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Monocacy Foundation outlines eligibility, limits and Oct. 3 grant deadline for Frederick County residents with disabilities
Summary
The Monocacy Foundation described its small-grant program, eligibility rules and common requests at the Special Education CCAC meeting; the foundation distributes roughly $50,000–$55,000 annually and accepts applications Aug. 15–Oct. 3.
Martie Young, president of the Monocacy Foundation, told the Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CCAC) that the foundation has distributed more than $650,000 since its 1995 founding and now awards roughly $50,000–$55,000 a year in small grants to Frederick County residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Young said the grant cycle opened Aug. 15 and closes Oct. 3. Applicants must be Frederick County residents, have an intellectual or developmental disability, demonstrate financial need and identify a specific item or program to fund. The foundation reviews more than 100 applications each year, Young told the committee, and trustees evaluate every request before awarding funds.
The foundation will not pay for general home improvements, most respite requests, appliances or furniture, funeral expenses, routine transportation costs, car repairs, electric bikes, or ongoing insurance co-pays. Young said the group generally avoids paying for hearing aids or dental work because, in the foundation’s experience, recipients sometimes do not use or maintain those items. The foundation does fund ramps when a home modification is essential and pays directly to vendors for approved services — for example, swim lessons, therapeutic horseback riding, music or art lessons, adaptive equipment, technology, or tickets for short, individual outings such as Hershey Park.
Young said the youngest grantee has been under 1 year old and the oldest in their 90s. Average awards run around $500, although some requests — for instance, horseback riding — can cost more. Applicants should expect notification a couple of weeks after the trustees meet in October; Young said trustees try to avoid outright denials when possible because demand exceeds available funds.
During Q&A, Young confirmed the foundation pays vendors directly for lessons and services and that the foundation’s trustees include finance professionals, parents of children with disabilities and current/former special education teachers who review requests for appropriateness.
The committee was given the foundation’s contact information; Young said Rachel, the foundation’s development director, typically answers inquiries. Young encouraged potential applicants and referring agencies to email the foundation for guidance on eligibility and the application process.
The Monocacy Foundation presentation concluded with CCAC members thanking Young for the organization’s long-standing local support.
