Best Grants for Museums 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.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capacity-building support for planning, leadership development, technology, or internal operations can apply for Ausherman Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000. Frederick County organizations, including museums and cultural institutions, may be eligible when working in areas like arts, culture, history, youth, health, or community development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Maryland can seek support for STEM education, environmental initiatives, community vitality, and arts and culture programs. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Baltimore Gas and Electric provides grants to museums and other cultural or community groups that promote education, conservation, economic development, and equal access to arts experiences.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for programs advancing health, education, development, and welfare, including in Maryland. The Dan Paul Foundation supports initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental responsibility, and related workshops, conferences, seminars, scholarships, and scientific endeavors, with awards up to US $15,000.

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.

Maryland museums and other eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–12 or higher education programs.

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 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Maryland museums and cultural nonprofits working on health, education, or humanitarian programs for marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation. Organizations whose exhibits, outreach, or partnerships advance health care access, literacy, or social services may be eligible, as part of the foundation’s broader global and U.S. grantmaking.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland communities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facilities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Focused on long-term well-being in GP communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible organizations to propose programs that strengthen local quality of life and serve residents where the company operates.

Maryland museums and other arts-focused nonprofits can access operating or program support for public arts activities through this statewide grant program. Grants from Maryland State Arts Council help Maryland cultural organizations strengthen their ongoing dance, music, theater, visual arts, literary, folk, and multidisciplinary programs that serve general audiences. Awards are typically more than US $50,000.

Nonprofit organizations serving communities in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in Maryland can apply for Knott Foundation’s General Fund grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $45,000 for arts and humanities, education, health care, and human services projects. Performing arts groups, visual art and history museums, and instructional art programs may be especially well-suited to this opportunity.

Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities serving local residents with education, arts, community enrichment, or health and human services programs can apply for Philip L. Graham Fund grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000. Museums and cultural institutions in eligible Maryland counties may seek primarily one-time project, equipment, capital, or other special needs support through this two-step LOI and proposal process.

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.

Maryland museums and heritage organizations planning capital or non-capital projects that preserve and interpret the state’s past in designated heritage areas can access funding through Maryland Historical Trust. Grants from US $5,000 - US $100,008 support projects that highlight Maryland’s diverse heritage while boosting tourism, sustainability, community revitalization, and economic development.

Museums and cultural organizations in Maryland can seek non-capital project support that preserves and interprets the state’s heritage, promotes tourism, and advances community revitalization. Maryland Historical Trust’s Maryland Heritage Areas Program offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 for projects in designated heritage areas, with a required 1:1 cash or in-kind match.

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 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Museums, nonprofits, and other stewards of historic properties in Maryland can seek capital funding to preserve publicly beneficial historic sites and structures. Grants from Maryland Historical Trust help Maryland historic preservation projects address urgent repair and rehabilitation needs, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $100,000 for properties eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland seeking up to US $10,000 for tangible items may be eligible, especially for arts, culture, education, environmental, or historical projects. Grants from Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation help organizations acquire concrete resources that expand programs and better serve their communities, including museum collections, exhibits, and related needs.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Maryland museums and heritage organizations preserving African American history and culture in Maryland can seek funding for significant buildings, sites, and communities. The African American Heritage Preservation Program, jointly administered by Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, offers grants up to US $250,000 for historic preservation and revitalization projects.

Maryland public school districts planning student field trips to major cultural museums can receive support for related expenses, including transportation and admission. Maryland museums may benefit when schools use this Maryland State Department of Education grant to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Jewish Museum of Maryland, and Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Maryland can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible applicants to support facilities such as museums, libraries, community centers, and other critical local services in smaller communities.

Maryland museums and institutional collections seeking support to strengthen operations, build professional capacity, and improve long-term sustainability can apply for Museum Assistance Program Grants up to US $20,000. The Maryland Historical Trust funds organizations that interpret the state’s cultural heritage, history, natural history, or history of science and technology; state and federal government-operated museums are ineligible.