources for youth.
Progressive, Growing, Vibrant and Economically Healthy
This includes community development, training for elected officials and other leaders, education, childcare options, affordable housing, transportation and quality of place initiatives.
Inclusive, Supportive, Connected, Engaging and Culturally Diverse
This includes initiatives that encourage inclusiveness, cultural diversity, connectiveness, and bilingual services, collaborative activities, socioeconomic interaction initiatives, diversity in community outreach, human rights programs and accessibility for all to resources.

Eligibility

We make grants to tax-exempt agencies classified as 501(c)(3) organizations, which are public charities as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Community Foundation will consider only grant requests that benefit residents of Howard County. Not-for-profit organizations without a 501(c)(3) classification may seek funding with the support of a fiscal agent.

Ineligibility

Typically, we do not award grants:For costs incurred prior to the grant application being approved.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.