The FY27 grant year
Can We Apply?
Three questions about your organization, answered under the Foundation's FY27 rules.
Your answer
Answer all three and the cycle, its dates, and your first steps appear here.
The approach is intended to be systematic rather than rigid. If it poses a genuine hardship for your organization, please contact the Foundation at Communication@hifmc.org.
FY27 eligibility
The rules behind the answer
An organization can only receive funding from HIF once a fiscal year. An organization can only apply to HIF once a calendar year.
Grant Eligibility by Scenario
One lead award per 12-month period • one application per calendar year for the same project
| Scenario | Eligible | Ineligible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY26 Fall Grant applicant and/or recipient | For FY27 Fall Grant | None | |
| FY26 Spring Grant recipient | None | Until FY27 Spring cycle (est. March 2027) | Can't apply again until FY27 Spring cycle |
| FY26 Spring Grant applicant, denied May 2026 | For FY27 Fall Grant | None | Must use a different project/goal/metrics than the FY26 Spring application |
| FY26 Small Grant recipient | For FY27 Fall Grant | None | Or eligible for FY27 Spring |
| FY27 Fall Grant applicant, denied | For FY27 Spring Grant | None | Must use a different project/goal/metrics than the FY27 Fall application |
| HIF-funded partner where another partner is the lead | To apply as a lead | None | Being a partner on an active grant doesn't count against the one-award-per-fiscal-year limit; organizations can be on multiple applications as a partner |
- HIF can only fund programs that operate in Montgomery County, MD. A nonprofit organization with headquarters outside of Montgomery County, MD can apply to HIF.
- Yes, if an organization currently operating in Montgomery County does not yet have its 501c3 nonprofit status, they can partner with a 501c3 fiscal sponsor.
- If an organization has no previous grant history with HIF, it is required that they set up a site visit (in person or virtual) with a member of the HIF Team.