Best Recreation Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support for community-based services and youth activities. Costco Foundation provides Maryland organizations with charitable contributions that may benefit recreation and outdoor recreation programs when they address child welfare, children’s mental health, disabilities, or broader human and social services needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs, including those offering recreational or outdoor activities in Maryland, may be eligible for support. Creag Foundation supports creative approaches across areas like health, community development, and public safety; funding is by invitation only, beginning with a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, health, development, or welfare programs in Maryland may be eligible for funding to enrich children’s lives and address basic needs. The Dan Paul Foundation supports initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, recreation-linked enrichment, and environmental or poverty-focused youth programs with grants up to US $15,000.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle education, crisis response, economic empowerment, or climate resilience challenges in Maryland can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving predominantly economically underserved communities pilot or scale innovative, tech-enabled programs that improve access, skills, and long-term opportunity.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, volunteer fire companies, educational institutions, and government programs can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that may include recreational or outdoor components. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, neighborhood revitalization, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–16 education programs across the U.S.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and science programs. Maryland nonprofits offering arts education, STEAM activities, or artist development that engage large audiences may be competitive applicants.

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 Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

PNC Foundation provides Maryland nonprofit organizations with funding for early childhood education and community economic development initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) charities in Maryland communities where PNC has a significant presence may benefit, including programs that enhance quality of life, neighborhood revitalization, arts and culture, and services for low- and moderate-income families that can include recreational or enrichment activities.

Nonprofit charities running humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts programs in Maryland may be eligible for project support that promotes sustainable community development and engagement. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities worldwide deliver high-quality, innovative projects, including youth services, outdoor and environmental education, cultural activities, and community-focused recreation initiatives connected to local Roche affiliates.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community programs, events, or recreational activities can apply for sponsorship funding that advances economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives in areas like arts and culture, sports, environment, community development, and basic needs, which may benefit recreation-focused organizations serving local residents.

The Veterans Engagement Mini Grant Program, funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, aims to support veteran groups and organizations. This initiative facilitates healing and therapeutic services, outdoor recreation, community engagement, and green jobs training for veterans. By promoting these activities, the program enhances the well-being of veterans and fosters community involvement, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources. This grant is a vital step in empowering veterans and enhancing their quality of life.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. The TJX Foundation supports programs that help vulnerable children and families thrive, which may include recreation-focused initiatives serving at-risk youth.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Maryland can seek $5,000 - $10,000 in unrestricted program or operating support for environmental, human services, disaster relief, or related work. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help eligible organizations, including those with recreation or outdoor components, cover both project costs and reasonable indirect expenses.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland offering community, cultural, educational, environmental, or recreation-related programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support their work. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds U.S.-based museums, arts, youth, seniors, disability services, environmental and wildlife activities, schools, hospitals, and other community-based initiatives where modest grants have strong impact.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, and volunteer-driven causes. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving local clients and aligning with Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Community Vitality, or Volunteer-Driven Causes, especially those engaging Ameriprise volunteers, may be eligible.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofits running education, social service, health, civic, cultural, environmental, or recreation-related programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based organizations may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project support, with one application per grant year and at least three years of financial history required.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Maryland and other Appalachian states can seek up to US $100,000 for fee or easement land acquisition projects that deliver community benefits. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy supports resilient, connected landscapes that can include outdoor recreation access and related amenities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations operating in Anne Arundel County can receive US $3,000 - US $10,000 for projects improving green communities, addressing stormwater and contaminants, or protecting the Chesapeake Bay. With a mission to strengthen local environmental stewardship, Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County provides Maryland outdoor and recreation-focused groups with support for conservation, education, and water-quality initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits seeking support to share their impact stories through recreation, outdoor, education, or wellness programming in Maryland may be eligible for this storytelling-focused funding. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports organizations within its preservation, education, and wellness pillars, with awards of more than US $50,000 for communications and storytelling projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking funding for tangible recreation-related items in Maryland can apply for grants up to US $10,000. Grants from Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation help support programs such as youth recreation, camps, sports, and community activities, with preference for projects serving broader communities and demonstrating clear, concrete needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Maryland and the broader Southern region can seek funding for programs such as youth and family services, education, animal welfare, poverty relief, and nature and wildlife conservation. Robinson Foundation supports community-focused work that delivers tangible, meaningful results and may benefit recreation and outdoor recreation initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland leading strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which recognizes exemplary collaborations addressing significant social issues. U.S. nonprofits, including those with recreation or outdoor recreation programs built on cross-sector partnerships, may be selected for one of six annual awards honoring measurable community impact.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including 501(c)(3)s in Maryland, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000 to support focused human and social services interventions. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller organizations addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, or disaster relief in eligible countries, including the U.S.