Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects in Maryland focused on Baltimore City can receive up to US $10,000 for seed funding, ongoing programs, capital projects, general operations, and advocacy. With a mission to strengthen community development and related areas, Abell Foundation provides small, rolling grants that may offer flexible support for Baltimore-focused work.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, and Tribes in Maryland can receive financial and technical assistance to implement on-the-ground conservation practices that improve operations and natural resources. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites Maryland land stewards to address soil, water, air quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, and related natural resource concerns through EQIP contracts.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 in general operating or project support from McGraw Foundation, primarily for education, human services, conservation, and health. Although grants are generally limited to the greater Chicago area, Maryland nonprofits with relevant programming may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s criteria.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking one-time, project-based funding for capital improvements or capacity-building initiatives can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants over More than US $50,000. Funding supports organizations in areas like education, health, environment, community development, and historic preservation, primarily benefiting the Greater Baltimore area and requiring strong financial stability and clear outcomes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City can apply for Abell Foundation grants over More than US $10,000 to support community-focused work in Maryland. Funding can provide seed money, general operating support, capital projects, research, and program-related investments across education, workforce, health, community development, environment, arts, and related areas.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in Frederick County can receive US $2,500 - US $25,000 to strengthen organizational capacity, including planning, governance, internal operations, and technology improvements. Ausherman Family Foundation supports organizations serving children and families, health and human services, arts and culture, and community benefit that are ready to grow and invest time and resources in capacity building.

Maryland nonprofits serving Frederick County residents with programs in children and youth, health and human services, arts and culture, or public benefit can access funding through Ausherman Family Foundation for operating, program, or project costs. Awards of more than US $2,500 are available, with some grants including a challenge match component and applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental research, American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may ultimately benefit community-serving organizations, including Maryland nonprofits working on water and public health challenges.

Nonprofits, schools, government units, and religious organizations with community programs serving residents of Wicomico, Worcester, or Somerset Counties in Maryland can seek flexible support for a wide range of services and initiatives. Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore supports areas like human services, education, health, environment, arts, and community development through this general letter of inquiry process.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving Montgomery and Prince George’s County residents can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s competitive grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000 for program and capacity-building support. Funding may benefit Maryland nonprofits working in areas like education, health, housing, environment, arts, community services, and youth development.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health care, education, youth programs, veteran services, or human services can apply for flexible funding that may cover capital projects, programs, or general operations. Grants from Kahlert Foundation help organizations in Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, and Howard counties strengthen community well-being with measurable results.

Nonprofit organizations addressing humanitarian aid, child welfare, education, health care, or disaster relief in Maryland can apply for funding to build self-sufficiency and resilience among women and children. The Father's Table Foundation provides highly selective grants, up to US $750,000, for partners with a proven record who can expand or replicate impactful programs.

Maryland nonprofits and eligible educational or religious organizations providing non-discriminatory social services can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation. Local organizations working on social equity, education, food security, climate and environmental sustainability, housing, homelessness, human trafficking, community development, or mental health may be eligible if programs operate within U.S. communities served by Caesars properties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland providing human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, health, environment, or arts and culture programs can seek general operating or project support. Grants from Venable Foundation help Maryland nonprofits with approximately US $10,000 awards for initiatives serving economically disadvantaged communities, especially in Baltimore City and County.

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.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Traditional Competitive Grant Program

What kind of projects are supported by the Trust Fund?

Implementation-ready restoration proposals can be submitted under this funding source. Example projects can include, but are not limited to: wetland restoration, afforestation and other tree planting projects, riparian buffer restoration, stormwater best management practices, stream restoration, meadow plantings, and agricultural best management practices.

Projects must address water quality in the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Coastal Bays by reducing non-point source pollution, namely nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment. Projects should be cost-effective, located in targeted areas, and be implementation-ready. Competitive projects will be large-scale, multi-partnered efforts with demonstrable water quality benefits. Proposed projects should demonstrate the ability to construct within 12 months of award. Additionally, the state is interested in supporting projects that provide desirable co-benefits (Maryland Code, Natural Resources § 8-2A-04), including:

• The restoration of aquatic resources, such as seagrass beds or oyster reefs;
• Climate resilience;
• Carbon sequestration;
• Creation of wildlife habitat;
• Local employment opportunities;
• The improvement or provision of recreational opportunities; or
• Environmental justice benefits;

Funding is only available for projects located in the Maryland portions of both the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and the Atlantic Coastal Bays. Tree planting projects are eligible for all of Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible. Site visits are required for all stream restoration projects.

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.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Pay for Performance Track

In addition to the traditional competitive grant program, the Trust Fund is soliciting pay for performance contracts that provide the following:

• Cost per lb or outcome and cost per unit of implementation that is more cost effective than traditional grant values, as seen in the Trust Fund Table. Maryland DNR may select to not fund proposals as Pay for Performance if found to be less cost effective than traditional grant mechanisms.

• Reduced risk to state as payments commence once the project is installed and verified, with subsequent payments offered once project is verified to be functioning and sustained

• Innovative projects and/or projects of scale: Large scale restoration where implementation units exceed traditional grant acreages; Additionally, the state is interested in supporting holistic projects that maximize co-benefits; Innovative BMPs with a quantifiable reduction in nutrient and/or sediment pollution or increase in co-benefits

• Measurement of goal attainment (%) - Measure of success is more specific than implementation units and must include measurement of hydric soils, plant survivability, canopy cover, plant density or other indicators that measure performance.

• Long-term sustainability of performance measures achieved through expected project lifespan, monitoring, easements/landowner agreements, operation and maintenance and/or adaptive management plans

Pre-Proposal Meetings are required for all Pay for Performance Proposals; site visits are required for stream restoration projects and strongly encouraged for other restoration practices.

Maryland 501(c)(3), (4), (6), and (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help eligible organizations fund impactful environmental initiatives in communities where the company does business.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Maryland conducting small-scale biomedical research can receive support to expand research opportunities and enhance their research environment. The National Institutes of Health provides U.S. institutions, including those in Maryland, with up to US $375,000, prioritizing schools that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH funding.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant, provided they meet revenue thresholds, operate in eligible markets, and have a three-year impact plan with stable executive leadership.

Nonprofit public charities in Maryland with at least three years of 501(c)(3) status can seek up to US $10,000 for tangible items supporting community-focused programs. Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation supports work in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and related areas, with an emphasis on projects serving larger numbers of people.

Early-career health research scientists at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions can seek Emerging Global Leader Award support for mentored clinical research career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Maryland-based nonprofits collaborating with eligible LMIC investigators advance work in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, environmental health, and medical education.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on enhancing financial and social empowerment in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Established in 2000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-reliance, financial literacy, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) non-profits operating in specific locations such as Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO. The foundation does not fund individuals or certain types of organizations, aiming to create inclusive, resilient communities.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with awards of approximately US $140,000 for mentored health research career development. Maryland-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators or hosting U.S. mentors may be involved in collaborative projects.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

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.

Resilience through Restoration Initiative

Design habitat restoration projects to address erosion and flooding in communities and on public lands.

This funding opportunity supports design/permitting of restoration projects.

The Resilience through Restoration Initiative supports on-the-ground implementation of restoration projects to help protect communities from erosion, flooding, and other climate change impacts. The goal of this program is to reduce Maryland’s vulnerabilities and enhance resiliency of local communities, economies, and natural resources.

Projects can be located throughout Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible, but projects on private lands must demonstrate a community-wide benefit and provide an access/landowner agreement.