Community Impact

CFAAC’s Women and Girls Fund is making a significant impact through various initiatives. Here’s a glimpse of the feedback we’ve received:

Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR): Support from the Women & Girls Fund has enabled us to offer our Girl’s Coping Skills Group. This program uses equine-assisted psychotherapy to help girls ages 12-16 develop coping skills in a safe, supportive environment.

“It adds a layer of real-life skills and encourages practices that she uses in daily life.” — MTR Parent

“The freedom to explore coping skills through interactions with horses allows them to discuss their own stress and solutions in a unique way.” — MTR Equine Specialist

Wellspring Life Ministries’ Thriving Women’s Wellness Clinic: Since launching in early 2023, this clinic provides free wellness checks to uninsured women in Anne Arundel County. The Women and Girls Fund helped us expand our reach, serving 25 more women this year.

The Women and Girls Fund is crucial in supporting these impactful programs, enhancing the well-being of women and girls in our community. — Pamela Palumbo, Wellspring Life Ministries CEO

“The care was thorough and compassionate. I hadn’t received such care in years due to financial constraints. I’m deeply grateful.” — Wellspring Life Ministries Patient

How to Apply

The Women and Girls Fund supports nonprofit organizations in Anne Arundel County that work to improve the lives of vulnerable women and girls three key focus areas: Education, Economic Stability, and Health and Wellness.

Examples of programs and initiatives for which grants will be considered are, but not limited to:

• Initiatives that provide access to quality healthcare and wellness programs, including mental health, trauma education, and advocacy.
• Early childhood education and K-12 programs.
• Experiential learning or training programs in a shelter environment, such as parenting skills or financial literacy education.
• Programs that provide counseling services and/or child-care.
• Programs that provide unique learning experiences to girls, such as STEM or STEAM activities.
• Initiatives to encourage professional and small business development and provide women with access to economic opportunities.
• Programs that provide access to professional services, such as free legal, financial, or accounting support.

Based on available funding, the Women and Girls Fund will award one or two $3,000 to $5,000 grants. Successful grant applicants will demonstrate strategic and data-informed solutions aligned with community needs and the organization’s mission, credibility in the field or project, and the ability to create a measurable impact.

To be eligible to apply, organizations must operate in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation from the Internal Revenue Service, be in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation, and comply with the Maryland Secretary of State Charitable Organization Registration Requirements. Additionally, each organization may submit only one application.

Grant Application Open: July 15, 2024 | Deadline: August 27, 2024 | Award Size: $3,000 to $5,000 | Awards in October 2024

The grant review committee will review applications and may conduct interviews. A final evaluation assessing project outcomes is required within six weeks of project completion, and report formats will be provided.

For any questions, please contact us at grants@cfaac.org or call 410-280-1102 x104.