Best Grants for Theater in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Maryland offering arts, culture, or community programs can apply for Baltimore Gas and Electric’s charitable contributions. With a mission to strengthen local vitality, BGE provides Maryland theater and arts groups with support for equal access to arts and culture, STEM education, workforce development, environmental initiatives, and community enrichment.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services programs can seek support for new or unaddressed social issues through the Creag Foundation, which accepts letters of inquiry by invitation. Maryland theater groups operating as eligible nonprofits with creative approaches to social problems may be considered for funding if they meet the one-year 501(c)(3) requirement.

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

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first social enterprises in Maryland tackling urgent social or environmental challenges can seek up to US $300,000 over three years to scale proven solutions. Focused on bold, scalable impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports organizations serving underserved communities, including those whose theater-related programs meet its innovation, evidence, and growth criteria.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, including applicants in Maryland. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help tech-enabled programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities with innovative, early-stage solutions; awards up to US $100,000 are available worldwide.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including Maryland theaters and performing arts organizations, can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards more than US $100,000 for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Priority goes to arts education, artist development, and impactful youth engagement in the arts and sciences.

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.

Nonprofit and social enterprise programs improving education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children in Maryland and across the U.S. can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation prioritizes initiatives serving children and youth, including theater education efforts that fit its education focus.

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 in Maryland and worldwide can seek funding for humanitarian, social, science education, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that engage local partners and volunteers. Grants from La Roche help organizations delivering high-quality, sustainable programs, including theater and arts initiatives, that align with its four focus areas and are managed within its affiliate countries.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland can seek sponsorship support for community-focused programs that advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives such as arts and culture, theater-related community events, community development, housing, workforce education, hunger relief, environmental efforts, and diversity and inclusion through its regional U.S. sponsorships program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations, including theater groups in Maryland, can seek project support from the Hansen Family Foundation; awards range from US $1,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to uphold life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, it funds U.S.-based nonprofits working in children’s services, education, animals, environment, humanitarian aid, and cultural programs worldwide.

Theater and other arts-focused nonprofits in Maryland can receive annual operating or program support for public arts activities, with awards of more than US $50,000. Grants from Maryland State Arts Council help Maryland cultural organizations sustain dance, theater, music, visual arts, folk arts, and multidisciplinary programs that strengthen the state’s arts infrastructure.

Theater and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland can seek funding to tell powerful stories about their impact through the Storytelling Grant. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports organizations working in preservation, education, or wellness, with a current emphasis on wildlife conservation nonprofits for unsolicited applications; awards are more than US $50,000.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships, including theater-related groups. Insperity supports institutions that engage its employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where its employees live and work, with applications reviewed in approximately 45 days.

Theater and arts nonprofits in Maryland can apply for funding to support 501(c)(3) charitable programs, including community services and environmental or peace-focused initiatives. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible support, so Maryland theater organizations with broader community or environmental missions may be eligible for these grants.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Maryland seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help theater organizations that fit these priorities cover general operating or program/project costs, including reasonable indirect expenses.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland producing theater or other cultural programs can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support museums, performing arts, and community-based initiatives. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds a wide range of U.S. nonprofits, including arts, education, youth, seniors, disability services, and environmental and wildlife programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, and education organizations in Maryland within 75 miles of Philadelphia can receive general operating support through the Presser Foundation’s Advancement of Music Grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $50,000. Groups that incorporate theater elements into music-focused programming may be eligible if their core work is music.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering theater or related arts, education, or community programs can seek US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time projects, capital needs, or limited operating support. With a mission to strengthen the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, the Philip L. Graham Fund supports organizations serving eligible Maryland counties within its arts and community-focused priorities.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community development, and cultural enrichment programs. Theater and arts organizations that fit these focus areas, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and engage Ameriprise volunteers may be especially competitive; funding is available across the U.S.

Maryland nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can seek project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, environmental, and related community programs through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Theater organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3)s may be eligible if their work fits these priorities.

Nonprofit music performance, presenting, or education organizations in Maryland can apply for Presser Foundation capital support grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $100,000 for facilities and equipment projects. Eligible projects include construction, renovation, and technology upgrades, and theater groups with music-focused spaces or programs may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving local quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support, including Maryland groups. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports critical community services, which may benefit theater organizations with qualifying community-focused programming in areas like literacy or workforce readiness.

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.