The FY27 grant year
FY27 Grant Cycle FAQ
The Foundation's answers for the FY27 grant cycles, updated September 2026.
Before you apply
Can an organization access the application before the application opening?
Yes, the application is available in Word as of August 29, 2026 on the HIF website.
What additional organization information is required to submit an application?
HIF has put together a checklist of items you will need and items you should consider for the application. All required documents can be uploaded into the application in Foundant when the system opens to the public to apply.
How do I know if our organization has an active account in Foundant?
We encourage organizations to ask internally with colleagues about an existing organizational account in Foundant before reaching out to HIF. Having multiple organization accounts can lead to confusion when trying to reference historical application information and data. If you still require assistance identifying an existing account or how to add a profile to an existing account, you can reach out to the HIF team at Communication@hifmc.org.
If we have never applied to HIF for funding before, what should we do?
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. This allows the Foundation to better understand an organization's work and relationship to our mission. HIF welcomes any organization the opportunity to connect with us prior to a grant cycle! Reach out to Jess.Fuchs@hifmc.org.
Will the slides or presentation from the grant orientation training be made available?
Yes, the September 18 Grant Orientation Training was recorded and is available on the Grants page.
Who can apply
Is grant funding only for organizations based in Montgomery County, MD?
A nonprofit organization with headquarters outside of Montgomery County, MD can apply to HIF. However, the program that is being applied for in the grant application must clearly address programs and services that advance the health of Montgomery County, MD community and its residents only. HIF can only fund programs that operate in Montgomery County, MD.
Does HIF allow organizations who are not yet 501c3 nonprofits to apply with a Fiscal Sponsors?
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. The application will require additional information from both the applying organization and the 501c3 fiscal sponsor. The organization on the application should still be the one requesting the funding.
If we are a current FY26 grant year recipient, is our organization eligible for FY27 Fall Grant Cycle funding?
An organization can only receive funding from HIF once a fiscal year. An organization can only apply to HIF once a calendar year.
- A FY26 Fall Grant applicant and/or grant recipient is eligible to apply for an FY27 Fall Grant application.
- A FY26 Spring grant recipient is not eligible to apply again until FY27 Spring application cycle (estimated March 2027).
- A FY26 Spring Grant applicant who was denied in May 2026 is eligible to apply for FY27 Fall Grant but with a different program/goal/metrics from that FY26 Spring Grant application.
- A FY26 Small Grant recipient is eligible to apply for FY27 Fall Grant application.
Can an organization apply more than once in a fiscal year?
Organizations can only receive funding once in a fiscal year. However, for the FY27 Grant Cycle, if an organization applies for a FY27 Fall Grant and is denied, that organization is PERMITTED to apply again in the FY27 Spring Grant Cycle BUT must apply for a different program/project. This is a change from the FY26 Grant Cycle eligibility. If the organization is awarded funding in the FY27 Fall Grant Cycle, they are ineligible to apply in the spring.
If our organization applies in the Fall FY27 Grant cycle but does not receive funding, are we eligible to apply for the Spring FY27 Grant cycle?
Yes, if your organization applies for the FY27 Fall Grant Cycle and is denied, your organization will be PERMITTED to apply again in FY27 Spring Grant cycle, but it must be for a different program/goal/metrics. This is a change from the FY26 Grant Cycle.
Does the Foundation accept collaborative grant applications?
Yes, the Foundation board encourages collaboration. Collaborative applications are welcome in both health and wellness service delivery and capacity building. For a collaborative application, please pick a lead agency and contact person.
Our organization is considering having another nonprofit partner as a service provider/vendor/consultant for our grant, how should we include them in the metrics and the budget?
If your organization is applying for a program that requires a specific partner collaboration (i.e., the program could not operate without the inclusion of the partner's services), an MOU will be required as a part of the application upload. The MOU between the applicant organization and the partner organization should clearly list partner responsibilities. If the nonprofit partner is acting as a service provider/vendor/consultant, the budget should clearly list the portion of the grant award for the service being provided (i.e., health services, training services).
Choosing a cycle and a focus area
Should the cycle an organization chooses (Fall or Spring) be based on our organization's fiscal year?
Organizations should choose a grant cycle based on timing that works best with the implementation period of the program. Organizations should also consider when the program/project will be initiated.
What if an organization falls into more than one Strategic Priority Area or Funding Priority Area?
It is common for an organization to fit into multiple Strategic Priority Areas and Focus Areas. However, when applying, we ask that an organization consider the program for which they are applying and find the Strategic Priority Area and Focus Area that best fits the work. An organization can only submit 1 application in a grant cycle.
Will HIF continue to operate the Small Grant Cycle?
More information about our Small Grant Cycle will be available in Spring 2027 and is by invitation only.
What if our organization has a need arise in-between Foundation grant cycles?
If there is an emerging need in Montgomery County, MD outside of our typical grant cycle, please reach out to an HIF staff member to discuss the possibility of applying for an Emerging Needs application.
Funding and decisions
Is the funding period for one full year from the start of the award?
Yes, the award, whether in the fall or spring, is a 1-year grant award from the time of the grant agreement execution.
Is there a cap for our funding request?
There is no cap for the funding request.
What is the timeline for award notification?
The grant application will open on October 1 and will close on October 15, 2026. The staff and Board will review applications through November. Partners will be notified in early December. All applicants receive a notification from HIF.