Best Grants for Journalism in Maryland

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.

Costco Foundation provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, and health and human services with monetary support for community programs. Organizations with journalism initiatives that advance these priorities in local communities may be eligible. Applications are reviewed in 4–6 weeks, with decisions based on need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified funding.

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.

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 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.

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) organizations active for over three years can seek funding for programs such as education, children and families, poverty relief, medical assistance, disaster relief, veterans’ issues, and related services. The Robinson Foundation supports single-year, Southern U.S.–serving projects with tangible, meaningful impact; facilities and capital projects are not funded.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services work in Maryland can apply for Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted program or operating grants, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help Maryland journalism organizations that also work in these areas cover project or general operating needs within its stated priorities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental programs can access funding via Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Journalism or media organizations structured as eligible charities may apply for one year of project-focused support during the annual October–March cycle.

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.

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.