Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
/OVERVIEW: The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore supports education, youth, human services, health, community development, arts and culture, animal welfare and faith-based programs in Maryland.
IP TAKE: This is an accessible community funder to know for program support, rather than general operating support, for nearly any type of local nonprofit cause. Grantseekers who are new to this foundation should reach out with a letter of inquiry, to which staff will respond to discuss opportunities and fit.
PROFILE: Established in 1984, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) is a community foundation based in Salisbury, Maryland. It provides both grants and scholarships to the local community. The foundation aims to "strengthen our community by connecting people who care with causes that matter to improve quality of life in our region.” CFES funds local efforts for education, youth, human services, health, community development, arts and culture, animal welfare and faith-based programs.
The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore funds a wide variety of local nonprofits causes each year. Many of its grants go towards basic needs in the community. The foundation supports large and small nonprofits, as well as established organizations and newer groups. However, CFES does not typically support athletic facility infrastructure or maintenance, building campaigns, capital requests, fundraising campaigns, playground equipment, nonprofit startup fees or ongoing operating expenses. CFES also provides free and low-cost trainings and events for nonprofits, meeting room use and other types of nonprofit support.
This funder made over $7 million in grants to local organizations in a recent year. Grants range between about $5,000 and $200,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the lower eastern shore of Maryland and especially the counites of Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester. Past local grantees include Bay Area Center for Independent Living, Del-Mar-Va Boy Scouts Council and the Eastern Shore Ballet Theatre.
This foundation accepts grant applications from nonprofits but suggests reaching out with a letter of inquiry, to which the foundation’s will reply and discuss eligibility and fit. CFES uses an online system to accept and review grant requests. Direct general questions to the staff at 410-742-9911 or via online form.
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