Salisbury, MD — The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) distributed a record $346,263 in grant funding to 47 area nonprofits through its annual Community Needs grant cycle. These grants support organizations addressing critical issues across the Lower Shore, including housing stability, food security, health care, youth development, and environmental stewardship. These investments strengthen the network of nonprofits serving Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties.
Applicants must be 501c3 nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations providing non-sectarian programs, or community programs within government agencies serving citizens on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. The next Community Needs cycle will open January 1st, 2027, with a grant maximum of $10,000.
The following nonprofits received funding for programs and general operations:
American Red Cross Delmarva will provide care and recovery services to families affected by home fires.
Art League of Ocean City will provide inclusive arts education for youth, individuals with disabilities, and seniors.
Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation will perform repairs on the Children’s House by the Sea respite property.
Catholic Charities Inc. Seton Center provides emergency assistance and support services to vulnerable populations.
Chesapeake Housing Mission builds wheelchair ramps and accessibility modifications for low-income households.
Coastal Hospice provides hospice and palliative care services to low-income individuals and families.
Della’s Closet will purchase fresh produce to support monthly food distribution events in Worcester County.
Delmarva Discovery Center & Museum will support museum operations.
Delmarva Makerspace provides hands-on STEM learning and skill-building programs for community members.
Delmarva Public Media will expand local radio news coverage through new reporting partnerships.
Diakonia, Inc. provides shelter, food assistance, and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Droppin’ the Beat will expand its arts-based mentorship and music education program for disadvantaged youth.
Epoch Dream Center provides free after-school and summer programs for under-resourced youth in Wicomico County.
Figi 4 the Kids provides prevention-focused programming, mentoring, and community support for youth and families in Somerset County.
Furnace Town Foundation preserves, restores, and interprets the 25 acres of Furnace Town Historic Site.
Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay will reduce barriers to participation in youth development programs.
Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake provides social-emotional learning and leadership development for girls.
Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County builds and subsidizes homes for low-income families.
Help and Outreach Point of Entry will provide case management and financial assistance to help individuals obtain vital identification documents.
LiFT Church will outfit its Mobile Dream Center to deliver food, clothing, and necessities to individuals in need.
Lower Shore Autism Community will support staffing to expand services for families affected by autism.
Lower Shore Enterprises will provide grief and loss counseling for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lower Shore Land Trust will develop the Church Street Community Garden and pollinator habitat.
MAC will support staffing for its Guardianship program, serving as Guardian of Last Resort for elderly individuals.
Maryland Food Bank will support operations at its Salisbury distribution center.
Minds in Motion Children’s Museum will host a STEM-focused summer camp for youth.
Ocean City Museum Society will purchase equipment to enhance educational programming.
Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services provides housing and financial education services to local residents.
Salisbury Urban Ministries provides a variety of youth, food pantry, and prescription assistance programs.
Seaside Toolbox Academy will deliver hands-on career exploration programs in the skilled trades.
Shore Legal Access, Inc. provides free civil legal services to individuals and families in need.
Smith Island United works to preserve and advocate for the cultural and environmental heritage of Smith Island.
Somerset County Historical Society will restore and preserve elements of the historic Teackle Mansion.
Somerset County Judy Center Partnership will provide family education and workforce advancement initiatives.
Special Olympics Maryland provides athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
St. Vincent de Paul Conference of Ocean City provides food, housing, and utility assistance to those in need.
Symphony 21 provides music education programming for local youth.
The Affiliated Sante Group will replace critical technology supporting mobile crisis response services.
The Salisbury Zoo will expand access to environmental education for elementary students.
The Society of St. Andrew, Inc. supports gleaning programs to distribute fresh produce to food-insecure households.
Tri Community Mediation will expand mediation services for students in Somerset County schools.
Unstoppable Joy Co provides holistic support services for individuals battling cancer and their caregivers.
Village of Hope Inc. will enhance transportation services for women in transitional housing.
Wicomico Environmental Trust provides environmental preservation and stewardship programming.
Worcester County Arts Council will create marketing materials to highlight the impact of the arts.
Worcester County GOLD provides emergency financial assistance to Worcester County residents in need.
YMCA of the Chesapeake Inc. will expand programming for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation will perform repairs on the Children’s House by the Sea respite property.
Chesapeake Housing Mission builds wheelchair ramps and accessibility modifications for low-income households.
