Through IDEA Grants, we aim to:

• Strengthen the growth, sustainability, and community impact of Black-led nonprofits
• Foster a supportive network among these organizations
• Promote equity-focused capacity building that can be replicated across the nonprofit sector

At AFF, equity means ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities. IDEA Grants reflect our commitment to:

• Elevating voices that are often underrepresented in philanthropy
• Sharing our knowledge and tools to support local leaders
• Addressing historical underinvestment in Black-led organizations by committing funding and long-term support

By supporting nonprofits led by Black board members, executive directors, and senior staff, we aim to build lasting economic and social power in communities of color.

IDEA Grants are open to Black-led nonprofits based in Frederick County. Organizations must qualify as a 501(c)3 or be fiscally sponsored by one, actively providing services during the past year, and have 100% board giving.  Moderate to larger size organizations should have at least 6 board members.  Smaller or emergent organizations should have 3-4 board members.  Projects must align with AFF’s key focus areas:

• Youth, Children & Families
• Public & Society Benefit
• Health & Human Services
• Arts & Culture

The IDEA Collaborative Grant is a new 12-month funding opportunity designed to support meaningful, outcomes-driven partnerships between Black-led nonprofit organizations addressing a clearly defined community issue. The grant emphasizes capacity building and a growth mindset, encouraging hands-on collaboration specifically among Black-led organizations.

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, followed by an invitation-only full application period from September 1 through September 15. 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. Support from a consultant will be available to help shape the collaborative structure during the application process.

July 21: Information Session

Organizations that are interested in applying should attend our virtual informational session on July 21, but should not wait until then to start conversations about potential partnerships or to reach out to Foundation staff to share ideas and ask questions. 

July 22 – August 15: Letter of Intent Due

The timeframe for submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) will be open from July 22 – August 15. (The traditional IDEA Grant Cycle is July 1 – July 31). 

The Letter of Intent will consist of 5-7 questions to help us assess eligibility and the intent of your partnership. A summary of your collaborative partners should be included in this step.  

September 1 – September 15: Full Proposals Due

If your LOI is approved and you are invited to submit a full proposal, those will be due between September 1 and September 15, and you will be invited to the Committee’s September 24th meeting to present your idea (virtual or in-person options available).

A consultant will be available to help with the entire application process.  To access these free consulting services, please reach out to staff at gro.namrehsua@ofni

October:  Board of Trustees Decision Meeting

Grants will be reviewed by the AFF Board of Trustees. If approved, the funds would be paid out in November 2026 for activities in 2027.  Reports will be due throughout and at the end of the grant cycle.  

Can I apply for more than one grant at the same time?

• Absolutely.  Organizations can consider applying for different grants simultaneously from the Foundation.  Some grants may not be a good fit for every organization and you are encouraged to review all of the types of available grants and speak with a staff representative if you have additional questions.

What grants are available?

• Traditional IDEA Grants provide general operational support to advance an organization’s overall mission and services.  Up to $5,000, these grants are designed to support emergent or smaller nonprofits.
• IDEA Consulting Grants are available to support an organization develop a strategic road map in their growth as an organization.  Awardees receive up to $5,000 to pay an outside consultant.
• Single Year Grants are both for general operations and/or capacity building and usually for established organizations with a moderate to larger size operating budget.
• IDEA Collaborative Grants will provide funding of approximately $50,000 distributed among the 2-3 collaborative partners.  A formal MOU should be included in the proposal defining budgets and activities.
• Requested dollar amounts should be in line with operating costs or the proposed project or activities.  As such, grant amounts should correspond appropriately with the annual organization operating budget.

What do you mean by collaboration?

• By collaboration, we mean 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.

Can I get help with my grant application?

• You are invited to join an information session or reach out to staff for grant application assistance.  Additionally, organizations seeking an IDEA Collaborative Grant can access a number of hours of free consulting from The Word Woman.  Please reach out to staff at gro.namrehsua@ofni to access the free consulting.

What could collaborative efforts look like?

• Shared space: Nonprofits get together to rent or purchase a shared space that meets their needs.
• Shared staffing: Several nonprofits share staff to help cover costs, full-time work, and benefits. Shared staff could be a CFO, a grant writer, a bus driver, or a case worker.
• Shared services: Two or more organizations work together to enhance services, giving their constituents easier access to the services they need – like food security and day care, or mental health and physical activity, or business development and wellness. 
• Shared advocacy: Several nonprofits work together to achieve a shared local, state, or federal policy outcome that will improve their community’s lives, such as affordable housing, healthcare, or abolition.

For more information, please e-mail gro.namrehsua@ofni or join an information session.

July 21 Collaborative Grant Information Session – Register Here

Monthly Grant Information Session – Register Here

Applicants are encouraged to actively participate in AFF’s Capacity Building Trainings and Networking Events to become familiar with the AFF grant making process.  Learn more here.

Questions?
Contact:
Laurynn Burks, Administrative Grants Assistant — gro.namrehsua@skrubl

Dr. Denise Rollins, IDEA Committee Chair — moc.liamg@snilloresinedrd