Nonprofits in Maryland's Archdiocese, particularly in Baltimore City and surrounding counties, have a valuable ally in the Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation. Rooted in values of faith, opportunity, and community, the Knott Foundation offers multiple grant programs to strengthen organizations across sectors. This blog explores what the Knott Foundation funds, who’s eligible, how to apply, and how to make your application stand out.
What Does the Knott Foundation Support?
The Foundation’s funding focuses on five program areas that reflect the legacy of Marion and Henry Knott:
- Arts & Humanities: Performing arts organizations, visual arts programs, museums, and arts education
- Catholic Activities: Churches, retreat houses, lay leadership programs, and faith-based initiatives
- Education: Catholic schools, private colleges, out-of-school-time programs, and academic interventions for under-resourced students
- Health Care: Curative, preventive, rehabilitative, and palliative care, including patient support services
- Human Services: Housing support, homelessness services, food security, family services, adult education, and more
These areas guide how the Foundation allocates resources across its grantmaking efforts.
How the Knott Foundation Gives: Funding Vehicles
To meet a variety of nonprofit needs, the Foundation offers four main funding options:
General Fund Grants
- The Foundation’s primary grant vehicle
- Nonprofits may submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) three times per year: February, June, and October
- Selected LOIs lead to a full proposal invitation
- Grants are one year in duration; multi-year grants are generally not awarded
- Minimum request: $10,000; median award: around $45,000
- Organizations receiving funding enter a three-year pause before reapplying
Strategic Initiatives
- Long-term, targeted investments in high-impact areas
- Examples include catholic schools, workforce development, youth empowerment
- These grants are typically by invitation only, meaning applicants cannot freely apply for them unless solicited by the Foundation
Discretionary Grants
- Responsive, smaller-scale grants
- Available on a rolling basis throughout the year
- Awards typically range from $500 to $2,500
- Ideal for emergent needs or pilot programs
Cash Flow Loans
- Low-interest loans for nonprofits experiencing temporary cash flow issues
- Intended to bridge gaps when receivables or grant reimbursements are delayed
- Applications are accepted year-round
Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify for any Knott Foundation funding, your organization must meet the following criteria:
- Be located within the Archdiocese of Baltimore (including Baltimore City and counties such as Anne Arundel, Frederick, Harford, Howard, and others)
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or its equivalent
- Be in operation for at least one full year
- Align with at least one of the Foundation’s five program areas
The Foundation Does Not Fund:
- Individuals
- For-profit entities
- K–12 schools, colleges, or universities
- Public sector or charter schools
- Programs incompatible with Catholic doctrine
- Political activity or advocacy
- Endowments, capital improvements, or retrospective costs
- Most scholarships
Application Process
Here’s a step-by-step outline of the process for General Fund grants:
- Plan and Prepare
Review program areas and eligibility. Determine which grant vehicle best fits your needs. Gather materials such as your mission statement, budget, leadership bios, and program plans.
- Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
You may submit one LOI per year. If selected, you’ll be invited to submit a full proposal.
- Full Proposal & Site Visit
Invited applicants may be asked to host a site visit. The proposal includes goals, outcomes, staffing, and a detailed budget.
- Review & Board Approval
Proposals undergo internal review. Final decisions are made several weeks after the submission deadline.
- Grant Period & Reporting
Grants are for a one-year term. Final reports (narrative and financial) must be submitted through the online portal.
- Reapplication Policy
Funded organizations must wait three years before reapplying. If your LOI or proposal is denied, you may reapply after one year.
Why the Knott Foundation Opportunity Is Valuable
Local, Focused Impact
By concentrating its efforts within the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Foundation fosters deeper understanding of community needs and delivers highly relevant support.
Balance of Reliability and Responsiveness
The structure of annual General Fund cycles, combined with rolling discretionary grants and loans, offers both stability and flexibility.
Mission-Aligned Funding
Organizations that align with Catholic values and serve in education, health, human services, or the arts will likely find strong resonance with the Foundation’s mission.
Medium-Sized Grants, Big Results
With most grants averaging $45,000, the Foundation delivers enough funding to meaningfully support growth, while remaining accessible to smaller nonprofits.
Encouragement of Strategic Planning
The three-year pause between grants encourages nonprofits to diversify their funding sources and plan for sustainable growth.
Tips for a Competitive Application
- Tell Your Story: Highlight your mission, the communities you serve, and your impact
- Align with Foundation Values: Make clear connections to their program areas and Catholic mission
- Be Clear and Ambitious: Set measurable outcomes and achievable strategies
- Demonstrate Financial Health: Provide accurate budgets, cash flow projections, and fundraising plans
- Prepare for a Site Visit: Be ready to showcase your team, space, and project plans
- Avoid Ambiguity: Clearly state how the requested funds will be used
- Follow Reapplication Rules: Submit only one LOI per year and prepare for pause periods
- Use Discretionary Grants Strategically: Great for smaller pilots or urgent community needs
The Marion I. & Henry J. Knott Foundation offers a powerful combination of trust, consistency, and mission-driven support for nonprofits across Maryland. For organizations operating within its focus areas, Knott’s grants can be a critical driver of sustainability and impact.
To explore eligibility, timelines, and applications, visit the Knott Foundation’s Program Areas and General Fund Grants pages.
