Best Green Infrastructure Grants in Maryland

Costco Foundation provides Maryland nonprofits focused on children, education, and health and human services with monetary support for community programs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations requesting cash support only. Maryland organizations incorporating green infrastructure into youth, education, or health initiatives may be eligible if they meet these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those working on green infrastructure in Maryland, may be eligible for support. Creag Foundation considers invited proposals from smaller or evolving organizations with new approaches to existing or emerging social issues; interested groups can begin with a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can seek funding for programs worldwide, including Maryland. The Dan Paul Foundation supports child-focused initiatives such as environmental education, clean air and water, homelessness and poverty services, and refugee enrichment, with awards up to US $15,000 for eligible projects.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Maryland and beyond can seek up to US $100,000 to address critical social challenges. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help green infrastructure and related initiatives that primarily serve economically underserved communities and operate with overhead generally at or below 25 percent.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including those serving Maryland, can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Funding may support program, capital, or limited general/endowment needs, with emphasis on youth engagement, arts education, and STEAM-focused initiatives.

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.

Maryland nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, and community initiatives that may complement green infrastructure efforts. Focused on equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and equivalent organizations to apply for support such as food access, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Organizations serving children and youth in education, health, or family economic stability in Maryland and other eligible areas can seek project or scaling support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports social enterprises and nonprofits working with urban low-income communities in the U.S., India, and South Africa that align with its mission and values.

PNC Foundation provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for early childhood education and community economic development, especially serving low- and moderate-income residents. Organizations working on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, community services, and related projects that may incorporate green infrastructure elements in eligible Maryland counties can apply if they meet PNC’s presence and criteria.

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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

Local governments and nonprofit organizations in Maryland and eligible West Virginia Chesapeake Bay watershed counties can apply for Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Watershed Assistance Grant Program, with awards up to US $150,000 for watershed restoration project design, permitting, and planning. Funding can help advance green infrastructure and water quality projects toward future implementation.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Inspired by nature and rooted in science to improve and grow stewardship for Maryland’s natural resources. Watershed and Climate Services operates as a connector and leader within Maryland, leveraging science, funding and policy, partnerships and adaptive management to restore ecosystems, build resilience, foster equitable well-being and promote sustainable communities and economies. 

Watershed Assistance Grant Program

The Watershed Assistance Grant Program (WAGP) is a partnership between the Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR), the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP). This program provides funding for early-stage watershed restoration design and planning projects in Maryland and West Virginia, as well as in the Octoraro Creek and Conowingo Creek watersheds in Chester and Lancaster Counties, Pennsylvania. Funding for eligible Pennsylvania projects is provided through MDE. Program goals include supporting project readiness, advancing projects toward future implementation, and aligning project development with local and state watershed plans.

Track 1 – Project Design

• Generally, requests are up to $100,000 for the design of best management practices (BMPs), including the following:
  • Bioretention cells and large-scale rain gardens;
  • Stormwater management practices, that include low-impact development (LID) techniques, green infrastructure (GI), water quality BMPs, and environmental site design (ESD),
  • Submerged gravel wetlands, and
  • Agricultural BMPs.
• Generally, requests are up to $150,000 for design of
  • Stream restoration practices,
  • Wetland and marsh creation/restoration projects, and
  • Living shorelines.

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.

Community Flood Planning (Outcome 2)

Reduce current and future coastal and precipitation-based flood risks through proactive planning.

The Community Flood Planning grant is a financial assistance opportunity designed to help local communities understand, plan for, and mitigate the impacts of coastal, tidal, and precipitation-induced flooding.

The Community Flood Planning program supports projects that prioritize:

• Actionable data - The program funds flood-focused assessments, plans, or strategies to inform land use decision-making and future green or grey infrastructure at the community, county, or municipal level.
• Policy upgrades - The program provides resources for local governments to confidently adopt higher standards, update zoning laws, or implement effective adaptation strategies.
• Scientific alignment - The program encourages decision-making informed by the latest science and data sources for either or both short (1-10 years) and long (10+ years) term flood impacts.
• Design and implementation - In addition to planning, funding can cover best management practice siting, recommendations, and conceptual designs, which helps position local priority projects for implementation.
• Community engagement - The program encourages outreach to help governments gather feedback from residents, especially those vulnerable to flood impacts, and supports building better buy-in for future initiatives.

At this time, eligible projects may only be located within Maryland’s Coastal Zone (see map for details). Since these are planning projects, the project area can encompass both public and private lands.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven causes with competitive community grants. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, or neighborhood and economic development may be eligible; priority goes to sites with strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement.

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 environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. U.S. nonprofits may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of program support within the annual October 1–March 1 grant cycle.

Maryland municipalities, community groups, and other organizations planning green infrastructure or urban greening projects can access funding through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns program. Awards up to US $175,000 support stormwater-reducing green streets, community greening, urban tree canopy projects, and related white papers within the Chesapeake Bay watershed portions of eligible states.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations can seek funding for storytelling projects that highlight preservation, education, wellness, or green infrastructure work in Maryland and across the U.S. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports sharing real-world impact, including environmental conservation, green infrastructure, food and waste management, outdoor access, and related community initiatives, with awards of more than US $50,000.

Grants to support environmental and human services programs are available to 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries, including those in Maryland, from the Lawrence Foundation. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help organizations with general operating or program/project needs, typically awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 as unrestricted support within its stated areas of interest.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Maryland and other Southern states can seek funding for environmental conservation, nature and wildlife projects, or related community services. Robinson Foundation supports green infrastructure-adjacent efforts such as conservation, poverty relief, education, health, and humanitarian aid for organizations active more than three years and seeking single-year, non-capital support.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services, including those in Maryland, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000 to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Grants currently support smaller organizations with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 operating in select countries, including the U.S.

Duly registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working on environmental or community initiatives in Maryland can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation supports projects that respect life, people, and the environment, so Maryland groups advancing green infrastructure or related conservation and community services may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible local governments can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects in Maryland communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strengthening local well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites applicants located within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community to apply for support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in Maryland can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The Tjx Foundation supports community services that help vulnerable families and at-risk youth build better futures; Maryland groups with relevant green infrastructure or community-based projects may be eligible.