A total of $84,827 has been granted by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore to 19 local nonprofits. The CFES Community Needs Grants are available to nonprofits serving Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties. Nonprofits received a mix of operational support and funding for programs spanning health, youth, disabilities, education, human services, and animal welfare, among others.
“Local nonprofits see first-hand what needs to be done to lift up the Lower Shore,” says Erica Joseph, Community Foundation President. “This grant program allows us to meet a wide range of local needs and create a positive impact in our community.”
Applicants must be 501c3 nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations providing non-sectarian programs, or eligible programs within government agencies serving citizens on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. The next Community Needs cycle will open January 1st, 2023 with a grant maximum of $10,000.
The following nonprofits received funding for programs and operations:
Atlantic General Hospital Foundation will train additional nurses to fill a staffing shortage in the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore, Inc. will expand outreach to recruit much needed mentors to pair with little brothers and sisters.
Child & Family Foundation Inc. (1 Year to Empowerment) provides adolescent girls with safe and meaningful activities that promote self-esteem, teach life skills, and improve socialization.
Delmarva Discovery Center & Museum Inc. will provide educational exhibits, public events, and fun activities for the community focused on the history and ecosystem of the Delmarva Peninsula.
Eastern Correctional Institution will produce a new in-house literary publication comprised of creative works submitted by inmates.
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore is a nonprofit, community-based health organization dedicated to increasing the independence of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs.
Epoch Dream Center provides free after-school and summer programs for under-resourced youth.
Friends of Assateague State Park will install locking food storage boxes under picnic tables to promote horse safety on the island and improve interactions between visitors and wildlife.
Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council, Inc. will upgrade technology and restore internet access in their Salisbury office so they can fully reopen and use the facility.
Humane Society of Somerset County MD will cover medical and food costs for rescued animals that come to the shelter sick or injured.
Leveling the Playing Field, Inc. will host pop-up events at Lower Eastern Shore schools to distribute free sporting equipment to Phys Ed departments.
Lower Shore Clinic / Go-Getters will provide basic necessities and remediation services for clients with physical or psychiatric illnesses in transitional housing or moving into a new home.
Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center will make needed repairs to the roof of the historic Pocomoke theatre that offers $5 movie showings and live performances.
Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation, Inc. will host an environmental retreat for high school students to provide hands-on environmental education experience and introduce them to environmental careers.
Salisbury Urban Ministries’ grant will support their Kids Café program, which provides meals, homework assistance, field trips, and basic necessities to under-resourced youth from East Salisbury and Beaver Run Elementary Schools.
Somerset County Local Management Board will provide parenting resources to improve the life circumstances, safety, and nutrition of families in the Lower Shore Shelter.
The Haitian Development Center of Delmarva, Inc. will provide financial assistance and immigration resources to refugee families in need.
Wicomico Public Library will purchase children’s literature to stock the shelves of the new Storybook Room at the Centre Branch.
Worcester County GOLD will provide emergency funds for housing, utility assistance, clothing, and food through their Emergency Financial Assistance program.
