Best Baltimore Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation Grant supports transformative programs in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, focusing on arts, education, environmental health, and human services. With an emphasis on tangible outcomes, the foundation values projects that serve large community segments. Eligibility requires organizations to have 501(c)(3) status for three years, while ineligible requests include fiscal sponsorships and general operating expenses. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives, particularly from Southwestern Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia.

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 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 SBG Partnership offers Community Grants to enhance neighborhood projects in Baltimore, with funding tiers ranging from $2,000 to $100,000. Eligibility includes non-profit and community organizations serving local residents. The program aims to fulfill the promise made to Baltimoreans upon the introduction of slot machine gambling, ensuring resources are directed towards community improvement and development. Interested applicants should review specific grant categories and eligibility criteria to align their projects with the funding opportunities.

The Henry and Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Foundation, established in 1959, focuses on enhancing educational opportunities and community vitality in Baltimore. It supports nonprofit organizations in two areas: Youth Development, promoting trauma-informed enrichment programs for high school youth, and Environmental Stewardship, aiming to foster community engagement in small-scale environmental initiatives. The foundation accepts proposals on a rolling basis and prioritizes organizations with proven success in improving educational outcomes and community well-being.

The Brown-Forman Grants aim to enhance community vitality through strategic funding focused on arts, essential living standards, and responsible living. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that improve well-being, education, and environmental sustainability, particularly in Louisville, Kentucky. Organizations seeking funding must align with these goals and demonstrate measurable project outcomes. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests or applications from ineligible entities, ensuring that resources are directed towards fostering impactful community engagement.

​​​​​​​​​​​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.​

Community GrantsWe believe nobody understands what a community needs better than its residents and the people already at work there. That’s why we offer Community Grants to community groups, nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and other neighborhood anchors.

Community Grants come in four levels:

Spark – Up to $2,000

Small – Up to $5,000

Medium – Below $50,000

Large – Up to $100,000

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

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 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 Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Fund Grant aims to enhance individual and community potential in Baltimore City. Supporting 501(c)(3) organizations, the fund prioritizes housing, behavioral health, environmental justice, and families with young children. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $25,000 annually. Organizations can apply once a year, and the fund does not support endowments, indirect costs, or multi-year commitments, promoting direct program expenses to foster community resilience.

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.

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 Goldseker Foundation offers Management Assistance Grants to nonprofit organizations in metropolitan Baltimore. These grants support initiatives such as strategic planning, program evaluation, and fund development, ensuring organizations can sustain their efforts beyond the funding period. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities and demonstrate financial stability, while the Foundation prioritizes community development and education. Prior consultation with the program officer is required before submitting applications.

The RSA–Virginia Fox Stern Center Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars to conduct intensive research at the Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries. This one-month fellowship focuses on pre-1800 rare book and manuscript collections, particularly the Women of the Book Collection and the Bibliotheca Fictiva Collection. It encourages innovative research that contributes to Renaissance studies, supporting scholars across all disciplines and career levels.

The Thomas Wilson Foundation, established in 1875, is dedicated to enhancing the health and welfare of children in Baltimore City. It provides funding for medical research, medical services, and social and community programs aimed at supporting youth. The Foundation specifically targets initiatives that benefit children and youth aged 18 and under, ensuring that resources are directed towards improving their overall well-being and access to essential services.

Established in 1969, Program Open Space (POS) Local provides financial and technical assistance to local subdivisions (counties and municipalities) for the planning, acquisition, and/or development of public recreation land or open space areas.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

Community Grants

We believe nobody understands what a community needs better than its residents and the people already at work there. That’s why we offer Community Grants to community groups, nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and other neighborhood anchors.

Community Grants come in four levels:

• Spark – Up to $2,000
• Small – Up to $5,000
• Medium – Below $50,000
• Large – Up to $100,000

Large Grant Focus:

We are looking for projects that create meaningful change in one or more of our three SBGP strategic priority focus areas:

• Environmental Sustainability
  • Making neighborhoods greener, cleaner, and healthier by improving and upgrading parks and other green spaces, increasing tree canopies, and assuring clean air and water.
• Health and Wellness
  • Ensuring that all people in the area have equitable opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles by expanding access to healthy foods, wellness programs and space for recreation and physical activity.
• Community Development and Revitalization
  • Improving the quality of neighborhoods by increasing the marketability of properties, stabilizing and improving housing, and promoting redevelopment and investment.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

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.

Community GrantsWe believe nobody understands what a community needs better than its residents and the people already at work there. That’s why we offer Community Grants to community groups, nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and other neighborhood anchors.

Community Grants come in four levels:

Spark – Up to $2,000

Small – Up to $5,000

Medium – Below $50,000

Large – Up to $100,000Medium Grants Focus: We are looking for projects that create meaningful change in one or more of our three SBGP strategic priority focus areas:

• Environmental Sustainability
  • Making neighborhoods greener, cleaner, and healthier by improving and upgrading parks and other green spaces, increasing tree canopies, and assuring clean air and water.
• Health and Wellness
  • Ensuring that all people in the area have equitable opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles by expanding access to healthy foods, wellness programs and space for recreation and physical activity.
• Community Development and Revitalization
  • Improving the quality of neighborhoods by increasing the marketability of properties, stabilizing and improving housing, and promoting redevelopment and investment.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

The purpose of the Program is to increase access to affordable and reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging networks and reduce transportation greenhouse gas emissions throughout Maryland, and especially in overburdened communities.

The Jacob Lowenthal Residue Grant, focused on Baltimore, MD, supports religious and charitable organizations. It funds projects that provide year-round programming, address community needs, and benefit underserved populations. Applicants must demonstrate measurable outcomes, financial accountability, and collaboration. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and at least three years of operation. Notably, the grant does not support general operating costs, pilot programs, or for-profit entities, ensuring targeted assistance to effective community initiatives.

The Mitzvah Fund for Good Deeds, established in 2012, provides gap funding to non-profits in Baltimore. It supports diverse initiatives, including COVID-19 kits for students and resource cards for families in need. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status, serve Baltimore City, and adhere to non-discrimination policies. However, the fund does not support start-ups, capital projects, or initiatives outside the Baltimore region, ensuring focused impact within the community.

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 Caesars Foundation supports community-focused organizations through monetary and in-kind donations, prioritizing strategic areas like social equity, climate action, and mental health. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and educational institutions operating within the U.S. Requests must align with these focus areas to enhance community impact. Organizations that discriminate or operate outside the U.S. are ineligible. By fostering collaboration, the foundation aims to uplift vulnerable populations and promote sustainable practices.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.