Best Human and Social Service Grants in Maryland

The John J. Leidy Foundation, established in 1957, has a rich history of supporting Maryland’s nonprofits, focusing on social welfare, arts, health, education, and services for disabled individuals. With a preference for organizations serving the Baltimore Metropolitan area, the foundation offers grants for operating support, programs, and equipment. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities, with reapplication permitted after one year for denied requests, ensuring continued community support and development.

The Peoples Bank Foundation Grant aims to create a significant impact in local communities by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of service, the foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants and scholarships across several states. It prioritizes initiatives that assist low to moderate-income individuals and families, encouraging organizations within its footprint to apply for funding to enhance their community-focused programs.

The Helen Pumphrey Denit Charitable Trust Grant aims to support organizations that enhance education, culture, health, and human services, primarily within the Baltimore region. Established in 1988, it prioritizes grants for capital and program support, while general operating support is considered but less favored. Organizations must skip one grant cycle before reapplying. Certain requests, like those for debt reduction or individual support, are not eligible. Special preference is given to specific local institutions.

FY27 Aging-in-Place (AIP) Program

Program Authority and Purpose:

The Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA or Department) is pleased to issue this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the award of grants through a competitive process under the Aging-In-Place (AIP) Program, under the authority of and in accordance with the §10-1201 of the Human Services Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, amended by the Village Multigenerational Third Places Act (Senate Bill 530/House Bill 811), which shall take effect July 1, 2026. This funding opportunity aligns with the Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) multisector plan on aging and the Department’s commitment to supporting Marylanders to age with health, financial security, social connection, and purpose.

Like the rest of the country, Maryland is home to a population of older adults which will grow considerably over the next several decades. By 2030, nearly one out of every four Marylanders will be 60 years of age or older (census.gov). The majority of older adults want to age in their homes or have limited alternatives due to the high cost of institutional or assisted living options. The AIP funding opportunity enables older Marylanders to live in their homes and participate in a community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

To provide the highest quality of care, it is essential that aging services are both person- centered and trauma-informed (PCTI) . Consequently, this FY27 funding opportunity prioritizes community-based organizations that provide essential programming, service coordination, and support within high-need areas. We are specifically seeking to reach low-income older adults facing the compounding challenges of declining health, social isolation, financial hardship, and language barriers. Integrating PCTI principles into the AIP model aims to rebuild the sense of security and stability necessary for Maryland's older adults to thrive within the communities we call home.

Description:

This funding opportunity aligns with MDOA’s Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) multisector plan on aging. Successful applicants will propose projects that address the following strategies from the plan:

• Increase awareness and adoption of the neighbor-helping-neighbor Village model;
• Recruit older volunteers and multigenerational volunteer teams into coordinated service opportunities;
• Increase the number of intergenerational volunteer opportunities;
• Expand AIP options by providing wraparound services that include health care, transportation, and social services in coordination with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Centers for Independent Living, Villages, and other community-based aging service providers;
• Increase access to home repair and modification programs that ensure safe and accessible home environments; 
• Leverage technology and community-based services to enhance transportation options and operability for older adults, especially in rural communities;
• Promote innovative opportunities to connect Marylanders across all ages through technology, programming, and community spaces; and
• Promote the adoption of initiatives that increase intergenerational connection to reduce age-related bias.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants focus on underutilization of crop insurance projects to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability. This initiative, backed by the Northeast ERME Center and others, provides funding to deliver education in various risk management areas. Grants up to $100,000 are available for projects running from April 2026 to September 2027, with plans to support 7-10 new projects based on quality applications and funding availability.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants program aims to enhance the economic viability of agricultural producers through targeted risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, this initiative offers grants of up to $75,000 for projects addressing production, marketing, financial, legal, or human risks. The grants are expected to support 12-15 new projects over an 18-month duration, from April 2026 to September 2027, subject to funding availability and application quality.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Warren Alpert Foundation supports initiatives aimed at enhancing public health through grants exceeding $25,000 for medical research, education, and basic human services. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines preceding board meetings. The foundation's mission encompasses advancing medical treatments and cures through rigorous research and health education. This commitment empowers various projects that align with their vision of improving community health and fostering innovation in medical practices.

The Ken W. Davis Foundation Grant provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that align with the Foundation's mission of promoting basic human needs and education in line with Constitutional freedoms. With a minimum grant size of $2,500, the Foundation focuses on supporting human service organizations in Tarrant County, Texas, and the Permian Basin of West Texas and Southeast New Mexico, while also offering national support for grants related to Constitutional freedoms.

The Community Services and Enrichment Grant, provided by the City of Rockville, aims to support local nonprofit organizations that enhance community services and enrichment programs for city residents and visitors. This grant combines previous funding initiatives to streamline support for organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life within the corporate limits of Rockville. Eligible applicants must provide essential human services and enrichment programs that benefit the community.

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in exploring human sexuality and sexual wellness. Funded by the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, this initiative provides $5,000 to undergraduate, medical, and graduate school students. Awards are disbursed in two payments, with specific reporting requirements. This program aims to enhance research in sexual medicine and foster diversity in the field, particularly focusing on historically underserved populations.

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in the field of human sexuality and sexual wellness. With a funding of $7,500, the program aims to attract emerging researchers and clinicians to sexual medicine. Applications are accepted from graduate students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows, with an emphasis on diverse backgrounds. The program promotes ethical research practices and requires mid-term and final progress reports to ensure accountability.

The CAPTRUST Community Foundation provides Crisis Grants to support nonprofit organizations aiding families impacted by natural disasters or emergencies. By dedicating over 10% of its annual budget for crisis assistance, the foundation ensures that funds directly benefit those in need. Grants can be requested up to $5,000 to help rebuild lives during challenging times, reflecting the foundation's commitment to integrity and support for children and families in crisis.

BMO Gives is committed to fostering positive societal impact through community support and charitable initiatives. It focuses on enhancing community and economic resilience, as well as environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or non-profits operating in Canada or the U.S. and align with BMO's corporate values, which promote inclusivity and non-discrimination. The program aims to support projects that address significant societal needs and empower local communities.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support small, well-managed U.S. charities that assist those in need, particularly children. Grants are available to organizations with backing from a NAILBA member and that meet specific criteria, such as nonsectarian operation and appropriate fiscal accountability. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested in community transformation by funding initiatives that directly engage in beneficial services, thereby enhancing the welfare of underprivileged groups.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Athene Charitable Foundation focuses on corporate social responsibility through community involvement, aiming to create positive social impacts in education, health, human services, and the environment. Their initiatives include partnerships, employee volunteering, and donations aligned with their mission. They prioritize organizations that support diversity and inclusion while ensuring compliance with their non-discrimination policies. Eligible entities must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent, enhancing community welfare where Athene employees live and work.

The Horizon Bank Community Grant Program aims to enhance local communities by funding initiatives in education, arts, and economic development. With grants starting at $5,000, the program supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing housing needs for low- to moderate-income families. Applications are accepted annually, with a strong emphasis on corporate citizenship and community involvement. However, grants are not available for political activities or organizations that discriminate. This commitment reflects Horizon Bank's dedication to fostering community growth and responsibility.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

FY27 Healthy Communities Fund (HCF) Grants Program

Program Summary:

The Asian American Health Initiative, part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Office of Grants Management (OGM) are soliciting grant applications for the County’s FY2027 Healthy Communities Fund Grants Program from qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. This grant program seeks qualified service providers to administer culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and services that improve the health and wellness of Montgomery County residents with a particular focus on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. If submitting a funding request above $50,000, applicants are encouraged to collaborate with other community organizations to ensure a coordinated, community-driven approach that maximizes resources.

The Healthy Communities Fund will award grants of up to $250,000 after a thorough competitive review of all completed proposals. Community organizations of all sizes are encouraged to apply as there is no minimum amount to request for funding. $1,600,000 is available in funding. Organizations requesting $50,000 or less will complete a shorter application to reduce administrative burden and promote equitable access, while those requesting more than $50,000 will complete the full set of application materials. This approach supports equal opportunity by ensuring that smaller organizations—often with fewer resources—can participate without facing disproportionate barriers. Please ensure that completed attachments align with the application’s funding request.

The amount of funding awarded will be based on the budget justification, alignment of the budget with the proposed program, and organizational capacity to perform the proposed program. The award amount may differ from the funding amount requested.

Funded programs must emphasize collaborative, evidence-based approaches and focus on culturally and linguistically appropriate services in at least one of the following categories:

• Health and Social Support Services – Provide linguistically accessible and culturally appropriate services that improve health and/or enhance access to health or social support services
• Mental and Behavioral Health – Activities aimed at reducing stigma around seeking behavioral health services and encourage people to seek treatment
• Senior Wellness – Provide linguistically accessible information and social support to limited English Proficient seniors.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, a 501c3 nonprofit, has been instrumental in fostering philanthropy, providing over $107 million in grants since 1984. They unite donors with local causes, enhancing community welfare in Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties. By accepting Letters of Inquiry, they ensure timely decision-making, offering support to IRS-designated nonprofits, governmental units, and schools. This foundation exemplifies a commitment to empowering regional initiatives and enhancing the quality of life through strategic grantmaking.

The Charles Koch Foundation invites innovative proposals for research that aligns with its vision of social progress and mutual benefit. Focused on supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit public charities and universities in the U.S., the Foundation emphasizes original projects of high standards. While it welcomes a broad range of ideas, it typically does not fund for-profit ventures, overhead costs, or certain areas like medical treatment and political activities.

The Community Foundation’s Rolling Grant Program offers financial support for a variety of purposes, serving individuals and organizations in Frederick County, Maryland. Grants are available to established nonprofits, government agencies, religious organizations for non-sectarian projects, and civic groups. This program aims to empower local communities by funding educational scholarships and nonprofit initiatives, fostering a vibrant future through philanthropy. Applications are accepted continuously until funds are exhausted.

Tyson Foods invites sponsorship proposals that reflect its core values and contribute to community welfare, particularly in Springdale, Arkansas, and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Proposals should demonstrate clear community benefits, visibility of the event, and outline how funds will be utilized effectively. Organizations are encouraged to apply if they align with Tyson's mission of integrity and stewardship, ensuring that funding can support primary objectives while considering tax-deductible options.