Best Baltimore Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County Mini Grants support innovative arts initiatives aimed at expanding audience engagement, particularly in underserved communities. With grants up to $2,500 and a dollar-for-dollar matching requirement, this program encourages partnerships and activities that promote diversity, equity, and cultural enrichment. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Anne Arundel County and demonstrate a history of community-focused programming. Grant cycles occur twice a year, in spring and fall.

The BDP Summer Program at Johns Hopkins University offers undergraduates the chance to engage in full-time research with Bloomberg Distinguished Professors for 10 weeks during the summer. This initiative supports over 80% of students who participate in research, providing essential mentorship and training in various academic fields. HOUR, established in 2017, administers the program, ensuring diverse student representation and enriching educational experiences through research opportunities.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County offers Community Arts Grants to support nonprofit arts organizations in providing enriching programming to county residents. This key funding initiative aims to promote diversity, equity, and accessibility in the arts. Organizations can apply for grants based on their budget size, with funding tiers designed to foster excellence and broaden opportunities in the local arts community. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to serving the community and maintaining good fiscal practices.

The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County is dedicated to enhancing educational experiences through the Arts in Education Grants. These grants support the integration of arts into school curricula for Pre-K to grade 12. Open to public and nonprofit-private schools, the program encourages creativity and cultural enrichment. Schools may apply for up to two grants annually, with a focus on Title I schools. The initiative fosters collaboration among students, teachers, and artists to create vibrant learning environments.

The Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

The MAEOE Conference Scholarship supports first-time attendees, including high school seniors, college students pursuing environmental science careers, and teachers with limited experience. Scholarships are awarded based on application responses and on a rolling basis, encouraging early applications. This initiative aims to promote environmental education and empower educators to engage in sustainable practices within their communities.

The Anne Arundel County Community Tree Planting Mini Grant Program, a collaboration between the Anne Arundel County Forestry Board, City of Annapolis, and Chesapeake Bay Trust, provides grants up to $5,000 for community tree planting and invasive species removal. This initiative aims to enhance tree canopy and promote environmental stewardship across neighborhoods and parks in Anne Arundel County. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted, ensuring support for local projects that improve air quality and watershed health.

The County Executive's Community Support Grants Program in Anne Arundel County aims to enhance the effectiveness of non-profit organizations by funding operating costs and essential equipment purchases. This program prioritizes proposals that address COVID-19 safety net needs and focus on underserved populations, community health, equity, and inclusion. Collaborative projects are preferred but not mandatory. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding to improve their impact and sustain operations.

The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund Fellowships provide financial support for U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies in various fields at accredited institutions. The fellowships cover tuition and offer an annual stipend of $18,000 for living expenses. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have an outstanding undergraduate record. Applications are submitted through the dean of the university, with deadlines in January and notifications by mid-June. This program honors Dolores Zohrab Liebmann's legacy of supporting education.

The Help Our Neighbors Grant Program, initiated by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, provides vital emergency assistance to individuals and families in need. Grants range from $500 to $1,000, aimed at covering essential expenses like rent, utilities, and food. To qualify, organizations must operate in Anne Arundel County and possess a 501(c)(3) designation. The program emphasizes addressing urgent financial needs to help maintain independence.

Grants 4 Teachers empowers Anne Arundel County educators by providing up to $500 for innovative classroom projects that would otherwise go unfunded. Launched in 2009, this initiative has distributed over $100,000 to enhance learning experiences across public schools. It supports diverse projects, from arts to science, fostering creativity and engagement among students. The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County champions this program, promoting community involvement in education and ensuring that teachers' imaginative ideas come to life.

Viasat Corporate Giving focuses on enhancing community strength through various initiatives. Their commitment includes support for military and veteran outreach, skills-based volunteering, and promoting STEAM education, particularly for underserved communities. By engaging employees in these programs, Viasat aims to create meaningful connections and empower individuals, ensuring that families and service members thrive. This holistic approach not only fosters community growth but also inspires the next generation of STEM leaders.

The Impact 100 Greater Chesapeake Transformational Grant aims to fund high-impact community projects in Anne Arundel County. Applications are welcomed from tax-exempt public charities focusing on areas such as arts, education, environment, family, and health. Grant amounts are determined by pooling member contributions, with a unique approach to funding initiatives that promote sustainability and community improvement. Interested nonprofits must adhere to eligibility criteria and submit proposals by the designated deadlines.

The Parole Rotary Foundation Grant, established by the Rotary Club of Parole (Annapolis), aims to support local 501(c)(3) organizations in Anne Arundel County. With over 60 active members, the club focuses on educational and welfare programs for families and children. The foundation is funded through member donations and fundraising efforts, promoting impactful projects that align with its mission of making a positive difference for youth and the community.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

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 Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

The Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) by the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services invites proposals from organizations to aid individuals and families at risk of homelessness or currently homeless, including those living with HIV/AIDS. This competitive grant offers multiple funding sources for FY25, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Maryland State funds, to support essential services and programs for vulnerable populations.

The Student Conference at the United States Naval Academy (NAFAC) invites Harvard undergraduates to engage in vital discussions on US foreign and international affairs. This three-day event, held in Annapolis, Maryland, gathers over 150 students nationwide to collaboratively devise solutions to pressing global challenges. The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs supports two undergraduates by covering conference fees and contributing to transportation costs, fostering academic growth and networking opportunities.

The Meet the Moment Fund Grant, offered by the France-Merrick Foundation, provides essential short-term financial support to organizations addressing urgent community needs in areas such as health, housing, and education. This fund prioritizes gap support for nonprofits aiming for operational sustainability and strategic collaboration to adapt to sector changes. Eligible organizations must serve the Baltimore area and align with the Foundation's goals while facing potential risks from shifts in public policy or funding.

Baltimore Community Foundation

Mission: Inspire donors to achieve their charitable goals from generation to generation and to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, enlightened civic leadership, and strategic investments.

Baltimore City Community Grants Program

The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) is proud to administer the Baltimore City Community Grants Program in partnership with The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. These grants are designed to support nonprofits that provide direct services to low-income Baltimore City residents, with a focus on creating paths to stability and opportunity. 

Through this program, we aim to strengthen the capacity of community-based organizations aligned with the Weinberg Foundation’s five focus areas: Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Aging.

Focus Areas

• Housing: Improving stability by helping people access safe and affordable housing.
• Health: Promoting health and well-being
• Jobs: Creating paths to jobs and careers
• Education: Helping youth succeed in school and beyond
• Aging: Ensuring individuals are able to age with respect, dignity, and support.

Grants are one-time, unrestricted or project-based depending on organizational needs and proposed use.

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.

​​​​​​​​​​​Mission

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development transforms communities into places people want to call home. Through investments in community-led placemaking, housing and small business development, infrastructure and broadband deployment, we partner with local government, nonprofits, and private sector stakeholders to make great places.

Vision

All Marylanders will have the opportunity to live and prosper in affordable, lovable and just communities.

Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Community Development Block Grant Program funds help strengthen Maryland’s communities by expanding affordable housing opportunities, creating jobs, stabilizing neighborhoods and improving the overall quality of life.​

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The BCYF: Grassroots Fund aims to provide $50,000 annual grants for five years to twelve eligible Baltimore-based nonprofit organizations serving youth under 24. This initiative not only offers financial support but also focuses on enhancing organizational capacity to ensure sustainability and growth. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $350,000, and prioritize organizations led by Black and Brown individuals, fostering community engagement and empowerment.

The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) invites nominations for the Community Accountable Fund, aimed at youth-serving organizations in Baltimore City. This fund, which awards $75,000 annually for three years, prioritizes organizations that are credible and accountable to the communities they serve. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities with budgets between $350,000 and $500,000, committed to supporting youth aged 24 and under, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.