Social Entrepreneur Grants
One way the Ausherman Family Trust empowers the passion for change in Frederick County, Maryland is to recognize and support individuals and organizations that are catalyst for change. The Trust refers to these people and organizations as "Social Entrepreneurs".
The goal of the Social Entrepreneur Grant Program is to seek out and actively support Frederick County individuals or nonprofit organizations that possess the passion to carry out a transformational endeavor that would improve at least one aspect of Frederick County community life and has not done so because of insufficient financial support. Social Entrepreneur grants do not have a challenge grant component. Social Entrepreneur awards are given for two years. The second year grant amount may vary from the first years, depending on the organization's success.
The Social Entrepreneur Grant program award is capped at $25,000 per year.
The primary focuses of the Ausherman Family Trust center on:
- Arts & Culture
- Children, Youth, & Families
- Christian Missions
- Education
- Health
- Human Services
- International Development
- Public / Society Benefit
Areas not funded include:
- Animal causes
- Athletics, leisure, recreation
- Environment
- Areas considered government responsibility
- Charter schools
- Private schools (do fund higher education)
- Frederick County Public Schools
- Public safety, disaster preparedness, and relief
- Political support
- Grant requests less than $2,500
Application Process
To complete a Letter of Inquiry, which is the first step in the application process, click on the Grant Application process on the Foundation's website. Clink on the Social Entrepreneur Grants section and read the detailed parameters and guidelines for the application process. If your request qualifies, scroll to the "How to Apply" section, and click on the words, Grant Process.
This will take you to the online grants process. Follow the instructions and complete the letter of inquiry.
One Social Entrepreneur Grant is awarded annually. Check with Ausherman Family Foundation's Executive Director prior to completing a Letter of Inquiry to ensure that queries are being accepted.
Social Entrepreneur Grants Awarded in 2011
Second Changes Garage
Rick and Cindy Trawick had a dream to help individuals of low economic means, have transportation so they can earn a living and be less dependent on social services. Second Changes Garage repairs donated cars and through an application process pass the vehicles to deserving individuals. The owners of the second hand refurbished cars attend a finance class that teaches them budgeting and car maintenance.
Social Entrepreneur Grants Awarded in 2009
Cakes for Cause
Elin Ross, founder of Cakes for Cause, has been named the Social Entrepreneur for 2009 and was granted the option of multi-year funding by the Ausherman Family Trust. Elin's vision is to help break the negative outcome cycles that affect so many youth.
She founded Cakes for Cause to serve youth, ages 16-21, who have aged out of the foster care system, who live in public housing, who have dropped out of the traditional school system, or who are otherwise identified as "at risk" in our community. The youth are taught skills in bakery production and restaurant management through a structured 6-month curriculum. Participating youth are paid wages, and helped with follow-up job placement.
Please visit the Ausherman Family Foundation website to view their Social Entrepreneur Grant Program.