LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Charitable Trust has opened its Fiscal Year 2027 grant application cycle, offering up to $65,000 in funding to eligible nonprofit organizations serving residents of Charles County.
Funding awarded through this cycle will support programs during Fiscal Year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026, and ends June 30, 2027. The Charles County Charitable Trust works with nonprofits across Charles County by providing grant funding, resources and strategic partnerships. The organization manages the county’s nonprofit grant program and oversees an unbiased, transparent funding process designed to help nonprofits effectively serve residents.
During Fiscal Year 2026, the Trust distributed $1,509,300 to 51 nonprofit organizations serving Charles County. Grants supported initiatives ranging from food insecurity and housing assistance to youth programs, health care services, environmental protection and the arts, with all funds directed toward benefiting county residents.
In addition to its annual grant cycle, the Charles County Charitable Trust also offers a MicroGrant program designed to provide smaller-scale funding for targeted community needs. In 2026, the Trust awarded $33,575 in microgrants to nine nonprofit organizations supporting initiatives such as literacy programs, youth engagement, veteran assistance, hygiene access, arts programming and family support services. Like the larger grants, all microgrant funds are required to directly benefit Charles County residents.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and operate in Charles County.
- Propose program activities that directly benefit Charles County residents.
- If applying as part of a collaboration, designate one nonprofit to serve as the lead applicant and submit a single application on behalf of the group.
- Have been operational for at least three full years prior to applying.
- Operate with an established annual budget.
- Maintain a board of at least three members who are not related to one another.
Visit www.charlesnonprofits.org to learn more about the Charles County Charitable Trust, its mission and the nonprofit programs it supports throughout Charles County.
Applicants with questions may contact cburnett@charlesnonprofits.org for additional information.
Key Dates To Keep In Mind
- Thursday, April 9, 2026 (3 p.m.): Application deadline
- June 2026: Notification of awards
- Wednesday, July 1, 2026: Start of Fiscal Year 2027 grant period
- Tuesday, June 30, 2027: End of Fiscal Year 2027 grant period
About the Charles County Charitable Trust
The Charles County Charitable Trust was established with a mission to promote excellence throughout the community’s nonprofit sector. The Trust supports programs that contribute to the quality of life in Charles County and funds initiatives that help keep communities strong, diverse and vibrant.
Priority is given to programs and organizations whose chief purpose is to benefit underserved populations. The Trust welcomes applications focused on health and human services, civic and community development, culture and the arts, education, and the environment.
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