Best Mental Health Grants in Maryland

The Ausherman Family Foundation's Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofits in Frederick County, Maryland. This grant supports various activities including strategic planning, leadership development, and technology improvements, ultimately strengthening organizations' capabilities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities located in Frederick County with a commitment to expanding their operations. The foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives benefiting children, families, health services, arts, and community development.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation focuses on promoting health and mental health, as well as strengthening public education in Baltimore. Through its health initiatives, the foundation seeks to enhance access to mental health services and advocate for systemic changes. In education, it supports efforts to improve leadership and teaching quality in public schools, aiming to create equitable opportunities for Baltimore youth. This foundation prioritizes innovative programs that engage communities in meaningful ways.

The Leonard & Helen R. Stulman Charitable Foundation Grants provide funding ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 to support initiatives in mental health, aging, and health care. The foundation prioritizes projects in greater Baltimore and Maryland, focusing on underserved populations and evidence-based practices. Organizations must qualify as public charities and adhere to non-discrimination policies. The foundation does not fund capital projects, K-12 education, scholarships, or conferences.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

The RMPIF MD Rural Health Care Grant aims to elevate living standards in rural Maryland by 2030, focusing on healthcare access and economic development. It supports initiatives that enhance health services, promote intergovernmental cooperation, and encourage entrepreneurship. The grant also addresses critical healthcare provider shortages and improves transportation for medical access, ensuring comprehensive support for rural health and community well-being.

The Abell Foundation's Community Development Grants support initiatives in Baltimore City that enhance quality of life and address urban poverty. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations tackling systemic issues in education, workforce development, health services, community development, criminal justice, environment, and the arts. Grants over $10,000 are awarded to nonprofits and government agencies that demonstrate measurable impact and innovation, focusing on underserved populations to foster community engagement and sustainable growth.

Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Inspire Awards

This year’s Inspire Awards seeks nonprofits supporting the career navigation and workforce development needs of workers across the United States. The challenge seeks applications that help individuals gain the skills, guidance, and support needed to access quality jobs, advance in their careers, and build long-term stability in an evolving world of work.

2026 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge Question

How are nonprofits providing innovative direct services, training programs, and career navigation supports for adult workers in the age of AI?

Challenge Dimensions

Nonprofit organizations have long been critical advocates and service providers for workers in the United States. Nonprofits provide workers necessary upskilling opportunities, AI literacy training, career navigation support, and wraparound services in conjunction with career pathways programming. All necessary for the modern workforce. Meeting the moment, Truist Foundation and MIT Solve want to hear the ways in which nonprofits headquartered in the Truist operating footprint are providing innovative career pathway programming in the age of AI. Although solutions don’t need to focus on generative AI specifically, teams should demonstrate how their career pathways programming align with the following dimensions:

• Training and Upskilling Programs – Providing holistic, accessible programming that equips workers with essential skills, industry-validated credentials, and technical literacy for the modern workplace.
• AI Readiness and Literacy – Offering high-quality training that helps workers understand generative AI and agentic technologies as augmented intelligence tools, helping to build practical skills like effective prompting, domain expertise application, and ethical use.
• Additional Wraparound Services and Basic Needs Support – Supporting unemployed and underemployed workers on their journey to economic mobility through comprehensive, integrated resources including childcare, transportation support, mentorship, mental health services, benefits navigation, and more.
• Career Navigation in the AI Economy – Enabling workers to navigate career choices with clarity and confidence by providing accessible information about how AI is reshaping job roles and industries, facilitating informed decisions about high-quality career trajectories that align with individual circumstances, and connecting workers to industry-validated credentials or trainings.

Here are the grants for this challenge

• First place: $250,000
• Second place: $150,000
• Runners-up: $25,000
• Audience favorite: $75,000

The Women and Girls Fund, established by the Klompus Family Foundation and managed by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, aims to empower women and girls facing obstacles like poverty and domestic violence. With grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, the fund supports nonprofits that enhance economic security, promote education, and improve health and wellness. This initiative addresses critical needs in Anne Arundel County, focusing on removing barriers and fostering positive life decisions.

The Field of Interest Fund - Together With Families Fund Grant aims to support local programs in Washington County, MD, focused on enhancing the development of young children and stabilizing families at risk of poverty and neglect. This fund prioritizes initiatives that provide essential resources like education, mental health services, and basic needs support, empowering families to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life for generations to come.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Delaplaine Foundation Grant is a private family foundation based in Frederick, Maryland, dedicated to enriching communities through support for non-profit organizations focused on cultural arts, education, health, historical preservation, and spiritual enlightenment. With a commitment to local impact, it primarily awards funding in Frederick County, while also considering applications from nearby states and beyond. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt public charities under IRS regulations.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit, offered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, provides up to $15 million to rehabilitate eligible properties previously owned by government entities. This initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and community development, particularly emphasizing affordable housing. To qualify, businesses must be in good standing with Maryland and engage in projects that align with these goals, focusing on former educational and health facilities.

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.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a four-week clinical mentorship for psychology graduate students, focusing on the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis. This opportunity allows students to observe assessment strategies, learn about current research, and engage in comprehensive care. Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the mentorship includes a $3,000 award. Students will gain invaluable experience addressing neurocognitive and psychosocial issues related to MS, promoting synergies in research and clinical practices.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Fund for Anne Arundel Grant, administered by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents in Anne Arundel County. With a focus on supporting children and families, the fund allocates grants for programs that provide equitable access to health care, promote social-emotional development, and ensure children receive necessary screenings and support. This initiative responds to the declining funding for nonprofits, reinforcing the commitment to community well-being.

The Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Support Services Grant Program, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, aims to enhance mental health practices for young children. It focuses on building the capacity of early care providers and families to address developmental and behavioral issues. The program will offer support through referrals and services, ensuring equitable access to mental health resources. Ten grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants.