Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Maryland

The Maryland Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, aims to support local education agencies and community organizations in providing after-school academic enrichment programs. This grant focuses on assisting students from low-performing schools to meet academic standards while offering additional services such as youth development, substance abuse prevention, and family literacy opportunities. Grants range from $50,000 to $400,000, enhancing educational and community engagement.

The Fine Arts Initiative Grant, established by the Maryland General Assembly, aims to enhance arts education for prekindergarten-12 students in local education agencies. This program supports funding for dance, media arts, music, theater, and visual art, ensuring students meet or exceed state standards. With an anticipated 25 grants available, the initiative promotes alignment with COMAR 13A.04.16, focusing on comprehensive arts education and fostering creativity in Maryland's youth.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Wawa Foundation offers financial grants exceeding $2,500 to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in its six-state market, focusing on health, hunger, and supporting everyday heroes. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October, with grant requests reviewed prior to the next submission window. Eligible organizations include those working to improve lives through health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and support for community heroes. For more details, visit the Wawa Foundation's official site.

The France-Merrick Foundation Grant, focusing on Maryland's Greater Baltimore area, supports one-time, project-oriented requests exceeding $50,000. Prioritizing financial sustainability, the Foundation funds projects across civic, cultural, community, economic development, education, health, and environmental sectors. It emphasizes innovative collaborations to enhance community vitality and resilience while ensuring adherence to sustainable practices. Organizations must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status and financial stability, with a commitment to improving lives and strengthening neighborhoods through targeted initiatives.

Maryland State Department of Education

Maryland has over 1,400 public schools, 24 local education agencies, and over 7,000 child care providers serving all of the state’s 23 counties plus Baltimore City. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) works collaboratively with the State Board of Education and stakeholders to ensure the promise of an excellent and equitable education for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved. At MSDE, we are a dedicated team of educators, specialists, and administrators joined together by a single vision: to be a system of world-class schools where students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college, career, and life.

Field Trip Grant to Museums of Cultural Import

Program Description

The Museums of Cultural Import Field Trip Grant Program is a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) grant program that aims to assist public schools in allowing students to visit Museum of cultural import which include The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum; The National Museum of African American History and Culture; Jewish Museum of Maryland; and The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. This grant is intended to cover any related expenses for student field trips to the prior identified museums. All Maryland local school systems are eligible for these grant funds.

Maryland Special Education Family Engagement Grant SFY 2027

Purpose

This grant opportunity is designed to equip families, educators, and Local Family Support Specialists (LFSS) with shared training, aligned tools, and coordinated support structures that promote positive student outcomes. The initiative emphasizes a joint approach – parent and educators learning together – to build trust, reduce disputes, and ensure that young learners with disabilities are supported through cohesive, research-based strategies.

This grant opportunity focuses on the following key areas:

• developing and delivering research-based training that strengthens communication and collaborative problem-solving between families and IEP team, reducing the need for formal dispute resolution;
• implementing a consistent, evidence-based behavioral support model that is aligned across home and school to reduce instances of exclusionary discipline for students with disabilities in Pre-K through Grade 2;
• building sustainable local capacity by coordinating with LEAs, supporting LFSS roles, and ensuring long-term integration of effective practices into school systems;
• creating accessible resources, training materials, and tools that can be used statewide by families, teachers, administrators, and service providers to improve outcomes for students with disabilities; and
• supporting activities that promote leadership development, implementation fidelity, and statewide dissemination of effective practices.

Grant funds support coordinated training, evidence-based behavioral support, and conflict-prevention practices that help families, educators, and Local Family Support Specialists use shared tools and aligned support structures.

The Abell Foundation offers Community Development Grants to support nonprofit organizations improving Baltimore's quality of life. These small grants, typically under $10,000, fund innovative projects, ongoing services, and capital initiatives aimed at addressing systemic challenges. Focused on fostering equity, the Foundation targets organizations with 501c3 status that serve Baltimore City and align with its core program areas, including health, education, and community development.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Environmental Education and Stewardship (Outcome 4)

Improve student and community ability to take action benefiting Chesapeake ecosystems through professional development and training, curriculum expansion, outdoor learning and stewardship.

What kind of projects are supported by Environmental Education and Stewardship?

Funding will be offered as available to support learning experiences and educational opportunities focused on environmental issue exploration and investigation leading to stewardship action. Funding supports two tracks for this funding program:

• Track One will focus on projects serving formal K-12 education systems, and
• Track Two will focus on projects serving communities or public education. Both tracks include proposals focused on local watershed and land-use issues, and should be based on sound environmental education principles.

Applicants should collaborate with the student or community that they will be working with to build capacity, engagement and stewardship. The project should address the needs of the community and include the voices of the community.

All projects should be located within Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

The Lockhart Vaughan Foundation focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore, Maryland, with a commitment to education, environment, and community development. Established in 1990, the foundation aims to enhance public education access, promote environmental sustainability, and foster vibrant neighborhoods through strategic grant-making. Applicants must submit a contact information form before applying, with an upcoming deadline for summer learning grants on February 20. The foundation prioritizes impactful initiatives that align with its goals.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The Principal Student Support Services Grant, offered by the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network, aims to enhance mental health support for students in grades 6-12 at under-resourced public schools. With funding available for hiring mental health professionals and performance-based awards, this initiative addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues. By providing targeted interventions, the grant seeks to improve academic performance and overall well-being among students facing mental health crises.

The Fund for Teachers Fellowship empowers educators to design personalized learning experiences that enhance their professional skills and student engagement. With over 20 years of experience, this initiative has supported more than 10,000 teachers, enabling them to transform their classrooms through unique fellowship opportunities. Eligible applicants include full-time teachers in the U.S. who have at least three years of teaching experience and plan to return to the classroom after their fellowship. This fellowship fosters innovative teaching practices and collaborative growth.

The Chrysalis Fund, managed by the Entomological Society of America, supports K-12 educators in fostering youth interest in insect science. Grants can cover various project expenses, including supplies and travel costs. Funding levels include micro-grants (under $500), regular grants ($500-$999), and large grants ($1,000-$2,500). This initiative encourages innovative educational programs that engage students with entomology, enhancing their learning experience and promoting science education.

The White-Reinhardt Grant offers funding for projects that enhance agricultural literacy among K-12 students. With grants of up to $1,000 available, state and county Farm Bureaus can initiate new educational programs or expand existing ones. This initiative, supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation and its Women’s Leadership Committee, honors the contributions of Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, aiming to bolster agricultural knowledge across the nation.

The NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) fosters innovative educational initiatives aimed at pre-college students, promoting their interest in STEM fields, especially in biomedical and behavioral sciences. This program supports both classroom projects and informal science education activities, such as after-school programs and library events. Emphasizing the development of quantitative and computational skills, SEPA seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists and thinkers through engaging educational experiences.

The Christina Sue Lilja Resource Grants support agricultural literacy by providing funds for educators to purchase resources from the Ag Foundation store. In 2025, 100 educators will receive $100 in store credits, selected randomly if applications exceed this number. This initiative, backed by the CSL Foundation, honors Christy Lilja's legacy of advocating for agricultural education. The grants aim to enhance classroom resources and improve students' understanding of agriculture, ensuring access to accurate information.

MGM National Harbor Charitable Grant

We believe that corporations have the responsibility and the resources to affect the world’s most pressing economic, social and environmental issues. The growth and success of our company depends on the business decisions that we make, and the ways in which we harness our influence for good. Through our monetary, in-kind and volunteerism support, we invest in charitable organizations that focus on five critical issues.

• Education: K-12 public education, public colleges and universities, community colleges
• Fighting Hunger: Programs that provide access and nutritious meals for food-insecure individuals and families within the community.
• Health and Wellness: Programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle and improve one’s well-being while reducing social and health challenges.
• Workforce Development: Educational and training programs that align with our business and prepare individuals for sustainable career opportunities.
• Environmental Sustainability: Programs that improve the quality of our environment and promote sustainability through education, stewardship of community ecosystems, conservation and beautification.

*Before submitting a request for support, please see our eligibility requirements below. Incomplete forms and those with missing documentation will not be considered. Each request must be submitted no later than 45 days prior to your sponsorship deadline. Please, no phone calls or emails.

We fund work that:

• Has a clear strategy
• Can be effectively measuredto evaluate success
• Approaches challenges witha commitment to long-term change
• Builds an inclusive anddiverse community
• Uses innovation to addressa social issue

The SHAPE America: Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary role model committed to fostering student engagement in professional activities. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of membership in SHAPE America and serve as full-time faculty at a higher education institution. This award emphasizes mentorship through professional behavior, involvement in student projects, and providing academic guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

The James & Ursula Williams Teacher Grants Program : Field Trip Grants

As a born native of Vallejo, James was generationally admired for his enduring work ethic and was lovingly embraced for his dedication and support to family, friends, and community. Ursula’s self-motivation, persistence, and quest for excellence brought her professional recognition. As a community activist, she shared her leadership organizational skills as a member of community and political organizations who made positive contributions to the community.

In life, they created and took advantage of all opportunities presented to them. Both recognized the important role that education made in creating healthy, happy, and productive lives for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. The Williams Family hopes to continue their legacy through The James & Ursula Williams Family Fund.

Field Trip Grants:

Grants of up to $1,000 are available to fund 1-day excursions; field trips should have an academic component that supplements your classroom curriculum. Funds can cover the cost of transportation, and admission fees. Examples: Vallejo Flood and Water District, the Exploratorium, etc. The purpose of this program is to bring learning outside of the classroom and provide hands-on experiences to students.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials. 

Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund was initially financed by friend and colleague, Susie Stephenson. The fund is an option for donors who want to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass music. Instead of funding a specific scholarship or grant, the Breen Fund will be used by the IBMA Foundation where needed most, in a variety of ways that benefit individuals age 21 and younger. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was an Associate Professor and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 1971-2002, going on to serve as Chairman of the Finance Department and Head of Doctoral Studies for the Kellogg School. In addition to playing the banjo, Bill was an avid sailor and fly fisherman, and he never met a dog he didn’t like. His friends and family say it’s fitting that a man so passionate about the banjo, bluegrass music, and education is memorialize with a bluegrass youth education fund.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.