Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Maryland public agencies, local governments, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties can seek funding for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. These Area Development grants from Appalachian Regional Commission may benefit organizations whose food access or hunger initiatives intersect with water, wastewater, transportation, broadband, or related public infrastructure needs.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Frederick County, Maryland can apply for Ausherman Family Foundation’s capacity building grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for organizational planning, leadership development, technology, and internal operations. Organizations addressing food access, hunger, nutrition, or related human services may be eligible when seeking to strengthen their management and infrastructure.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Maryland nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can seek funding for food access, health, education, or community initiatives that support local residents. Focused on community health and welfare, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites applicants working on food pantries, meal programs, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, or healthy lifestyle initiatives to apply; requests are reviewed in March and September.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on food access, hunger, education, science, or health can apply for funding to support charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help U.S.-based organizations deliver broad, effective services, which may include Maryland initiatives addressing food insecurity and related community needs.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community programs in food access, public safety, health, education, or environmental stewardship can receive up to US $1,000 for local initiatives. The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations in its operating states, with preference for communities near major facilities and those endorsed by Perdue associates.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food access and hunger relief can apply for Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation grants to purchase food for their hunger-relief programs. Eligible organizations must operate within 20 miles of a Food Lion store in designated states and may apply once every 12 months during bi-annual grant cycles.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $1,000 for community programs can apply for support from the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. Funding may back initiatives in food access and hunger, agriculture, environment, education, health, poverty alleviation, human services, public safety, and cultural heritage, with priority for communities near Perdue facilities and associate-endorsed projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland counties where Penn National Gaming operates can apply for Penn National Gaming Foundation grants to support community development, education, human services, cultural programs, health, and veteran and military support. Maryland nonprofits addressing food access and hunger within these broader areas may be eligible if they are located in an eligible county.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)/509(a) organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City can apply for the Abell Foundation’s community development grants over More than US $10,000 to support food access and hunger initiatives. Funding can cover seed projects, ongoing programs, general operations, capital needs, research, and related community development efforts in Maryland.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing food, basic needs, or related human services in Maryland, especially those based in or active in Harford County, can seek support for programs improving quality of life and community well-being. Drescher Foundation also funds health, education, and civic and cultural initiatives that may complement food access and hunger efforts.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access and hunger in Maryland can seek grants of more than US $2,500 to expand hunger relief and related services. Wawa Foundation supports programs within its six-state market that improve access to food, alongside initiatives in health and support for everyday heroes like first responders and veterans.

501(c)(3) public charities serving Maryland residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s competitive grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000 for community services, including food access and hunger programs. Nonprofits providing comprehensive, culturally competent services and pursuing systemic change may be especially strong candidates.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Philip L. Graham Fund provides Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities with US $30,000 - US $75,000 for food access, basic human needs, and related services. Nonprofits serving residents of Charles, Montgomery, or Prince George's counties may request primarily one-time needs like equipment or capital supporting Food Access & Hunger work.

Existing food banks, pantries, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and civic groups in Maryland serving Frederick County residents can apply for the Frederick FEED Grant, with awards of more than US $5,000 to expand food distribution and purchase equipment. Administered by the Community Foundation of Frederick County, this program supports food insecurity services and related operating costs.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofits and community partners working on sustainable farming and food systems in Maryland and the broader Northeast can seek US $50,000 - US $250,000 for social science research and education projects. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education supports community-based initiatives that improve agricultural sustainability, food access, and farmer livelihoods through collaborative, scalable solutions.

Maryland food banks, charitable emergency food providers, and nonprofits can apply for Maryland Department of Agriculture’s MFARM grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $40,000 to purchase local agricultural and seafood products for food-insecure residents. Funding can also cover transportation of these products, helping strengthen Maryland’s food access and hunger relief efforts.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and families in Anne Arundel County can receive US $25,000 - US $50,000 for programs that prioritize children’s physical, mental, and behavioral health. Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County supports initiatives such as nutrition education, healthy food access, and related services that improve overall child and family well-being.

Nonprofits and community organizations improving food access and rural health in Maryland can seek support for projects expanding post-harvest infrastructure, food hubs, and mobile markets. Rural Maryland Council funding may also back local food procurement by schools and hospitals, nutrition education, and regional coordination to address food insecurity in rural communities.

Rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges in Maryland can seek funding to expand agricultural education, rural broadband, energy efficiency, youth enrichment, and broader rural community and economic development efforts. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Rural Maryland Council provides support to build capacity and foster new public-private partnerships that may benefit food system and regional food access work.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food access and hunger relief can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants Hunger Relief round, with awards from US $1,000 - US $20,000. Eligible organizations primarily serve rural communities in Cecil, Kent, or Washington Counties through food banks, pantries, meal programs, community gardens, or local food systems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access and hunger in Maryland, especially those serving the Washington, D.C. metro region, can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 for general operating support. The Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Foundation focuses on human services that ensure food security and other basic needs for vulnerable communities.