Best Calvert County Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering funding through the Engineering (ENG) program, focusing on foundational research in civil, mechanical, and manufacturing innovation. Key areas include advanced manufacturing systems, civil infrastructure, and intelligent dynamic systems. The NSF ENG encourages innovative and transformative proposals that may not require immediate commercial outcomes. Award sizes and durations will vary based on budget availability, aiming to support long-term research advancements.

The Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program aims to support organizations in their efforts to screen and educate individuals who have been exposed to radiation from uranium mining and U.S. nuclear weapons testing. This initiative emphasizes the importance of awareness and education in mitigating health risks associated with radiation exposure, ensuring affected communities receive the necessary resources and support for health management.

About Lions Club International FoundationLions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) provides grants that empower the service of our members. Since its inception in 1968, LCIF has awarded more than US$1.3 billion in grant funding.  Mission :Our mission is to empower Lions clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding. And we fulfill it every day, everywhere we serve.Lions Club International Hunger Grant ProgramHunger Grants focus on strengthening infrastructure and providing essential equipment for Lions’ hunger-relief efforts. These grants empower Lions to support vital initiatives such as school feeding programs, food banks and feeding centers, ensuring that those in need receive the nourishment they require. These grants support infrastructure and equipment acquisition for Lions’ projects focused on alleviating hunger.Grant Examples: 

• Construction or expansion of food banks, feeding centers and food storage facilities.
• Purchase of refrigerators and freezers to store perishable food items.
• Vehicles to transport, collect and deliver food.

The BJS FY 2026 State Justice Statistics Program enhances the capabilities of Statistical Analysis Centers (SACs) to collect and analyze data that supports strategic criminal justice planning. This initiative is vital for federal, state, and local agencies and organizations as they develop policies related to crime and justice. Applications are due by September 29, 2026, at 8:59 PM ET, emphasizing the program's importance in fostering informed decision-making in criminal justice.

The Annual Recurring University Training and Research grant aims to foster the next generation of engineers and scientists by funding research and development at U.S. colleges and universities. This initiative focuses on supporting early-stage research and enhancing opportunities for underrepresented communities, ensuring that students gain essential skills for successful careers in the U.S. workforce and economy. It is a vital step toward inclusive educational advancement and workforce development.

The BJA FY 2026 Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative aims to enhance public safety by addressing untreated mental illness and substance use. This program supports coordinated intervention efforts across various agencies, improving access to treatment and reducing recidivism. By fostering comprehensive service networks, it seeks to restore order in communities affected by homelessness and mental health challenges, ultimately enhancing community well-being and trust in public spaces.

The Capacity Building for Global, Regional, and National Immunization Programs aims to enhance immunization efforts in key countries, focusing on the prevention and control of vaccine-preventable diseases like polio and measles. By strengthening immunization services and surveillance systems, the program will better address emerging health threats and reach under-immunized populations. Additionally, it will support sustainable practices through National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups and manage the National Stop Transmission of Polio program in Pakistan.

The CDC has announced funding for FY 2027 to enhance state capacity in alcohol epidemiology and prevent excessive alcohol use through the NOFO CDC-RFA-DP-27-0072. This initiative aims to equip states with essential tools and knowledge for effective public health measures against excessive alcohol use, a major preventable cause of death in the U.S. The program will also provide expert technical assistance and training on effective prevention strategies over a 5-year performance period.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) - Community Systems Development aims to enhance behavioral health systems in rural areas by providing funding for the development and expansion of services. This initiative supports the establishment of formalized networks to boost operational and clinical capacity, ensuring effective implementation of evidence-based substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services tailored to community needs.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness of behavioral health strategies in rural settings. By developing evaluation tools and resources, this initiative seeks to empower local communities in their health initiatives, ensuring that future programs are informed by comprehensive evaluations. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the program highlights the importance of tailored approaches to address opioid-related challenges in rural areas.

Bengier Foundation

After lots of hard work and more than a bit of luck, Gary and Cynthia were able to retire from professional business careers at an early age. They decided then to try to give back a little to their community and to others less lucky than they. So the Bengier Foundation was formed in 2004 to give a helping hand to bright, hardworking young people who need a little help to find their own success.

One of our goals is to help – in a small way – to focus attention on the need to increase our American educational capital. The dropout rate statistics are shocking. We must do more to help the next generation prepare for the increasing demands of our ever-more sophisticated information economy. The Bengier Foundation believes that we must give everyone a chance to achieve their potential.

Bengier Foundation Grants

The foundation's mission is to provide educational experiences that motivate, broaden and qualify bright, hard working young people who have limited means and limited opportunities to enlarge their expectations of what they can accomplish in life.

• By motivate we mean to change a young person’s expectations about themself, by providing experiences which pique their interest, or that let them see themself in a role or career that they never previously imagined.
• By broaden we mean to allow a young person to have experiences that broaden their perspective of the world or cause them to view it and their role in it differently.
• By qualify we mean to help a young person gain the experiences and education that will allow them to succeed in college and in life.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Spencer Success Stipend

The Spencer Success Stipend is a student support initiative created to help reduce financial barriers associated with internship opportunities in the risk management and insurance industry. The program provides funding to eligible students to assist with internship-related expenses that may otherwise make it difficult to participate in valuable experiential learning opportunities.

Through the Spencer Success Stipend, students may receive support for expenses such as housing, transportation, professional attire, technology, relocation costs, work-related meals, licensing or background check fees, and other direct internship participation costs. The goal of the program is to ensure students can fully engage in career-building experiences that strengthen their professional development, industry exposure, and long-term success.

Thanks to the generous support of Allied World and Munich Re, Spencer is proud to expand access to these opportunities and continue investing in the next generation of industry talent. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Risk Manager on Campus Grants

Spencer’s Risk Manager on Campus (RMOC) Program has been praised by both universities and risk managers as a rewarding educational experience for students and a chance to give back to the profession. The grant program brings a practicing risk manager to the university to present and engage with students about the Risk Management profession and the Insurance industry. Since 1997, Spencer has awarded over 500 RMOC Grants totaling $1.7 million to universities & colleges across the United States and Canada.

Spencer’s Risk Manager on Campus program offers grants of up to $5,000 to universities and colleges in the United States and Canada to host a practicing Risk Manager on its campus for a 1–3-day residency. The grant award is to be used to:

• Reimburse the risk manager for travel, housing, and incidental expenses incurred from the visit.
• Coordinate class visits, campus-wide lectures, panel discussions, meals, student club/organization meetings, senior administration visits, and/or receptions for students to network with and learn from the visiting risk manager, thereby exposing students to careers in Risk Management and Insurance (including Actuarial Science) and cultivating excitement about the industry.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Internship Grants

Through our Internship Grant Program, Spencer aims to support tomorrow’s Risk Management and Insurance leaders through experiential learning opportunities. 

Spencer provides internship grants of up to $7,500 to Risk Managers to hire interns in the risk management function of their organizations. Employers apply for grants from Spencer, and students then apply directly with the companies for internship opportunities.

Since 1999, Spencer has awarded $3.5 million to create over 650 risk management internships. Through the internship program, students learn about the field in a real-world business setting where they can quickly apply what they know, respond to new experiences, and begin to develop contacts in the industry. 

Vanguard Resident FellowshipThe American Psychiatric Association has participated in the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) since 1973. The program goals are to advance the quality of mental and substance use disorder prevention and treatment services and improve mental health care outcomes for all. The program seeks to increase the number and quality of psychiatrists who teach, administer services, conduct research, and provide direct mental and/or substance use disorder services to our Nation’s communities, and to treat and serve populations with higher prevalence of behavioral health challenges and conditions more effectively.Program Benefits: 

• Funding to support your own innovative and creative Capstone Project
• Monthly virtual professional development sessions
• Gain access to employment opportunities through a virtual job fair
• Gain an understanding of gaps in mental health care through the LEAD Institute curriculum
• Receive mentorship from leaders in psychiatry through the Advocate & Protégé Program
• Attend the Learning Lab, Fall Mental Health Summit, and Spring Leadership Summit, with the goal of enhancing your leadership skills in psychiatry by advancing your understanding of mental health inequities
• Attend the APA Annual Meeting with the opportunity to present a poster or oral presentation of your Capstone Project
• Gain understanding of APA Governance through service on an APA Council, committee or work group
• Receive access to a lifetime network of psychiatrists
• Establish long term relationships with resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

Community Diversity FellowshipThe Community Diversity Fellowship is a unique opportunity for psychiatry residents from diverse backgrounds and residents who are committed to serving minority and vulnerable populations. The fellowship provides professional development, training, mentorship, and a field placement component (up to 15 hours per month) designed to add exponential impact in the delivery of culturally competent psychiatric care across hard to reach and traditionally underrepresented communities. These populations include—but are not limited to—American Indians/Native Alaskans, Asian Americans/Native Hawaiians/Native Pacific Islanders, Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, LGBTQ, and religious minorities.Program Benefits:

• Attend one APA Annual Meeting
• Attend one Fellowship Forum
• Develop leadership skills in the field of psychiatry and advance understanding of the life experiences of racial ethnic minority communities
• Gain hands on experience through field placement in a traditional underrepresented community mental health setting (up to 15 hours per month)
• Gain an understanding of APA/APAF Governance through service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative 
• Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists interested in minority mental health and services through exclusive events through engagements with APA leaders.
  • Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

The Renewal Bee Grant, offered by the Whole Kids Foundation, provides $500 to support educational bee programs for K-12 schools and non-profit organizations that have previously received a Bee Grant. Eligible applicants must have submitted their progress report from their last grant and can receive additional resources such as consultations and educator packs. This grant aims to enhance pollinator education while fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: General Grants

Spencer’s goal to help build a talent pipeline of Risk Management and Insurance professionals is achieved in part by our collaboration with Risk Management and Insurance educators across the United States and Canada. Since 2010, Spencer has awarded over $4.5 million in General Grants to support over 225 student-centered experiential learning initiatives at universities and RMI non-profit orgs.

Spencer's General Grants Program supports student-centered initiatives that (1) provide experiential learning opportunities for Risk Management & Insurance students and (2) attract new talent to risk and insurance careers. 

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Course Development Grants

Since 2014, Spencer has invested over $1.6 million in developing risk management and insurance (RMI) courses at close to 70 colleges and universities, exposing approximately 19,000 students to the RMI industry.

Our Course Development Grant program supports Introductory Risk Management and Insurance Course Development - for universities that have not previously offered any such instruction - as well as proposals for additional Course Curriculum Development and Program Development - for universities looking to develop a RMI program and/or expand existing RMI course offerings, with an emphasis on new and emerging areas in the industry.

PetSmart Charities

We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.

Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.

Adoption Growth Grants 

Purpose

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.

Funding Support

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1-  Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.

Cohort 2: Capacity Building

Applicants must have completed at least one adoption in a PetSmart store within the last 12 months.

Preference will be given to organizations seeking to build a consistent, sustainable in-store adoption program. Applications should include a clear plan, with examples, for sustaining the program over time.

Four Required Steps

Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.

Maryland Center for School Safety

An independent unit of state government established to promote, support, and enhance school communities that are safe for learning and teaching. 

FY2027 Safe Schools Fund Grant (SSFG)​

About the SSFG Grant

The Safe Schools Fund grant (SSFG) is a non-competitive, State-funded grant program designed for local school systems in Maryland. The primary purpose of the Safe Schools Fund grant is to provide funding for school safety and security-related matters as described under Md. Code Ann., Educ. Art. §7-1512. The grant funds will be applied toward the cost of school safety-related projects and services.

About the IAC

The IAC Mission

The mission of the Interagency Commission on School Construction is to achieve a safe, healthy, and educationally sufficient learning environment for every child attending a public school in Maryland. Our vision is a fiscally sustainable statewide portfolio of Pre-K-12 school facilities that will remain educationally sufficient for current and future generations of students and teachers.

Capital Improvement Program

The CIP is the State’s largest school construction program, averaging at least $280 million per year in recent years. CIP funding can be used for major new, renewal, or replacement projects as well as for addition projects or capital maintenance projects (systemic renovations). 

The CIP includes supplemental funding from the Significant Enrollment Growth and Relocatable Classroom (EGRC) Capital Grant Program.

The program is governed by Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland and regulations promulgated by the IAC in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).

About Us

For over three decades, the Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) has been sparking innovation and expanding horizons within our classrooms. Since 1991, this community-powered non-profit has channeled more than $2.5 million from passionate individuals, local businesses, and forward-thinking organizations directly into the hands of Hamilton’s students and teachers. 

By funding transformative workshops, creative projects, and classroom grants, HEF doesn't just support education—it inspires students to dream bigger, rewards academic excellence, and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

Our Vision

The vision of the Hamilton Education Foundation is to assist in achieving creative and academic excellence for the 21st Century through funding activities and projects for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Our Mission

Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to fund, Enhanced, Extended, and Enriched learning opportunities for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Teacher Grants

Educator Enrichment Grant

The Educator Enrichment Grant funds teacher participation in off-campus professional development, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and externships. 

About Us

For over three decades, the Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) has been sparking innovation and expanding horizons within our classrooms. Since 1991, this community-powered non-profit has channeled more than $2.5 million from passionate individuals, local businesses, and forward-thinking organizations directly into the hands of Hamilton’s students and teachers. 

By funding transformative workshops, creative projects, and classroom grants, HEF doesn't just support education—it inspires students to dream bigger, rewards academic excellence, and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

Our Vision

The vision of the Hamilton Education Foundation is to assist in achieving creative and academic excellence for the 21st Century through funding activities and projects for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Our Mission

Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to fund, Enhanced, Extended, and Enriched learning opportunities for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Student Grants

Evaluation Factors

Applications are reviewed based on:

The AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism

Prize Summary

The AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism was established by the AACR in 2015 to raise awareness of the critical role that the media play in educating the public about cancer and cancer research.

Funded by a major bequest to the AACR from cancer research pioneer Dr. June L. Biedler, a scientist, mentor, and former member of the AACR Board of Directors, this prize showcases outstanding examples of cancer journalism and recognizes individual professional journalists who have produced accurate, informative, and compelling stories that enhance the public’s understanding of cancer, cancer research, cancer advocacy, or cancer policy.

The prize provides an unrestricted cash award of $5,000 and a commemorative award.

Categories

Each submission may be considered for only one category, as selected by the candidate on the application form.

Applicants may submit in any of the following categories:

Prize Acceptance

Awardees will be able to accept the prize during the AACR Annual Meeting 2027 in Orlando, April 2-7, 2027.

About the Interagency Commission on School Construction

The IAC Mission

The mission of the Interagency Commission on School Construction is to achieve a safe, healthy, and educationally sufficient learning environment for every child attending a public school in Maryland. Our vision is a fiscally sustainable statewide portfolio of Pre-K-12 school facilities that will remain educationally sufficient for current and future generations of students and teachers.School Safety Grant Program (SSGP)

School Safety Grant Program provides grants to local school systems and the Maryland School for the Blind (MSB) to address school security improvements, including but not limited to secure and lockable classroom doors, areas of visual refuge in classrooms, surveillance, security vestibules, and other structural school security related improvements that have direct impact on the school facility, students, and school administrators. 

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Maryland

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.