GFF

Grants

IT Access Grants

Closing the technology gap for small businesses and nonprofits — free and discounted services delivered in partnership with STG Technologies.

Currently Available

Now Accepting Applications

Website Development Grant

Helps small businesses and nonprofits get a professional, modern website — whether that means building one from scratch or refreshing an outdated site.

Apply Now

Eligible services

  • New website design & build
  • Website redesign / refresh of existing site
  • E-commerce / online store functionality
  • Content management system (CMS) setup
  • Mobile-responsive design
  • SEO setup & optimization
  • Domain & hosting setup
  • Website maintenance / ongoing support
  • Branding/copy assistance for the site

Coming Soon

Managed IT Support Grant

Managed IT support & help desk, network & hardware setup, IT strategy consultation.

Cybersecurity Grant

Cybersecurity assessment & protection.

Cloud & Data Backup Grant

Cloud migration, data backup & recovery, website & email hosting.

How Grant Tiers Work

Two tiers, one goal: remove cost as a barrier

Full Grant

100% of service cost covered

For applicants with the highest demonstrated need, as determined through GFF's review process.

Partial Grant

A portion of service cost covered

For applicants with moderate need; the covered percentage scales with the applicant's need profile.

Who Can Apply

Eligibility

  • For-profit small businesses and nonprofit organizations in operation for at least 6 months
  • Organizations located in Maryland; priority may be given to organizations in Baltimore City, Dorchester, Allegany, Caroline, Somerset, and Wicomico counties
  • Applicants that demonstrate financial need and/or organizational readiness
  • Priority may be given to minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses and organizations in underserved areas, consistent with GFF's charitable mission

Not eligible

Organizations owned or operated by board members, officers, or employees of Solomon's Minds, GFF, or STG Technologies, or their immediate family members.

How Applicants Are Evaluated

Five weighted criteria, one independent committee

Applications are scored by an independent GFF review committee. Scores determine tier recommendations, which the committee confirms before any award.

  1. Financial Need30%
  2. IT Risk & Urgency25%
  3. Community Impact20%
  4. Mission Alignment15%
  5. Organizational Readiness10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Does applying guarantee funding?

No. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding, and GFF reserves sole discretion over award decisions.

Who delivers the services?

Grant-funded services are delivered by STG Technologies, GFF's affiliated IT provider. Acceptance of a grant does not obligate your organization to any future paid contract.

How are Full vs. Partial grants decided?

Through GFF's scoring process. Applicants with the highest demonstrated need receive Full Grants (100% covered). Partial Grants cover a portion that scales with the applicant's need profile.

Is my financial information kept confidential?

Yes. Financial information is used only for grant evaluation and is kept confidential.

Will I be asked to do anything after the grant?

Awarded organizations may be asked to participate in a brief follow-up survey or provide a short testimonial or case study about the impact of the services received.