The Knott Foundation’s General Fund Grants program serves as a responsive funding mechanism to support nonprofit organizations that align with the foundation’s mission. This program has been in operation for several decades, distributing more than $70 million in funding across five key program areas: arts and humanities, Catholic activities, education, healthcare, and human services. These grants aim to strengthen communities, expand opportunities, and foster safe and healthy environments for individuals and families. Organizations interested in applying must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and, if invited, proceed to the full proposal stage.

The General Fund Grants program provides financial support to eligible organizations within the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which includes Baltimore City and the Maryland counties of Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, and Washington. The foundation operates on a structured grant cycle, offering three opportunities per year to submit LOIs in February, June, and October. Organizations may submit one LOI annually, and only those invited may proceed with a full grant proposal. Site visits are a required component of the review process.

Grant awards under this program start at a minimum request of $10,000, with a median grant award of $45,000. The funding must be used within one year of the award date, as multi-year grants are not considered under this program. Organizations that receive funding may reapply after three years. Those denied at the full proposal stage can reapply after one year, while those declined at the LOI stage must wait a year before submitting another request.

The application process involves an initial LOI submission, followed by an invitation to submit a full proposal if the request is advanced. Deadlines for LOI submissions are February 3, 2025, June 2, 2025, and October 6, 2025. Organizations invited to submit full proposals must adhere to deadlines of March 24, 2025, July 21, 2025, and November 24, 2025. Grant award meetings for funding decisions are scheduled for June 10, 2025, October 14, 2025, and February 10, 2026.

Funding decisions are made based on an evaluation process that includes a detailed review of the organization’s mission alignment, program effectiveness, and financial sustainability. The required site visit provides an opportunity for deeper engagement with applicants before final decisions are made. The foundation places a strong emphasis on supporting programs that contribute to the well-being of communities within the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Interested organizations must submit applications through the foundation’s grants portal. Given the structured timeline and competitive nature of the grant, organizations are encouraged to thoroughly review the eligibility guidelines before submitting a request. Additional details on the application process, deadlines, and funding priorities can be found on the Knott Foundation’s website.