Challenge Grants
A challenge grant is an initiative of the Ausherman Family Trust that supports the Trustees desire to Lead Others to Give. Challenge grants will match, dollar for dollar or any ration determined by the Trustees, an amount designated for raising funds to meet the specific needs of a non-profit organization. The purpose of a challenge grant is to excite and encourage other's support through giving, particularly that of the organization's board members, volunteers, members and/or staff.
Commonly, the non-profit organization will challenge its own Board of Directors and/or staff to raise funds for the organization, and requests that the Trust match the funds raised during the challenge.
A contractual agreement / grants covenant between the non-profit organization and the Trust sets guidelines establishing a maximum amount that will be matched; the designated time span in which funds raised will be matched; how and when the non-profit is to report the status of their fundraising; and other parameters determined by the Foundation's Trustees.
If you would like further information regarding Challenge / Matching Grants, please contact Joyce A. Heptner, Executive Director, by calling 301-620-4443 or emailing jheptner@aushermanfamilyfoundation.org.
Below is a sample of some of Challenge Grants.
Challenge Grants Accepted in 2011
Mental Health Association of Frederick County accepted a challenge to raise $100,000 toward the renovation of the organization's new offices.
Maryland Ensemble Theater (MET) accepted a challenge grant of $35,000. To receive the grant, organization must raise $10,000 from its Board of Directors and $25,000 from other sources. The efforts support the MET's special theater experience for Frederick's citizens and visitors.
Woman to Woman Mentoring Program asked for and received a $25,000 challenge grant to support the organization's mentoring program for woman. To receive the grant, $25,000 in funds must first be raised.
Challenge Grants Accepted in 2010
Hope Alive raised more than the $25,000 challenge the Ausherman Family Trust granted the organization. The funds were used to provide shelter for homeless woman and children, support for educational endeavors of the woman, and day care for the children.
A $50,000 challenge grant to the Religious Coalition, which the organization matched, was used for the organization's rental assistance, utility assistance, and cold weather shelter programs.
Challenge Grants Accepted in 2008
Advocates for Homeless Families, Inc.
This agency’s Board of Directors has been challenged by the Trust for the first time. They have met the challenge and... [more]
Maryland Ensemble Theater (MET)
The MET’ Board of Directors has received a second 2008 challenge grant from the Trust after successfully meeting the first challenge in 2007... [more]
Mission of Mercy
A multi-year challenge grant has been awarded to the Mission of Mercy to... [more]
Woman to Woman Program
This start-up project is sponsored by the Frederick County Women's Commission and... [more]
Challenge Grants Accepted in 2007
Maryland Ensemble Theater (MET)
The MET’ Board of Directors has received a second 2008 challenge grant from the Trust after successfully meeting the first challenge in 2007... [more]
Please visit the Ausherman Family Foundation website to view their Challenge Grant Program.