The Ausherman Family Foundation strengthens Frederick County by advancing collaborations, catalyzing bold ventures, and creating inclusive and vibrant spaces and places.
Ausherman Family Trust C/o Marvin E Ausherman Trustee uses multi-year and strategic grants to help Frederick County organizations launch new initiatives, strengthen operations, and build long-term sustainability. One defining pattern is support for community institutions that need capacity as much as program dollars: Heartly House received $50,000 for building community based services, while Platoon 22 Inc also received $50,000 for enhancement work. The trust’s recent grants show consistent backing for local nonprofits working in housing stability, youth services, mental health, arts access, and public-society benefit efforts. Some awards are tied to specific projects, such as a $50,000 memorial playground grant to Sophie and Madigan's Playground Inc, while others support organizational infrastructure, including strategic planning, operating support, and donor development. The foundation also backs collaborative work and direct service models, with grants to organizations serving people experiencing homelessness, older adults, children and families, and local residents. Its philanthropy is tightly centered on Frederick County organizations, and the range of award sizes suggests a mix of larger anchor grants and smaller capacity-building awards.
In health and human services, the trust backed several housing and homelessness-related efforts, including $30,000 to Salvation Army for New Day Center Year 3, Part 3 and $20,000 to Frederick Rescue Mission for Faith House operations, general operating. For mental health and grief support, it gave $25,000 to Mental Health Association of Frederick for the 2023 Catoctin Affair match grant and $25,000 to Whole Heart Grief & Life for strategic consulting. Arts and public engagement also appear in the portfolio: Weinberg Center for the Arts received $20,000 for the 2022-23 Frederick Speaker Series and $15,000 for the 2024 Frederick Speaker Series. Youth and family services show up in awards such as $50,000 to Boys & Girls Club of Frederick for strategic plan and facility support and $25,000 to Frederick Housing and Development Commission Inc for Operation Education.
The foundation’s typical grant size centers on mid-sized awards: the 25th percentile is $9,950, the median is $15,000, and the 75th percentile is $25,000. Recent giving also includes larger one-time or project grants at the $50,000 level, showing a split between anchor support and smaller capacity-building awards. The trust is a family foundation led by Marvin E Ausherman and does not fund individuals or make program-related investments. It offers multiple grant programs, including invite-only multi-year Focus Grants and several application-based options such as IDEA Grants, General Grants, Capacity Building Grants, and a Back-Office Support Grant. Recipients appear across multiple years in several cases, indicating repeat support rather than strictly one-off giving.
$532K
$5.7M
$51K
$1.2M
Most grants fall between $10K and $25K, with a median of $15K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$15K
75th Percentile
$25K
About 90% of grants go to recipients in MD.
MARVIN E AUSHERMAN
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Grantmaking is overwhelmingly concentrated in Maryland, with 90% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state and the top giving state also Maryland. The recent grants list is heavily Frederick-centered: Frederick, MD appears repeatedly across organizations such as Downtown Frederick Partnership, Heartly House, Salvation Army, and others. One recent award went to Story Tapestries Inc in Poolesville, MD, showing that giving extends beyond Frederick city while remaining local in scope. All listed recipient-country data are in the United States.
The trust uses several grant programs: invite-only multi-year Focus Grants, IDEA Grants for Black-led nonprofits in Frederick County, General Grants, Capacity Building Grants, and a Back-Office Support Grant. Some are unsolicited and some are invite-only. Focus Grants are designed for long-term sustainability, while Capacity Building and Back-Office Support Grants target organizational systems and internal operations.
The grant-size distribution is centered around $15,000. The 25th percentile is $9,950, the median is $15,000, and the 75th percentile is $25,000. Recent awards also reach $50,000, showing that the foundation makes both mid-sized and larger project or anchor grants.
It supports Frederick County nonprofits working in health and human services, arts and culture, public society benefit, children, youth and families, leadership development, and community projects. The recent grants include organizations serving older adults, people experiencing homelessness, youth and students, and low-income individuals and families.
Yes. Several organizations received support in more than one year, including Heartly House, Mental Health Association of Frederick, Salvation Army, Weinberg Center for the Arts, and The Whole Heart Grief & Life Resource Center. That pattern suggests the trust often revisits organizations over time rather than giving only once.
Yes for several programs. IDEA Grants, General Grants, Capacity Building Grants, and the Back-Office Support Grant all accept unsolicited applications. The multi-year Focus Grants program is invite-only.
2024
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2024.
Current and upcoming funding from Ausherman Family Trust C/O Marvin E Ausherman Trustee that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Open to Black-led nonprofits based in Frederick County; organizations must qualify as a 501(c)(3) or be fiscally sponsored by one, actively provide services during the past year, and have at least three board members.
Deadline: Applications are open June 15 - July 15 each year.
Who can apply: Organizations must serve Frederick County, MD residents; requests must align with the Foundation’s areas of interest; minimum request is $2,500; applicants may receive one General Grant per 12-month period.
Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis; no application deadline.
Who can apply: Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations physically located in Frederick County, Maryland, with a healthy operating budget, strong board and executive leadership, a clearly defined mission, and a commitment of time and resources to build capacity.
Deadline: LOIs accepted on a rolling basis; no application deadline.
Who can apply: Organizations must have an operating budget of $500,000 or less for the first phase, need accounting assistance, serve Frederick County residents, and have a mission that falls within the Foundation’s areas of interest.
Deadline: No application deadline stated; limited awards in the first phase.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLATOON 22 INC | FREDERICK, MD | $50,000 | 2024 | PLATOON 22 ENHANCEMENT |
| DOWNTOWN FREDERICK PARTNERSHIP | FREDERICK, MD | $40,000 | 2024 | AMBASSADOR PROGRAM |
| SALVATION ARMY | FREDERICK, MD | $30,000 | 2024 | NEW DAY CENTER YEAR 3, PART 3 |
| WHOLE HEART GRIEF & LIFE | FREDERICK, MD | $25,000 | 2024 | STRATEGIC CONSULTING GRANT |
| CENTRO DE HISPANO DE FREDERICK | FREDERICK, MD | $25,000 | 2024 | FREDERICK STRATEGIC PLANNING |
| MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF FREDERICK | FREDERICK, MD | $25,000 | 2024 | MATCH GRANT FOR 2023 CATOCTIN AFFAIR |
| UNITED WAY OF FREDERICK COUNTY | FREDERICK, MD | $25,000 | 2024 | RIDE UNITED NETWORK |
| HEARTLY HOUSE | FREDERICK, MD | $23,000 | 2024 | DONOR SUPPORT, DISCRETION OF ED |
| FREDERICK RESCUE MISSION | FREDERICK, MD | $20,000 | 2024 | FAITH HOUSE OPERATIONS, GENERAL OPERATING |
| SHIP OF FREDERICK COUNTY | FREDERICK, MD | $20,000 | 2024 | FINANCIAL FORECASTING |
| THE FREDERICK CENTER | FREDERICK, MD | $15,860 | 2024 | BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE DONOR |
| STORY TAPESTRIES INC | POOLESVILLE, MD | $15,000 | 2024 | WRITE YOUR STORY |
| CHANGE THE CONVERSATION INC | STEVENSON, MD | $15,000 | 2024 | COUNSELING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM |
| GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL OF NATION'S CAPITAL | WASHINGTON, DC | $15,000 | 2024 | 2023 FINANCIAL AID FOR GIRLS |
| FREDERICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION | FREDERICK, MD | $15,000 | 2024 | SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BUILDING TRADES |
| CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED PARENTS | FREDERICK, MD | $15,000 | 2024 | 2022-23 SUPPORTING LOCAL |
| WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS | FREDERICK, MD | $15,000 | 2024 | 2024 FREDERICK SPEAKER SERIES |
| SECOND CHANCE GARAGE | FREDERICK, MD | $13,000 | 2024 | 2023 GENERAL GRANT |
| SOS SAFE RIDE | FREDERICK, MD | $12,500 | 2024 | MARKETING ASSISTANT, 2023 OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CHORDS OF COURAGE | WASHINGTON, DC | $12,000 | 2024 | 2023-24 STEP-UP! |
| STEADFAST STANDING FIRM | FREDERICK, MD | $10,000 | 2024 | GENERAL GRANT |
| SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE | KIMBERLY, ID | $9,900 | 2024 | BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE |
| GIRLS ON THE RUN OF MID | FREDERICK, MD | $9,625 | 2024 | FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FREDERICK COUNTY |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF FREDERICK COUNTY | FREDERICK, MD | $8,724 | 2024 | TRAUMA RESPONSIVE FREDERICK, EMERGENCY FUND |
| ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | FREDERICK, MD | $8,000 | 2024 | COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS | WASHINGTON, DC | $7,500 | 2024 | 2023 TRANSITIONAL HOUSING |
| PARTNERS IN CARE | PASADENA, MD | $7,500 | 2024 | SUPPORTING FREDERICK COUNTY |
| MARYLAND ENSEMBLE THEATRE | FREDERICK, MD | $6,440 | 2024 | TECHNOLOGY BOOSTER PROJECT |
| CARENET PREGANANCY CENTER | FREDERICK, MD | $6,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL | FREDERICK, MD | $6,000 | 2024 | GENERAL OPERATING |
| FRIENDS OF CUNNINGHAM FALLS | THURMONT, MD | $6,000 | 2024 | OUTDOOR RECREATION AND CAREERS |
| ENDANGERED SPECIES THEATRE | FREDERICK, MD | $5,000 | 2024 | SUPPORT FOR SHAKESPEARE THEATRE |
| COOL KIDS CAMPAIGN | TOWSON, MD | $5,000 | 2024 | FREE TUTORING FOR CHILDHOOD |
| YOUNG LIFE | NEW MARKET, MD | $5,000 | 2024 | BUS CAMPAIGN |
| FARMERS AND HUNTERS FEEDING | WILLIAMSPORT, MD | $5,000 | 2024 | FREDERICK COUNTY FHFH HUNGER |
| SOPHIE AND MADIGAN'S PLAYGROUND INC | FREDERICK, MD | $50,000 | 2023 | MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND |
| HEARTLY HOUSE | FREDERICK, MD | $50,000 | 2023 | BUILDING COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES |
| SOAR | FREDERICK, MD | $50,000 | 2023 | AGING IN PLACE - YR 1 |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF FREDERICK | FREDERICK, MD | $50,000 | 2023 | STRATEGIC PLAN & FACILITY SUPPORT |
| SAFE RIDE FOUNDATION | FREDERICK, MD | $37,000 | 2023 | OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED PARENTS PARTNERSHIP | FREDERICK, MD | $30,000 | 2023 | STRATEGIC PLANNING |
| MARYLAND ENSEMBLE THEATRE | FREDERICK, MD | $28,000 | 2023 | GENERAL OPERATING COSTS |
| FREDERICK HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION INC | FREDERICK, MD | $25,000 | 2023 | OPERATION EDUCATION |
| WOMAN TO WOMAN MENTORING | FREDERICK, MD | $25,000 | 2023 | OPERATIONS SUPPORT |
| AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCES | FREDERICK, MD | $25,000 | 2023 | GENERAL OPERATING COSTS |
| THE RANCH | FREDERICK, MD | $25,000 | 2023 | STRATEGIC PLANNING |
| MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF FREDERICK | FREDERICK, MD | $25,000 | 2023 | 2022 CATOCIN AFFAIR |
| SALVATION ARMY OF FREDERICK COUNTY | FREDERICK, MD | $23,000 | 2023 | NEW DAY CENTER - YEAR 2 |
| THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION OF MARYLAND | FREDERICK, MD | $20,000 | 2023 | PROGRAM OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS INC | FREDERICK, MD | $20,000 | 2023 | 22-23 FREDERICK SPEAKER SERIES |
PLATOON 22 INC
$50,000PLATOON 22 ENHANCEMENT
DOWNTOWN FREDERICK PARTNERSHIP
$40,000AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
SALVATION ARMY
$30,000NEW DAY CENTER YEAR 3, PART 3
WHOLE HEART GRIEF & LIFE
$25,000STRATEGIC CONSULTING GRANT
CENTRO DE HISPANO DE FREDERICK
$25,000FREDERICK STRATEGIC PLANNING
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF FREDERICK
$25,000MATCH GRANT FOR 2023 CATOCTIN AFFAIR
UNITED WAY OF FREDERICK COUNTY
$25,000RIDE UNITED NETWORK
HEARTLY HOUSE
$23,000DONOR SUPPORT, DISCRETION OF ED
FREDERICK RESCUE MISSION
$20,000FAITH HOUSE OPERATIONS, GENERAL OPERATING
SHIP OF FREDERICK COUNTY
$20,000FINANCIAL FORECASTING
THE FREDERICK CENTER
$15,860BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE DONOR
STORY TAPESTRIES INC
$15,000WRITE YOUR STORY
CHANGE THE CONVERSATION INC
$15,000COUNSELING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL OF NATION'S CAPITAL
$15,0002023 FINANCIAL AID FOR GIRLS
FREDERICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION
$15,000SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BUILDING TRADES
CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED PARENTS
$15,0002022-23 SUPPORTING LOCAL
WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS
$15,0002024 FREDERICK SPEAKER SERIES
SECOND CHANCE GARAGE
$13,0002023 GENERAL GRANT
SOS SAFE RIDE
$12,500MARKETING ASSISTANT, 2023 OPERATING SUPPORT
CHORDS OF COURAGE
$12,0002023-24 STEP-UP!
STEADFAST STANDING FIRM
$10,000GENERAL GRANT
SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE
$9,900BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
GIRLS ON THE RUN OF MID
$9,625FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FREDERICK COUNTY
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF FREDERICK COUNTY
$8,724TRAUMA RESPONSIVE FREDERICK, EMERGENCY FUND
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
$8,000COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY
AMERICAN RED CROSS
$7,5002023 TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
PARTNERS IN CARE
$7,500SUPPORTING FREDERICK COUNTY
MARYLAND ENSEMBLE THEATRE
$6,440TECHNOLOGY BOOSTER PROJECT
CARENET PREGANANCY CENTER
$6,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
$6,000GENERAL OPERATING
FRIENDS OF CUNNINGHAM FALLS
$6,000OUTDOOR RECREATION AND CAREERS
ENDANGERED SPECIES THEATRE
$5,000SUPPORT FOR SHAKESPEARE THEATRE
COOL KIDS CAMPAIGN
$5,000FREE TUTORING FOR CHILDHOOD
YOUNG LIFE
$5,000BUS CAMPAIGN
FARMERS AND HUNTERS FEEDING
$5,000FREDERICK COUNTY FHFH HUNGER
SOPHIE AND MADIGAN'S PLAYGROUND INC
$50,000MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND
HEARTLY HOUSE
$50,000BUILDING COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES
SOAR
$50,000AGING IN PLACE - YR 1
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF FREDERICK
$50,000STRATEGIC PLAN & FACILITY SUPPORT
SAFE RIDE FOUNDATION
$37,000OPERATING SUPPORT
CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED PARENTS PARTNERSHIP
$30,000STRATEGIC PLANNING
MARYLAND ENSEMBLE THEATRE
$28,000GENERAL OPERATING COSTS
FREDERICK HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION INC
$25,000OPERATION EDUCATION
WOMAN TO WOMAN MENTORING
$25,000OPERATIONS SUPPORT
AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCES
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING COSTS
THE RANCH
$25,000STRATEGIC PLANNING
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF FREDERICK
$25,0002022 CATOCIN AFFAIR
SALVATION ARMY OF FREDERICK COUNTY
$23,000NEW DAY CENTER - YEAR 2
THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION OF MARYLAND
$20,000PROGRAM OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS INC
$20,00022-23 FREDERICK SPEAKER SERIES