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Montgomery County
Grant Opportunities Newsletter

August 7, 2025

The Montgomery County Grant Opportunities Newsletter provides grant seeking stakeholders with a concrete schedule of new, currently open, and soon to be launched grant programs as well as status updates for closed grant programs.  The newsletter also highlights the Office of Grants Management (OGM) events, non-County grant opportunities, and other events/news items of interest to grant seeking stakeholders.  Past Newsletters can be found on OGM's About Us website.

New This Week

• FY26 Cost Sharing Capital Grants (CSCG) Program - Stage Two: Opened August 7 and closes Monday September 8 at 11:59 PM. OGM is soliciting grant applications from qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking to implement capital projects that help provide access to resources, direct services, historical preservation, cultural enrichment, and/or other benefits to Montgomery County residents. The FY26 competition will again be limited only to projects that have an existing State capital award for the same project. The competition will be in two stages with the current Stage One collecting a brief application summarizing the project, requested amount from the County, and providing proof of a State capital award.  Applicants that missed Stage One will still be able to submit an application so long as they meet all other eligibility conditions.

• FY26 Healthy Communities Fund Grant Program: Opened August 1, 2025, the Asian American Health Initiative, part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Community Affairs, and the Office of Grants Management (OGM) are soliciting grant applications from qualified 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations to administer culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and services that improve the health and wellness of Montgomery County residents with a particular focus on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with other community organizations to ensure a coordinated, community-driven approach that maximizes resources. $1,500,000 is available within the Healthy Communities Fund with grants awards of up to $150,000 after a thorough competitive review of all completed proposals.

Currently Open

• FY26 Food Recovery Network Coordination Grant Program: Opened July 21, 2025 and closes August 18, 2025. The Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR) and the Office of Grants Management (OGM) are soliciting grant applications for the County’s FY26 Food Recovery Coordination Grant Program to support the design, implementation, and ongoing coordination of a centralized Montgomery County Food Recovery Network (FRN) that improves operational efficiency at the organizational and network levels, leverages new resources, and boosts collaboration across the network of food recovery operators. A single grant for a total of $125,000 will be made available to fund one award to an eligible non-profit organization that demonstrates experience in coordinating community partners and does not directly distribute recovered food.

• FY26 Community Grant Award Renewal: Organizations with a current (FY25) Community Grant multi-year award should have received a Notification Letter in mid-May from the Office of Grants Management informing them of this opportunity, directing them to the appropriate module, and providing detailed instructions on how to submit their proposal.  If you are a specific recipient of the Community Grants program and do not have this letter in your records, please contact OGM at grantsadministration@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

• FY26 Legacy Grant Award Renewal (aka Bridge Grants): Organizations with a current (FY24 or FY25) Legacy Grant (aka Bridge Grants) award should have received a Notification Letter in mid-May from the Office of Grants Management informing them of this opportunity, directing them to the appropriate module, and providing detailed instructions on how to submit their proposal. If you are a specific recipient of the Community Grants program and do not have this letter in your records, please contact OGM at grantsadministration@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

Coming Soon (Next 30 Days)

• FY25 Nonprofit Incubators Grants Program: (Anticipated launch in early August, 2025). The goal of this grant program is to compete out funds to nonprofit providers for the administration of Nonprofit Incubators serving nonprofits throughout the County. OGM seeks innovative proposals that explore administrative shared serves, micro-grants administrative needs, common workspaces, as well as sustained coaching, mentoring, and community building for incubator participants.  $1 million is available for this grant program with OGM anticipating 2-3 multi-year awards ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 per year.

• FY26 EquiCare Renewal (FY24 Cohort of grantees): Organizations with a current (FY24) EquiCare Grant multi-year award should have received a Notification Letter from the Office of Grants Management informing them of this opportunity, directing them to next steps, and providing detailed instructions on how to submit any revisions their proposal.  If you are a specific recipient of the EquiCare Grants program and do not have this letter in your records, please contact OGM at grantsadministration@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

• FY26 Light House Grant Program: (Anticipated Launch Mid August, 2025) The FY26 Lighthouse Grant Program will provide one umbrella (lead) organization roughly $3 million in County funds to design, implement and manage a countywide collaborative initiative to deliver comprehensive services to support socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals and families navigating challenges related to immigration status within the County.  To maximize impact, applicants are expected to design, implement, and evaluate a model that accurately assesses and identifies the needs of individuals and families, organizes needed support into different tiers, and responds effectively in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner to address the complex needs of the priority population. The project period is from October 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with a potential one time no-cost extension until October 1, 2026. Any future funding outside of the project period is contingent on Council appropriations for FY27. 

• FY26 Community Food Assistance Grant Program (Anticipated Launch in Mid-August 2025):  The FY26 Community Food Assistance Grant Program will solicit applications from food assistance provider organizations to support the 1) purchase and/or (new in FY26) recovery and 2) distribution of shelf-stable, fresh food, and/or prepared meals to Montgomery County residents on at least a monthly basis in zip-codes throughout the County. This program will increase access to locally sourced, culturally relevant food options among residents experiencing food insecurity.  Grant recipients will provide essential community food assistance services while closing service gaps, enhancing their impact, utilize standardized data collection, and strengthening both the provider network and the resilience of the local food system. 

• FY25 Community Projects Fund Administration Grant Program: (Anticipated launch in Mid-August 2025) The goal of this grant program is to compete out to a nonprofit provider the administration of the Community Project Fund pool of resources.  The award winner will also be responsible for providing coaching, mentoring, and sustained technical assistance to small, emerging, and volunteer led nonprofit applicants and award winners for this pool of resources. $1.2 million is available for this grant program and OGM anticipates making a single award to one partner.

• FY25 Nonprofit Technical Assistance and Management Support Grants Program: (Anticipated launch in late August 2025) The goal of this grant program is to compete out funds to nonprofit providers for the administration of Nonprofit Incubators serving nonprofits throughout the County.  OGM will seek innovative proposals that help prepare County nonprofits to independently and successfully apply for win, implement, and comply with County, other local jurisdiction, private, State, and federal awards.  This award may include a sub-granting component.  $2 million is available for this grant program with OGM anticipating 4-5 multi-year awards ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 per year.  Portions of this funding pool may be integrated into the FY25 Nonprofit Incubator and FY24 Community Projects Fund Administration Grant Programs.

For a longer-term forecast of launch dates for County grant programs and renewals check out the most current Grant Program Forecast.

Status of Closed, but not Awarded, Grant Programs

• FY26 School-Based Food Assistance Grant Program: The application window closed on July 14, 2025. The 15 applications submitted that passed Administrative Review are currently undergoing technical reviews by subject matter experts and are expected to be complete by the week of August 6^th.

• FY25 Underserved Communities Project (UCP) Grant Award Program Renewal: Awards are currently being processed for signature. If you have any questions, please contact OGM at grants@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Do you want feedback on a past grant program application, whether you received an award or not?  Reach out to OGM at grants@montgomerycountymd.gov and OGM Staff will facilitate a feedback session with the grant program's responsible department.  Please indicate the email which specific grant program application you want feedback on. 

For a list of all grant programs from every fiscal year and award winners, visit the Office of Grants Management’s “Grant Program Results” page.

Upcoming Grants Related Events and Resources

• August 2025 OGM Community Forum Recording: OGM staff provided general OGM updates, forecast coming County FY26 grant programs, covered "The Grant Agreement Approval Cycle" as a special topic, and answered stakeholder questions. Recordings and slide decks for all past OGM Forum events will continue to be posted on the OGM About Us website.

• Advisory Workgroup on Strategic Planning for County Grants Website:  The Montgomery County Council created the Advisory Workgroup on Strategic Planning for County Grants by Council Resolution 20-780 on April 22, 2025. The workgroup’s goal is to recommend strategies to: 
  • Develop a proposed strategic plan for the Community Grants program;
  • Make recommendations for resolving and transition the Community Grants Legacy awards; and
  • Develop proposed criteria and process for the annual Cost Sharing: CIP grants program.

The workgroup last met on Wednesday July 30, 2025 from 2:30 to 4:30 and discussed Cost Sharing Capital Grants, Grant Process Standardization, Grant Data, and a correction to the slide deck shared in the first meeting. The next meeting is TBD. More information on the workgroup and links to supporting resources can be found on the Advisory Workgroup on Strategic Planning for County Grants website.

• Are you looking for feedback on an unsuccessful grant proposal? Unfunded List is an organization of volunteers that reviews proposals and provides feedback. They offer two rounds of review per year, with an upcoming deadline of March 15, 2025.  See a great recent article from the organization that echoes OGM's experiences:  7 Mistakes Grantseekers Make - Unfunded List.

Do you have a free grants related training event or resource that you want to advertise in the OGM Newsletter?  Please email information on your training event and/or resource in the format above to OGM at grants@montgomerycountymd.gov and we will at to the Newsletter. OGM will not market paid events or services.

Non-County Funding Opportunities (Sorted by Newest to Oldest Posting)

• AIDS United Harm Reduction Futures Fund Round 16: Pre-Applications due August 21, 2025. Direct Service and Multi-Program Support organizations that support harm reduction through syringe services programs are welcome to apply for support to reduce the health, psychosocial, and socioeconomic disparities experienced by people who use drugs. Direct Service organization grants range from $10,000-$25,000 and Multi-Program Support organization grants range from $25,000-$40,000. An informational webinar is set for August 8; register for link.
• AIDS United Rapid Response Technical Assistance (TA) Program via Sector Transformation Initiative Portfolio: Requests reviewed on a rolling basis. This program is designed to strengthen HIV service organizations as they navigate current funding landscape shifts. Technical assistance (TA) is available at three levels: 1) Open Access to online resources (no application needed); 2) Limited-time technical assistance for targeted challenges related to leadership, operations, or proposal writing; and 3) $15,000 intensive micro-grant and dedicated TA liaison providing customized services.
• MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program: Applications due September 30, 2025. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) Foundation invites proposals from US based nonprofit organizations to undertake innovative awareness programs or provide services to improve the mental health of young people of color. Initiatives may address mental health and/or substance abuse disorders. The maximum grant is $10,000.
• Maryland Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program: Phase 1 applications due September 26, 2025. The Maryland Department of Commerce invites applications from private companies, nonprofits, local governments, or IHLs in Maryland to support innovation infrastructure projects. Grants may be used to defray costs to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, install, improve, or equip an eligible innovation infrastructure project designed to transform and accelerate growth in an eligible technology sector. The maximum grant is $2,000,000. There is a webinar on August 21^st.
• American Heart Association Impact Funds: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. For-profit and nonprofit organizations tackling social drivers of health may apply for support in the form of investments, loans, or grants to transform Health Care Access & Quality, Food Security, or Economic Empowerment. No maximum is listed.
• Maryland Solar Access Program. Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting July 21, 2025. The program helps eligible Maryland residents install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to power their homes. The application is a two-step process: an initial application to reserve funds and a solar installation completion verification. Solar PV installation contractors may apply for inclusion until September 8, 2025, or during a second window from December 15, 2025-March 3, 2026. The grant is provided at $750 per kWDC, up to a maximum of $7,500.
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Foundation Access to Care Grants. Applications due September 19, 2025. A wide variety of nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and dental health groups may apply to support community-based initiatives that provide dental care to underserved children. The maximum grant is $30,000.
• Maryland Affordable Housing Trust. Applications due September 11, 2025. Nonprofits, public housing authorities, governments, and profit-motivated entities may apply for loans or grants to support capital costs of rental and ownership housing; financial assistance for nonprofit-developer capacity building; supportive services for occupants of affordable housing; and operating expenses of affordable housing developments. Projects must serve households earning less than 50% of area or Statewide median income. Past grants have been in the range of $30,000-$75,000.
• S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Targeted Capacity Expansion – Special Projects. Applications due August 14, 2025. Domestic public and private nonprofit entities may apply for support to implement targeted strategies to provide treatment and related services for substance use disorder (SUD) and/or co-occurring disorder (COD) to communities with higher prevalence of SUD/COD. Recipients will use public health data to identify the SUD/COD treatment needs in the community that this program will support with evidence-based and population-appropriate treatment and related services. The maximum grant is $375,000.
• Rumphius Foundation Grants. Applications due September 1^st, or until 75 applications are received. 501(c)3 nonprofits may request support to strengthen communities and protect the environment in small but meaningful ways, for projects that reach a diverse range of people in need while simultaneously educating young people about sustainability and healthy living. The maximum grant is $6,000.
• Emerging Climate Champions Award. Must register by August 15 and apply by September 22, 2025. A coalition of foundations and donors seek to shine a light on nonprofit climate organizations with youth leadership (ages 15-35) that have demonstrated experience, strong potential, and measurable results in advancing durable climate solutions in the communities they serve. The Award encourages more of us to rethink the role of young people in addressing the various climate challenges faced by communities around the world. The award will be a gift of $1 million, disbursed over five years.
• The Paul Green Foundation Arts and Human Rights Grants. Applications due October 1, 2025. 501(c)3 organizations seeks proposals for long- or short-term projects that reflect the life's work and values of playwright and social justice activist Paul Green, centered on the arts, human rights, and racial equity. Grants range from $500-$2,500.
• Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation FY25 Grants. Applications due October 1, 2025 for FY25, otherwise applications accepted on a rolling basis. Nonprofit organizations in the northeastern United States may apply for support in regenerative agriculture, soil health, biodiversity, nutrient-dense foods, and nutrition education efforts. Recent past awards have ranged from $10,000-$90,000.
• Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Housing Affordability Planning Program Small Grants. Applications due October 10, 2025. Grants are intended to assist with a variety of housing (rental and ownership) pre-development, project implementation activities, housing policy studies, or land use reform tasks that have the potential to increase the amount of housing opportunities near transit that are accessible to those with lower incomes. Any nonprofit developer working on transit-oriented housing developments (with a letter of support from a COG member jurisdiction) may apply for direct financial assistance up to $75,000.
• The Dale Junior Foundation FY25 Monetary and In-Kind Donations. Applications for funding due October 31, 2025; Rolling basis for in-kind requests. Nonprofits may request support for programs that empower underprivileged individuals, with a focus on youth, by providing resources that will boost confidence, provide safe homes for children needing a new start, enhance education, support wellness and health services, address youth hunger, and create hope. Support to nonprofit organizations will be provided in the form of funding or in-kind donations of items for auctions or raffles. Requests for in-kind donations must be received at least 8 to 12 weeks prior to the proposed event date.
• MacFarlane Foundation FY26 Grants. Letters of Inquiry accepted starting January 2026. The Foundation is interested in supporting nonprofit organizations addressing a range of issues, including but not limited to: education, economic empowerment, climate change and the environment, health, human services, and the well-being of women and girls, and is particularly interested in catalyzing organizations into their next phase of growth or impact. Category One grants range from $10,000-$75,000 and Category Two grants range from $200,000-$250,000.
• Waste Management (WM) Charitable Contributions Program. Applications accepted year-round. 501(c)3 or public organizations may apply for a charitable contribution to make communities safer, stronger, and more sustainable. WM funds environmental stewardship, environmental justice, sustainability education, workforce and skills development, community vitality, and supplier diversity. No maximum is specified.
• Can'd Aid: Crush It Crusade - FY 2025. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Government and nongovernment organizations may apply to support the launch or improvement of local recycling programs and education on the importance of infinitely recyclable aluminum. Grants range in size from $5,000 to $10,000.
• Closed Loop Infrastructure Strategy. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Closed Loop Partners provides below-market rate loans to municipalities and companies to improve recycling infrastructure. Typical loan size is $3-$5 million over a 3-10 year term, with each loan secured by collateral.
• Closed Loop Local Recycling Strategy. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Closed Loop Partners and PepsiCo Beverages North America will invest in new local recycling systems and technologies to improve recycling access for more communities across the U.S. loans. Typical loans range between $500,000-$5 million over a 3-8 year term, with each loan secured by collateral.
• Closed Loop Circular Plastics Strategy. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Closed Loop Partners will invest in circular economy infrastructure, technologies, and companies that advance the recovery and recycling of plastics in the U.S. and Canada. The minimum investment size is $1 million.

Are you a funder that wants OGM to advertise your grant opportunity in our Newsletter?  Please email your funding opportunity information in the format below to OGM at grants@montgomerycountymd.gov and we will add it to the Newsletter.

For a list of all grant programs from every fiscal year and award winners, visit the Office of Grants Management’s “Grant Program Results” page.