The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo) is currently accepting applications for the 2021 Community Grants Program.

The Community Grants Program provides funding for operational and project needs within the 2021 calendar year. Operational grants provide support for the day-to-day costs of running a nonprofit organization. Operational grants are unrestricted income to help an organization carry out its goals without imposing the requirement to develop activities directly attributable to the grant.

The Community Foundation of Howard County (“Foundation”) seeks to enhance the potential of Howard County residents to live fulfilled and enriched lives. To that end they fund nonprofit organizations which ensure access to local human services programs, arts, cultural and environmental activities, and educational opportunities. By distributing grants that allow the nonprofits to achieve their charitable objectives and supporting programs that touch and transform the lives of Howard County residents, they are encouraging residents to actively participate in the economic and social fabric of the community.

Funding Information

Based on the availability of funds, in 2021 the Foundation will award grants in two categories:

• Operational Grants of up to $10,000 for non-profit organizations providing services in Howard County with an organizational budget ABOVE $100,000 
• Operational Grants of up to $5,000 for non-profit organizations providing services in Howard County with an organizational budget BELOW $100,000

Eligibility Criteria

The Foundation considers grant applications from organizations:

• Determined as charitable under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other entities that meet IRS charitable guidelines; 
• Delivering services to Howard County residents in the areas of human services, arts & culture, education, environment or community affairs; 
• Providing programs and services to the intended beneficiaries without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, pregnancy, ancestry, age or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, county or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

For more information, visit CFHoCo.