Montgomery County Community Foundation Grant Program

The Montgomery County Community Foundation administers a competitive grant program designed to support nonprofit organizations and public entities working to improve the quality of life in Montgomery County. The foundation’s mission is to build bridges that support the future of the community by investing in programs that address local needs. Through community engagement efforts such as listening sessions and community discussions, the foundation identifies priority areas including early childhood education and mental health, while continuing to support a wide range of charitable activities across sectors. The purpose of this grant program is to provide financial assistance for projects and programs that deliver meaningful community impact. Eligible proposals may fall within areas such as arts and culture, community development, education, health, human services, youth programming, and historical initiatives. While the foundation considers a broad array of requests, it gives particular attention to projects that demonstrate innovation, address significant community challenges, and show the potential for long-term benefit. Proposals that reach a broad segment of the population, promote collaboration, and leverage additional funding sources are especially encouraged. Grant funds are generally awarded for a one-year period and must be used strictly as outlined in the approved proposal. Organizations are required to return any unused funds within one year unless an extension is formally approved. The foundation typically does not support certain types of requests, including funding for individuals, political activities, religious programming that is not open to the general public, debt repayment, or events such as festivals and athletic competitions. Operating support is considered but is not a primary funding priority and is evaluated based on organizational impact, leadership, and alignment with mission-critical programs. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations located in Montgomery County that are recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as local governmental entities such as school corporations. Organizations must be in good standing with prior grant reporting requirements to be eligible for new funding. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application through the foundation’s online portal, which includes detailed organizational, financial, and project-specific information along with required supporting documentation. The application process involves several steps beginning with a review of grant guidelines followed by a required consultation with the foundation’s Grants and Community Engagement Director. Applicants must complete and submit the online application before the stated deadlines, as late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances. Required attachments include financial statements, board documentation, project budgets, and supporting materials such as bids or quotes for larger requests. Optional letters of support may also be included to strengthen the proposal. Applications are reviewed by staff and the Grants and Distributions Committee, which may conduct site visits or request additional information to better understand each proposal. The committee evaluates applications based on criteria such as community impact, feasibility, financial stability, and alignment with funding priorities. Final funding decisions are made by the Board of Directors, which may approve full or partial funding, defer the request, or decline it. Applicants are notified following board review, and successful applicants are invited to participate in a grant awards program. The grant program operates on a recurring cycle with two annual deadlines in the spring and fall. For the 2026 cycle, applications are due in early April for the spring round and mid-October for the fall round. Following submission, applications undergo committee review and board approval within a defined timeline, with decisions typically made within one to two months after the deadline. Awardees are required to complete a post-grant report detailing project outcomes and use of funds, ensuring accountability and alignment with the foundation’s mission.

Focus on demonstrating measurable community impact, collaboration, financial stability, and long-term sustainability; include clear work plans and evidence of need