Community Foundation Women’s Fund awards $65,000 to local nonprofits

Programs will benefit women and girls on the Lower Shore

Nonprofit recipients of the 2026 Community Foundation Women’s Fund grants received a combined $65,000 to support the needs of women and girls in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s Women’s Fund recently awarded $65,000 to nonprofits serving Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. These grants support programs which address the unmet needs of women and girls to create positive change in their lives. The Women’s Fund is a giving circle at the Community Foundation which allows members to have a team-approach to philanthropy and charitable networking.

The 2026 Community Foundation Women’s Fund grant recipients are:

Art League of Ocean City will hold a month-long Women's Art Exhibition in October 2026 that will include an artist talk/lecture, a hands-on workshop, and a women's cultural cookbook project.

Big Brothers Big Sisters will launch "Social Sync", a square dancing and mentorship program designed to help girls facing adversity rebuild their social resilience and interpersonal confidence.

Chesapeake Housing Mission will coordinate three projects that will pair female clients with all female volunteer teams to build wheelchair ramps for underserved residents with limited mobility.

Diakonia will host "Reclaim Your Power: A Women's Empowerment Retreat in Recovery", a one-day trauma informed empowerment initiative for women rebuilding their lives after substance abuse and mental health challenges.

Epoch Dream Center will launch a weekly girls empowerment group for second and third grade girls as part of Epoch’s summer youth program.

Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay will train volunteers from Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County at GSCB's Annual Volunteer Leadership Summit.

Heal the City of Salisbury - Noah's Maternity Hope Cottage will purchase children's furniture, educational materials, diapers, and infant clothes, for the development of a maternity home in Salisbury.

Healing Forward Foundation will provide the Women's Stabilization & Support program, which assists women in crisis by providing housing support, essential needs, materials, and support services.

Inspire One will expand the "I am TEA" (talented, empowered, ambitious) girls program serving ages 12-18 and teaching workforce readiness, confidence, and leadership skills.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore will assist the "Little Leaders, Future Healers" afterschool program serving k-12 girls, teaching leadership and introduction to healthcare fields.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore will support the WORTH (Women of Respect, Tact, and Honor) group with a hygiene drive, canned goods and clothing giveaway, and bonding events.

Village of Hope will provide after-school academic support and summer camp for school aged children in the Steps to Success transitional living program.

Worcester County Child Advocacy Center will create an Emergency Stabilization and Transportation Assistance program for mothers and girls impacted by child abuse.

Worcester County GOLD will add items to GOLDs VAULT (Vast Amounts of Useful Little Things) to meet basic needs of low-income Worcester County residents.

Worcester County Judy Center will develop a Women's Wellness and Support Group where mothers can participate in guided discussions, workshops, and activities focused on personal growth and support.