ANNOUNCING 2021 GRANTS

This year marks our 15th year of grantmaking. Since our founding in 2006, we have invested more than $1.4 million in grants to 42 different nonprofits in Anne Arundel County working to improve the quality of life for women and families.

This year we offered three different types of grants. For the first time, we explored how our grantmaking might help us address racial inequities with a $20,000 Racial Equity grant. We also offered the $10,000 Fundamental Needs grant, this time limited to county organizations not previously funded by AAWGT. And we, of course, continued our Regular grant program.

We received a record number of 50 applications which were carefully evaluated by our reviewers to determine the 15 organizations that would advance to the ballot. We also had a near-record amount in our Grant fund: $138,496. Voting was online and results were announced and celebrated at a May 11 Zoom meeting. For more detailed information about our review process, see our grant summary process.

We are delighted to welcome Co-op Arundel, Marshall Love and Charting Careers as new grantees this year.

Racial Equity Grant: Co-op Arundel – My Sistah’s Keeper $20,000

An 8-week program that pairs 15 women with low incomes with a mentor to address topics such as financial literacy, life skills, goal setting and self-introspection.

Fundamental Needs Grant: Marshall Love Corp – W. Annapolis Pop-Up Pantry $10,000

Creation of a newborn and toddler pantry with diapers, wipes, bottles, formula and other necessities, Spanish-speaking volunteers provide other needed information to those who visit the pantry.

Regular Grants:

Annapolis Immigration Justice Network – Legal Assistance Project $20,000

Provides legal and case manager representation and related services to immigrant children as they face the challenging path to remain in this country.

Anne Arundel County CASA, Inc – For Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care $20,000

To advocate for abused and neglected foster children to support their transition from the court system to a safe and stable home.

Anne Arundel County Food Bank – Expand/Stock Baby Pantries $8,496

To expand and stock baby pantries, adding facilities in Brooklyn Park, Laurel and Glen Burnie. (Due to tremendous need, we continued last year’s practice of allocating all remaining dollars available in the Grant fund.)

Charting Careers – Mentoring, College & Career Readiness $20,000

Breaking the cycle of poverty and inequity for African American and Latino youth in Annapolis with a mentor-focused approach that begins with tutoring in reading and continues in later years with college and career guidance.

Hope for All – Turning Houses into Homes $20,000

Provides beds, furniture, clothing, personal hygiene products and other household items to 100 homeless women and children as they transition to permanent housing.

Rebuilding Together – Urgent Home & Critical Repairs - $20,000

Works to keep low-income homeowners, largely women, in their homes by providing home repairs, thereby preventing homelessness and foreclosures. Our grant will renovate 14 homes.