2027 Grant Cycle

Coming off of another record-setting year, with $290,000 in grant awards awarded in June. we're now gearing up for the 2027 grant cycle. The grant application period will be open February 1-28, 2027. Before applications open, the Grants Committee and board will set the 2027 focus areas and grant structure, guided in part by feedback from our recent member survey.

The total amount available for 2027 awards will be announced early next year. That amount is based largely on the year-end balance in our Grants Fund, plus approximately 5% of the WGC Endowment Fund. That’s why the next few months matter so much. We’re now in our final fund-building push, and gifts made before December 31 help determine how much we’ll be able to award next year.

If you’re considering a gift, a year-end contribution is one of the most meaningful ways to help us grow our impact on women in Frederick County.

As we celebrate 20 years of collective giving, we’re proud to have awarded more than $3.5 million in grants since our first awards in 2007. Thank you to every member and supporter who has helped make that possible.

For more information about Giving Circle finances and grants, we encourage you to take look at our 2025 Year In Review.

The 2027 Grants Committee is now forming and WGC members are encouraged to apply. Our committee members find their service to be enlightening and rewarding, as they act as the stewards of the funds donated by our members. If you are interested in serving on the Grants Committee, please contact Emilie Routzahn, our Grants Committee Chair, at emilie.routzahn@frederickwgc.org.

For more information about the Women's Giving Circle Grants program: see https://frederickwgc.org/grants. In the coming months, we'll be updating the page with information specific to the 2027 grant period.