$295,000 granted to 45 Lower Shore nonprofits

In a historic grant cycle, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) distributed $295,000 of grant funding to 45 area nonprofit s. These Community Needs grants enable groups to address pressing issues throughout the Lower Shore, supporting initiatives in environmental conservation, mental health services, food security, and more. These grants deliver essential assistance for a wide array of community needs in 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, 2026, with a grant maximum of $10,000.

The following nonprofits received funding for programs and general operations:

Antioch Church will make critical upgrades to the Shore Hub Fellowship Hall that provides a space for community activities.

Art League of Ocean City, Inc. promotes artistic expression and appreciation in the communities they serve.

Assateague Coastal Trust, Inc. will expand its Sip and Science program, offering environmentally focused lectures.

Beach to Bay Heritage Area works to increase tourism, promote local heritage, and support small local nonprofits.

Believe In Tomorrow Children's Foundation will furnish a new respite property, providing two additional units for families.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore, Inc. will pilot the Confidence through Caring anti-bullying campaign.

Blind Industries & Services of Maryland will purchase a minivan to transport students to and from the center.

Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore will provide increased youth activities at the new Truitt Community Center.

Boys for Positive Change will continue the Report Card Initiative, recognizing those who achieve honor roll.

Celebrez la Femme Inc. will host the EmpowerHER Summer Camp, a weeklong program for high school-aged girls.

Chesapeake Housing Mission provides critical home repairs and ramps for the elderly and disabled.

Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene will purchase food for the Hope for the Hungry food pantry.

Delmarva Discovery Museum will revitalize exhibits and provide enriching experiences showcasing Delmarva's heritage.

Delmarva Public Media will pilot the Intergenerational Beats Local News Initiative, pairing students with pro journalists.

Dove Pointe will replace tables and chairs in classrooms used by individuals with disabilities in the Day Program.

Eastern Shore Pregnancy Center will provide resources through the Earn While You Learn parenting program.

Epoch Dream Center provides after-school and summer programs for under-resourced students in Wicomico County.

EWC Adopt-A-Block Outreach will enhance its food pantry to meet the growing demand of community members.

Go Green OC will purchase equipment for its composting program that aims to improve soil health in Worcester County.

Greater Crisfield Action Coalition will host an event to introduce Crisfield to investors, developers, and new residents.

Haitian Development Center of Delmarva Inc provides a variety of services to assist the Haitian community.

Help and Outreach Point of Entry provides vital human services to underserved and vulnerable populations.

Horizons Delmarva provides educational support and programming to local youth.

Inspire One will continue its Street Therapy program that provides essential resources to disadvantaged individuals.

Jesse Klump Memorial Fund will host an Eco-Therapy Summer Camp that addresses mental health issues of at-risk youth.

Lower Shore Autism Community provides resources to families with loved ones on the autism spectrum.

Maple Shade Youth and Family Services will pilot an Eco-Therapy Summer Camp for youth struggling with mental health.

Minds in Motion Children's Museum will host an environmental science-themed summer camp for children.

PREPARE provides re-entry services and parole preparation for incarcerated Eastern Shore residents.

Rebirth delivers culturally sensitive services and resources to individuals and families in Haitian communities.

Recovery Resource Center provides resources to those recovering from addiction.

Salisbury Children's Choir will expand its Summer Camp, which provides an immersive musical experience for ages 8-18.

Salisbury Urban Ministries is enhancing their after-school program, food pantry, prescription assistance and men’s center.

Shore Legal Access, Inc. provides legal services to those on the Lower Eastern Shore who cannot afford them.

Smith Island United will perform critical repairs at the Smith Island dental clinic.

Society of St. Andrew networks with local farmers to glean and distribute produce to pantries and shelters.

Special Olympics Maryland will grow its sports programming on the Lower Shore for individuals with disabilities.

Stories Love Music will host a day-long caregiver-training opportunity for social workers and therapists.

Symphony 21 will provide music-focused programming for youth, with a focus on under-represented students.

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore will host the Lower Shore Addiction Awareness Visual Arts Competition.

Village of Hope, Inc. provides transitional housing and essential services to women and children.

Wicomico County Free Library will be opening a new branch in Parsonsburg.

Wicomico Environmental Trust will grow its capacity to provide environmental preservation and programming.

Women Supporting Women provides education and resources to individuals affected by breast cancer.

Worcester County GOLD will provide emergency financial assistance to those in need in Worcester County.