The Ausherman Family Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its new IDEA Collaborative Grant, a funding initiative designed to support partnerships between Black-led nonprofit organizations to advance equity, leadership, and community impact throughout Frederick County.

• The Ausherman Family Foundation’s IDEA Collaborative Grant will award two $40,000-$60,000 grants to partnerships of 2-3 Black-led nonprofits for collaborative work in 2027 (awards announced November 2026).
• Key dates:
  • July 21, 2026: Virtual Information Session (register here)
  • July 22-August 15, 2026: Letter of Intent (LOI) submission period
  • September 1-15, 2026: Invitation-only full application period
  • November 2026: Grant awards announced
• The grant is separate from the traditional IDEA Grant cycle (July 1–31, 2026), and organizations are eligible to apply for both.
• Applicants can work with consultant Michelle Nusum-Smith for guidance on developing their collaboration, LOI, and full application. Please reach out to moc.cllnamowdroweht@ofni for more information.

The IDEA Collaborative Grant is a new funding opportunity designed to support meaningful, outcomes-driven partnerships between several organizations addressing a clearly defined community issue. The grant emphasizes capacity building and a growth mindset, encouraging hands-on collaboration that can be replicated in future efforts.

By providing dedicated funding and fostering partnerships, the initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of Black-led nonprofits and expand opportunities for collective impact across the region.

A Collaborative Grant ideally includes 2-3 separate organizations that are collaborating on a shared effort. This can include shared programs and services, shared resources, shared offices, shared staffing, or shared public education and advocacy efforts. One organization would serve as the backbone and fiscal lead, with clearly defined roles, shared accountability, and measurable outcomes outlined in a signed MOU.

This grant program is programmatically separate from the traditional IDEA Grant cycle that is open Jul 1 – Jul 31, 2026. Applying for or receiving an IDEA Grant does not make you ineligible to apply for or receive the IDEA Collaborative Grant. The IDEA committee’s focus is on building power and resources for Black-led nonprofits in Frederick County. To that end, all collaborations should be between Black-led nonprofits.

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend a virtual information session on July 21, where Foundation staff will provide an overview of the application process and timeline. The grant process begins with a Letter of Intent, due between July 22 and August 15. 2026, followed by an invitation-only full application period from September 1 through September 15, 2026. Please register here to attend the information session.

Grants will be awarded in November 2026 for programming and collaboration to take place in 2027. Two grants of $40,000-$60,000 each will be awarded to two separate collaborative efforts. Additional support from a consultant will be available to help shape the collaborative structure during the application process.

Through this new initiative, the Foundation hopes to empower community leaders whose work is driving positive change and expanding opportunities for residents throughout Frederick County.  For more information about IDEA grants, click here.