Montgomery County’s Office of Grants Management is accepting applications from qualified nonprofit organizations providing direct services to or advocacy for County community members. An amount totaling $250,000 is available through the County’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Quarter 2 Community Projects Fund Grants Program. Applications can be submitted by eligible nonprofits until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Nonprofit organizations with fewer than three employees and annual budgets of $250,000 or less are eligible to receive a grant. Nonprofits do not need to be based in Montgomery County to apply, but all projects must occur within the County or be exclusively focused on County residents. FY24 Community Project Fund award amounts will vary with a minimum award of $5,000 and a maximum award amount of $25,000 over a six-month performance period.
This current cycle also will include an additional $100,000 in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services for the “FY24 Fentanyl Use, Overdose and Death Reduction Grant Program,” which aims to reduce the number of persons using, overdosing and dying from the use of fentanyl in the County. Four one-time awards are anticipated at $25,000, each with a period of performance for up to a year with a goal of supporting new as well as existing programs.
“It is important to acknowledge the vital contributions of small and emerging nonprofits in tackling the challenges that impact our community,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The grants we are offering through the Community Projects Fund Grant Program empower these essential organizations to make a tangible difference in our fight against fentanyl and the impact it is having on our community. I have said before that government can’t do everything, which is why it is so important for us to partner with nonprofits. They have the experience and expertise, but often don’t have the financial resources needed to have a greater impact. Together we can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
The County received 54 applications during the first FY24 Community Projects Fund solicitation round. These applications are currently in the final round of reviews with awarding decisions anticipated later this month. Applicants who submitted an application under Quarter 1 also can submit an application for consideration in this round.
Applicants with questions about the application process should contact Olga Kravets in the Office of Grants Management by calling 240-773-3344 or by email at grants@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The Community Projects Fund is intentionally flexible to allow nonprofits to identify their own needs and new programming best suited to support their communities. The full program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the online application, a link to a recorded online information session, links to additional training events and other resources are available on the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management—Grant Application Platform. The Community Project Fund will reopen for new proposals on Jan. 1 and April 1, 2024.
"I am pleased to see that funding has been allocated to combat fentanyl addiction as opioids continue to be the most common drugs involved in overdoses. When grant funds can help people dealing with addiction at the grassroots level, it helps the community at large," said County Council President Evan Glass. "I encourage our small and emerging nonprofit partners to apply for this latest round of community project funding that can be used to help improve the lives of Montgomery County residents.”
Grant applications will be reviewed by an independent committee organized by the Office of Grants Management. The committee will include neutral, qualified individuals from Montgomery County Government who are selected for their experiences in the Community Grant program’s subject area, grants administration or project management. The panel members will review and score applicant proposals on a 100-point scale based on the criteria and priorities established in the Community Grant program, with cumulative ranking informing the final awards.
