Investing in Howard County. Strengthening Our Community.
The Community Foundation of Howard County’s Community Grants Program invests in nonprofits working to meet essential community needs, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life across Howard County.
Funded through the Fund for Howard County, Community Grants provide flexible funding that helps nonprofits respond to changing needs, pursue new opportunities, and deliver programs and services that strengthen our community.
How does it work?
- CFHC and the Columbia Association anchor the Fund with $227,000 in contributions.
- Individual donor gifts to the Fund for Howard County amplify the Community Grants funding pool.
- CFHC awards grants to selected Howard County nonprofits through the Community Grants Program.
2026 Community Grants
Grant funding is available to eligible nonprofit organizations serving Howard County. Community Grants support organizations working across a wide range of issue areas, including arts and culture, housing, food security, health, education, the environment, youth and families, and more.
- Applications Open: October 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: November 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Grant Decisions Announced: Late December 2026
VIEW 2026 COMMUNITY GRANT GUIDELINES
Our Grantmaking Process
- CFHC is committed to an open, thoughtful, and transparent grants process that respects the time and expertise of our nonprofit partners and the generosity of our donors.
- A committee of seasoned community volunteers reviews applications, including CFHC Board Trustees, community members, and nonprofit professionals. Reviewers may not participate if they have a conflict of interest with an applicant or the grantmaking process.
- The committee reviews applications using established eligibility requirements and grant criteria, considers community needs and opportunities, and develops funding recommendations through CFHC’s annual grantmaking process.
- Grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, review criteria, key dates, and application information are made available so organizations understand what CFHC is looking for and how funding decisions are made.
Information & Assistance
We want nonprofit partners to have the information they need throughout the application process.
- Ask Dee! Special Community Grants Session – Prospective applicants can join us October 13 at 4:00 PM with Dee Athey, CFHC’s Director of Grants & Community Engagement, to ask questions about Community Grants, eligibility, applications, or CFHC grantmaking. Register here
- Connect with Dee – Potential applicants are also welcome to contact Dee directly with questions at any point in the process. Schedule a meeting with Dee here