Grants Restriction and Vision Proposal (working draft as of December 15, 2025)

Maryland Women’s History Initiative

 Effective Date: December 31, 2025
Prepared by: Diana Bailey, MWHC Executive Director, and Kathi Santora, MWHC Past President

Vision 

The Maryland Women’s History Initiative supports grassroots efforts, education initiatives, and local nonprofit organizations that preserve and celebrate the stories of Maryland women, past and present, and their contributions in education, politics, science, community activism, the arts, the military, business and more. 

With administration by the Community Foundation of Howard County, funds will be distributed responsibly, equitably, and in alignment with this mission with an emphasis on previously untold stories. 

Source of Funding 

The Maryland Women’s History Initiative will be initiated by a one-time donation from the remaining funds at dissolution of Maryland Women’s Heritage Center and Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit non-partisan organization, incorporated in the State of Maryland since 2004. With the support and administration of the Community Foundation of Howard County, future donations will continue to support these activities. 

Purpose of the Fund

Maryland Women’s History Initiative supports projects and programs that:

  • Advance equity and inclusion of Maryland women in recorded history 
  • Focus on under told stories of women traditionally excluded from history 
  • Ensure that these stories are told in a fashion that reaches a broad audience of diverse ages, genders, geographic locations in Maryland 
  • Designed to be preserved for the future 

Use of Funds – Allowable Activities

Grants from the Maryland Women’s History Initiative may be used for:

  • Direct public program, event or project costs.
  • Capacity building or technical assistance for small or emerging nonprofits.
  • Materials and supplies for project implementation.
  • Stipends for female community leaders or grassroots organizers that highlight women’s achievements.
  • Website content and online exhibits 

Prohibited Uses of Funds

To ensure the integrity and impact of the fund, grants may not be used for:

  • Political campaigns, lobbying, or advocacy that violates IRS rules.
  • Personal expenses or debts.
  • Capital campaigns, unless pre-approved.
  • Religious activities or programs that require participation in religious practices.
  • Activities that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or religion.
  • Projects that do not serve the Maryland region.

Grantee Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be either:
    • a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status
    • a person performing or studying activities that support the fund’s vision.
  • Serve residents within Maryland.
  • Demonstrate community leadership and/or grassroots involvement.
  • Align with the fund’s vision and funding priorities.

Grant Administration and Oversight

  • All grants will be awarded through a review process established by the Community Foundation of Howard County and, if possible, with input from representatives of the former Maryland Women’s Heritage Center. 
  • Grantees will be required to sign a grant agreement outlining deliverables, budget, and reporting timelines.
  • Mid-year and final reports will be required to assess impact and ensure compliance.
  • Grant renewals or repeat funding will be contingent upon performance and available resources.