Best Grants for Journalism in Maryland

The Ausherman Family Foundation offers General Grants for organizations seeking to fund operating, program, or project costs that align with their mission. Eligible applicants must serve Frederick County, MD residents and request a minimum of $2,500. Grants can include a challenge matching funds component, encouraging community support and engagement. However, in-kind and government funding cannot be counted as matching funds. This grant is an excellent opportunity for local organizations to enhance their services and impact.

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 planning, leadership development, technology, and internal operations. Organizations working in areas like media arts, communications, or news media and journalism-related programming may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s focus and location criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services programs, including those in Maryland, can seek support for new approaches to social problems. Creag Foundation supports creative solutions across areas like health, community development, literacy, and public safety. Funding is by invitation only, but eligible groups may submit a letter of inquiry.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first, mission-driven for-profits in Maryland tackling urgent social or environmental problems can access funding and support from the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Focused on scalable, systems-level solutions for underserved communities, this opportunity may benefit journalism organizations whose innovative models can grow to reach at least 10,000 people and demonstrate measurable impact.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Maryland and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help tech-enabled programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, including initiatives in digital skills, workforce readiness, and green jobs, that pilot innovative early-stage solutions.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant to support arts and science programming, capital needs, or limited general support. Maryland organizations offering museums, performing arts, arts education, or STEAM programs that reach large audiences and youth may be competitive; awards are typically more than US $100,000.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other eligible organizations working on education or youth-focused programs in Maryland can seek project or scaling support of more than US $50,000, as part of the foundation’s U.S. portfolio. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports initiatives benefiting urban low-income children, which may include journalism-related education efforts.

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.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects in countries where Roche operates can seek philanthropic support, including in Maryland via its U.S. affiliate. Grants from La Roche help organizations whose local programs promote sustainable development and can actively involve Roche expertise, logistics, and employees in cultural, educational, or social activities.

Maryland nonprofits and community organizations focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable populations. Programs addressing healthcare access, women and children’s health, disabilities, literacy, or disaster relief may be eligible, alongside broader human and social services work in the U.S. and internationally.

Journalism and media nonprofits in Maryland seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical-related work can apply for funding used within the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help 501(c)(3) organizations with programs that are well-managed, broadly serve their target populations, and materially contribute to the general welfare.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion can seek sponsorship support for programs and events. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, and strengthen the economic, social, and cultural life of communities, which may include journalism-related projects.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving residents of Charles, Montgomery, or Prince George's counties can seek US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time capital, equipment, or other project needs in health, education, arts, or community endeavors. With a mission to strengthen the Washington, D.C., metro area, Philip L. Graham Fund provides flexible support that may benefit journalism-related community organizations.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can receive storytelling support to showcase impactful work in preservation, education, or wellness, including wildlife conservation, from the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation. Maryland journalism and media nonprofits whose projects advance these pillars may be eligible if they focus on documenting community impact or conservation stories.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving economic stability, health, workforce readiness, or disaster relief in Maryland communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs serving underserved individuals and families, including hunger, homelessness, literacy, early childhood development, mental health, and related social services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on youth education, food insecurity, housing support, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community programs. Journalism organizations with qualifying youth or community-focused initiatives may be eligible.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Maryland, can seek funding for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers US $1,000 - US $20,000, which may benefit organizations with journalism-related outreach or education components.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, recognizing journalism or other initiatives that measurably improve communities and model innovative, scalable approaches.

Nonprofit organizations addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, or disaster relief can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $250,000 grants to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help Maryland journalism organizations that also provide such human and social services, and meet its revenue, location, and non-sectarian criteria, access significant program support.

Diverse 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Maryland can seek funding for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national funder supports nonprofits that respect people, life, and the environment, which may include journalism initiatives connected to community or environmental issues.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. The TJX Foundation supports programs that help vulnerable families and children build better futures, which may include youth media or journalism-related initiatives.