Best Baltimore city Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Lockhart Vaughan Foundation, established in 1990, provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore, focusing on education, environment, and community development. New applicants must submit a Letter of Intent to outline their goals. The Foundation emphasizes childhood literacy, environmental improvements, and vibrant neighborhoods while prioritizing programs that foster high expectations and prevent summer learning loss. Eligible organizations should align with these strategic goals to secure funding.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Henry and Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Foundation, established in 1959, focuses on enhancing educational opportunities and community vitality in Baltimore. It supports nonprofit organizations in two areas: Youth Development, promoting trauma-informed enrichment programs for high school youth, and Environmental Stewardship, aiming to foster community engagement in small-scale environmental initiatives. The foundation accepts proposals on a rolling basis and prioritizes organizations with proven success in improving educational outcomes and community well-being.

Baltimore Community Foundation

Mission: Inspire donors to achieve their charitable goals from generation to generation and to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, enlightened civic leadership, and strategic investments.

Baltimore City Community Grants Program

The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) is proud to administer the Baltimore City Community Grants Program in partnership with The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. These grants are designed to support nonprofits that provide direct services to low-income Baltimore City residents, with a focus on creating paths to stability and opportunity. 

Through this program, we aim to strengthen the capacity of community-based organizations aligned with the Weinberg Foundation’s five focus areas: Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Aging.

Focus Areas

• Housing: Improving stability by helping people access safe and affordable housing.
• Health: Promoting health and well-being
• Jobs: Creating paths to jobs and careers
• Education: Helping youth succeed in school and beyond
• Aging: Ensuring individuals are able to age with respect, dignity, and support.

Grants are one-time, unrestricted or project-based depending on organizational needs and proposed use.

The Nonprofit Resource Training Grant offers up to $1,000 for tax-exempt organizations to send employees to essential training and conferences. This initiative supports community-based groups that serve low- to moderate-income populations and align with The Ready Commitment. By enhancing employee skills, the grant aims to strengthen nonprofits and their impact in the community, ensuring they provide valuable services effectively.

Baltimore Community Foundation

Mission: Inspire donors to achieve their charitable goals from generation to generation and to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, enlightened civic leadership, and strategic investments.

Kaiser Permanente’s Social Health Impact Fund

Unmet social needs such as lack of food, housing, or transportation are barriers to health and well-being. Addressing these needs is an integral part of quality care. As an integrated health system committed to total health, Kaiser Permanente not only provides excellent medical care and support for mental health and wellness, we are also addressing the social health needs of our members and communities. To help address unmet social needs, Kaiser Permanente, in partnership with Unite Us, has deployed the Mid-Atlantic Community Network – a social service resource locator that integrates clinical and social care and is supported by data integration and partnership with community.

Grants from The Stewart Huston Charitable Trust help Baltimore City, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits deliver health and human services and community programs within 100 miles of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Eligible organizations may seek project, operating, capital, or equipment support for initiatives such as family services, youth programs, community revitalization, arts access, and historic or cultural preservation.

Baltimore City, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services can apply for project-focused funding that may also cover short-term operating needs or new initiatives. Focused on charitable efforts, the Herbert Bearman Foundation invites organizations in greater Baltimore to submit letters of inquiry for one-year grants, with possible renewal based on results.

501(c)(3) and 509(a) nonprofits, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City, Maryland can apply for Abell Foundation community development grants over More than US $10,000 to support programs. Funding may cover seed projects, ongoing services, general operations, capital, research, and program-related investments across education, workforce, health, community development, environment, arts, and related areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects improving safety, cleanliness, greening, or vibrancy in Baltimore City, Maryland can seek Stronger Neighborhoods Grants to support community-led initiatives. Baltimore Community Foundation funds programs that make neighborhoods safer, cleaner, greener, and more vibrant, emphasizing resident collaboration and clear community-wide support.

The Mitzvah Fund for Good Deeds, established in 2012, provides gap funding to non-profits in Baltimore. It supports diverse initiatives, including COVID-19 kits for students and resource cards for families in need. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status, serve Baltimore City, and adhere to non-discrimination policies. However, the fund does not support start-ups, capital projects, or initiatives outside the Baltimore region, ensuring focused impact within the community.

The Children's Fresh Air Society Fund Grant aims to provide disadvantaged and disabled children in the Metropolitan Baltimore area with enriching summer camp experiences. This initiative, supported by the Baltimore Community Foundation, is open to qualifying public charities that operate day or residential camps. The grant does not fund annual campaigns, religious purposes, or individual scholarships, ensuring focused support for impactful community programs.

The Baltimore Women's Giving Circle (BWGC) invites applications for grants aimed at supporting organizations that empower women and their families in Baltimore City and County. Eligible organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) IRS Letter of Determination and should not have received a BWGC grant in 2024. Grants cannot be used for endowments, capital improvements, or political activities, ensuring funds directly support service delivery to women.

The BCF Stronger Schools Grants aim to enhance student mental health and improve school climate in Baltimore City and County. This initiative focuses on funding programs that support kindergarten readiness, behavioral interventions, restorative practices, and wellness initiatives. Collaborating with schools is essential, ensuring alignment with educational leaders' goals. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, addressing diverse needs, including targeted programs for English language learners and students with disabilities.

The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Baltimore through innovative grants that support creative individuals and projects. By engaging with local young creatives and understanding their needs, the foundation aims to foster a thriving creative economy. Its initiatives include funding community-driven projects and addressing racial inequality, ensuring that marginalized voices are amplified. The foundation's approach is characterized by flexibility, responsiveness, and a commitment to building sustainable paths for emerging talent in the region.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a four-week clinical mentorship for psychology graduate students, focusing on the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis. This opportunity allows students to observe assessment strategies, learn about current research, and engage in comprehensive care. Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the mentorship includes a $3,000 award. Students will gain invaluable experience addressing neurocognitive and psychosocial issues related to MS, promoting synergies in research and clinical practices.

The Goldseker Foundation offers Management Assistance Grants to nonprofit organizations in metropolitan Baltimore. These grants support initiatives such as strategic planning, program evaluation, and fund development, ensuring organizations can sustain their efforts beyond the funding period. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities and demonstrate financial stability, while the Foundation prioritizes community development and education. Prior consultation with the program officer is required before submitting applications.

The Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds focus on supporting organizations that enhance the quality of life in Baltimore City and the local Jewish community. They provide various forms of funding, including operating and programmatic support, while emphasizing the importance of sustaining middle neighborhoods. Their grantmaking process involves a Letter of Inquiry, followed by a potential full application, ensuring careful consideration of each proposal. Note that they do not accept unsolicited applications.

The Mecu Foundation Grant, established in 2009, aims to enhance financial education and literacy within the Baltimore community. It supports 501(c)(3) organizations that align with its mission, offering small grants to those dedicated to improving community welfare. Notable beneficiaries include Baltimore City Schools and various non-profits focused on educational initiatives. The foundation emphasizes the importance of community engagement and is a proud supporter of over 50 charitable organizations, fostering a culture of financial literacy and empowerment.

BGE Charitable Contributions supports community enhancement through focused corporate giving in four key areas: building Exelon's future workforce, energy empowerment, local vitality enrichment, and equal access to arts and culture. By investing in diverse nonprofit organizations, BGE aims to create sustainable improvements in education, environmental conservation, and cultural access, fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the values and needs of the communities it serves.

Background

Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) is excited to announce a new, year-long State Science Policy Fellowship program partnering with state agencies and University System of Maryland (USM) leadership. This unique opportunity will place fellows in coastal sustainability, coastal management, and environmental policy positions within Maryland.

Modeled after the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, this program will increase graduates’ professional skills and provide critical experience working for state agencies at the science-policy interface. The Maryland Sea Grant State Science Policy Fellows will work closely with state agency and legislative leadership to provide science expertise to develop policy relevant to Maryland’s progressive program to address state challenges in sustainability and action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. It is an exciting opportunity for students interested in applying their research experience and critical thinking skills to advancing science-based, environmental decision-making and policy development in Maryland.

Fellowship Experience

This is a full-time, one-year, non-renewable position. Maryland Sea Grant will lead an orientation during which fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the goals and expectations of the fellowship, Maryland Sea Grant's mission, their host institution’s role and goals, and Maryland government and legislative structure. Fellows will then be embedded in their host office. They will work with their mentor to understand their responsibilities and major projects and to develop their fellowship goals and a professional plan for the year.

Fellows will have professional development opportunities during the year to strengthen networking, build professional skills, and bring them together to discuss relevant issues across their respective organizations. Fellows will be part of a small cohort of Maryland Sea Grant supported fellows, including research, legal, and Knauss fellows. All fellows are expected to submit a professional development plan and final report.

Funding

Fellows will be employees of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science-MDSG, classified as a faculty research assistant or assistant research scientist for a one-year term. The full-time annualized salary is $56,000, plus access to a comprehensive fringe benefits package including health insurance and retirement options. Some funding is available for professional development travel. Fellows are jointly supported by Maryland Sea Grant and their host office.

The Golfers’ Charitable Foundation, founded by Baltimore business volunteers, focuses on supporting children and youth through education and health initiatives. Since 1967, it has donated $3.9 million from its annual Scramble for Kids Golf Tournament, impacting thousands of lives. The foundation welcomes applications from 501(C)(3) organizations dedicated to similar causes, ensuring that funding reaches those in need of educational and health support.

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation offers Literacy Program Grants aimed at advancing literacy and fostering a love of reading among underserved children. Grants support innovative programs in regions including Baltimore, New York City, and San Francisco, with amounts ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and schools. The foundation encourages new ideas and partnerships, prioritizing programs that engage children through regular interaction with skilled staff.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Baltimore City, Maryland can seek funding for health, medical, and community programs through the Thomas Wilson Foundation, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000. Focus areas include pediatric medical research and services, mental health, disabilities, child welfare, education, after-school and summer programs, and camps.

Nonprofit organizations serving Baltimore City, Maryland can apply for grants supporting immigrant services, youth enrichment, health and mental health access, Jewish community programs, and social entrepreneurship. Grants from the Aaron Straus and Lillie Straus Foundation help Baltimore-area 501(c)(3)s advance community well-being, leadership, and innovative solutions aligned with the foundation’s local program priorities.

​​​​​​​​​​​Mission

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development transforms communities into places people want to call home. Through investments in community-led placemaking, housing and small business development, infrastructure and broadband deployment, we partner with local government, nonprofits, and private sector stakeholders to make great places.

Vision

All Marylanders will have the opportunity to live and prosper in affordable, lovable and just communities.

Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Community Development Block Grant Program funds help strengthen Maryland’s communities by expanding affordable housing opportunities, creating jobs, stabilizing neighborhoods and improving the overall quality of life.​

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.