Operating a non-profit is much like running a business: Success requires more than just an idea and passion. There are countless logistics for a thriving non-profit to manage — ranging from fundraising, to marketing, to human resources, to legal & policy issues, to program management, and beyond. It’s no small task!
So, where can the people known for helping others turn when their own organization could use some help?
Fortunately, there is a strong network of support for non-profits here in Frederick. These resources provide strategic guidance, critical connections, and financial aid so that each organization can effectively execute its mission.
Explore just 6 of these Support resources below:
Federated Charities
A staple of our community for more than 100 years, Federated Charities is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping other nonprofits succeed.
The organization’s historic property at 22 South Market Street (you may recognize their front porch as the home of Charity: Frederick’s well-known, cast-iron pup) operates as a non-profit center that offers affordable, operational space to emerging and established non-profits.
The building features 23,000 SF of commercial space with flexible work options — including a new Incubate+ program that offers free co-workspace to participating non-profits. The building currently hosts nearly 20 non-profits, enabling more than $250,000 in total savings annually to go back into these tenant-partner’s mission-focused budgets.
In addition to meeting space needs, Federated Charities offers professional development support. Through group trainings and one-on-one counseling, Federated Charities helps non-profits tackle some of the trickiest organizational challenges, including start-up, board development, and fundraising.
Federated Charities also offers fiscal sponsorship opportunities to emerging and established charitable organizations.
An organization does not need to be located at 22 South Market to take advantage of the many resources of Federated Charities.
Learn more about the opportunities here.
2. THe Frederick Non-Profit Alliance
Upon joining the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, non-profit organizations automatically become members also of the Frederick Nonprofit Alliance. The Frederick Nonprofit Alliance provides tools, resources, and advocacy tailored specifically to the sector.
The Alliance is led by a steering committee— a small, appointed group that meets regularly to move the Alliance’s initiatives forward. The Alliance also has several working committees, open to any Alliance member. Participating at the committee level is as easy as emailing Chamber or Alliance leadership.
The Nonprofit Alliance is a vehicle for nonprofits to work together as a unified force in the community and to educate local business, government and political leaders about the value, challenges, and opportunities of nonprofits in Frederick County.
One of the Alliance’s newest initiatives is the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. This group is open to all young and young-at-heart professionals in the nonprofit industry who are looking to meet other like-minded colleagues and friends. The group provides regular professional development sessions, local site visits, and networking opportunities.
As one of the largest employment sectors in Frederick County, it’s key that nonprofits be at the table as important community decisions are made. The Non Profit Alliance is dedicated to making sure your voice is heard!
Learn more about the Frederick Non-Profit Alliance here.
3. Community-Orientended Philanthropy
Frederick is proud to have a large circle of philanthropic and funding organizations that help financially support nonprofit work.
A report conducted by The Frederick Funders Group, showed that the organizations that participated in the study disbursed nearly $13.3 million through 1,135 grants to 318 non-profits in 2021 alone. These funds worked to support direct program/services through restricted funding (53%), unrestricted general operations (35%), and capacity building (9%).
While local philanthropic opportunities extends well beyond the scope of the report, the document provides a fascinating snapshot of the local community’s dedication to giving.
Read the full report here.
4. Maryland NON-PROFIT Development Center
The Non-Profit Development Center, sponsored by the Maryland Department of Commerce, offers support to existing organizations classified as 501 (c)(3), (4), or (6) that are less than 10 years old, located in Maryland, and have an operating budget under $750,000.
The Non-Profit Development Center offers free access to:
1-on-1 technical assistance from nonprofit experts
Educational resources and customizable templates
Workshops & trainings
Development assistance
Access to a network of nonprofit peers
Learn more here.
5. Local Government Grant Opportunities
The City of Frederick:
The City of Frederick’s Community Promotion Grant Program awards funding to nonprofit charitable and/or civic organizations in order to supplement existing funds that either create or enhance services that positively impact the greatest number of City residents.
This year’s Community Promotions Grant received more than 50 applications — the largest number of applicants in program history. Ultimately, a total of over $350,000 in grant funding was awarded to 41 organizations.
The awards from FY24 will support organizations offering programs for:
Cultural celebrations and historically marginalized populations
the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) population
Frederick’s youth
the Arts in Frederick
the senior community
Learn more here.
Non-profits making significant improvements to a physical facility, may also be eligible for the Department of Economic Development’s GROW Grant program. An overview of that program can be found here.
Frederick County:
Frederick County Government also offers grant opportunities for non-profits, including the Frederick County Community Partnership Grant.
The Frederick County Community Partnership Grant program awards competitive grants to non-profit organizations serving the needs of county residents. These grants can be used for one-time needs or for operating funds. Grants target County priorities in the human services areas.
Learn more here.
6. PR Frederick
PR Frederick is a no-charge press release service, provided collaboratively between The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and Frederick County Office of Economic Development.
This complimentary service is valued at $250 per release and enables local businesses and non profits to distribute business news that could be picked up by major search engines, regional/national/international news sites, and directly to over 30,000 journalists and bloggers.
City businesses and non-profits are invited to submit press releases about a newsworthy item (i.e. new services, recognition awards, new partnerships, grand openings, expansions etc.) and may include images, links, and videos.
Please submit all completed press releases to the City of Frederick via email to prweb@cityoffrederickmd.gov.
Are you starting or growing a non-profit in The City of Frederick? Contact the Department of Economic Development for additional resources and assistance at business@cityoffrederickmd.gov.