Through grantmaking, community benefit projects, leadership and educational opportunities, it has been Ausherman Family Foundation’s pleasure to invest $4,647,673 charitable dollars back into the community. We thank our valued community partners, especially the dedicated nonprofits, for their hard work and incredible impact on Frederick County year after year. 

Grantmaking

Trustees of the Ausherman Family Foundation gave back to the community in 2019 by awarding $2,404,428 in grants to 123 nonprofit organizations.

Our giving is focused in Frederick County in the areas of empowering children, youth and families; promoting the arts and culture; contributing to society and the public good; enhancing health and performing human services.

In 2019, nonprofit organizations received funding through 216 General Grants, Capacity Building Grants and Focus Grants. A few recipients were Goodwill Industries, The Phoenix Foundation, Spanish Speaking Community, S.O.S. Safe Ride, Frederick Art’s Council, Mission of Mercy, Color on the Creek, and more. 

Literacy Council Participants

Community Benefit Projects

Ausherman Family Foundation Trustees have continued to support and catalyze large-scale Community Benefit Projects. Our goal is to enhance the Frederick community through projects such as the 7th Street Fountain Park, New Spire Arts, Downtown Murals, and Public Art. Ausherman Family Foundation invested $2,243,244 in Community Benefit Projects in 2019.

The Downtown Safety & Services Initiative launched in 2019 with the goal of enhancing the continued safety for all and the vibrancy of downtown Frederick.  Ausherman Family Foundation catalyzed the Initiative with a strong commitment from the Mayor’s office.  To ensure that Frederick is a thriving and healthy city for all, efforts are focused in the areas of safety, economic opportunity and beautification, while making sure that the most vulnerable in our community have access to the support services they need. The Initiative includes five committees and is co-led by Peter Couchman, Director of Community Benefit Projects for the Ausherman Family Foundation, and Gayon Sampson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor.

In October of 2019, the Initiative hosted the first public meeting and was attended by over 120 community members. Open-door meetings are an opportunity for the public to learn about progress, findings and proposals.

Temporary Mural at 69 S. Market St

Leadership & Educational Opportunities

The Ausherman Family Foundation Trustees believe there is value in bringing people together for the greater good. The Foundation hosts a variety of leadership events each year in an effort to invest in the local nonprofit community. We are currently working with other foundations, philanthropists, and grantmakers with the common goal of making a positive impact on our community.

Each year Ausherman Family Foundation partners with fellow community leaders and foundations to host a summit for local Frederick nonprofit leaders. In 2019, the Frederick Nonprofit Summit hosted a special Board Edition and was attended by 95 Executive Directors, Board Chairs, and Board Members representing over 70 nonprofit organizations. Keynote speaker, Patrick Jinks of The Jinks Perspective, focused on “Governance Through the Lens of Leadership.”

Frederick Nonprofit Summit Follow-Up Session