The Mathews Community Foundation is accepting applications for its 2018 grants program and will do so through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 5.

The foundation offers a competitive grants program for eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and agencies that provide programs or services that directly impact and improve the quality of life for Mathews residents. Grant awards will be announced in May, a release said.

Four areas of focus for the grants include educational success, health and wellness, cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity, the release stated. This year, the MCF has chosen to target economic and educational success as its two main targets for new projects in 2018, recognizing that solid employment opportunities strengthen families and the community.

In 2017, the foundation awarded $110,000 in competitive grants, supporting programs and services across the county, according to the release. To date, grants in the category of educational success have ranged from collabora...