Best Frederick County Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Frederick County, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capacity-building support for planning, leadership development, technology, or internal operations can apply for grants of US $2,500 - US $25,000. Focused on strengthening local organizations, Ausherman Family Foundation funding may benefit groups serving youth, families, health and human services, arts and culture, or community development.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s global social impact support, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years for scalable solutions to social or environmental problems. Organizations in Frederick County, Maryland working in areas like poverty alleviation, health, education, or environmental sustainability may be eligible if they meet the growth and geography criteria.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Frederick County, Maryland can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Focused on long-term impact, State Farm Companies Foundation supports projects like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, job training, and K-12 or higher education programs across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on health, education, or community initiatives in Frederick County, Maryland may be eligible for national funding that supports food pantries, healthcare access, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyles. With a mission to expand equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation reviews grant requests twice yearly, in March and September.

Nonprofit organizations in Frederick County, Maryland can apply for Community Foundation of Frederick County Maryland’s Sgt. David J. Smith Veterans Relief Fund, awarding US $500 - US $2,000 to support veteran households facing unforeseen financial distress. Funds assist honorably discharged veterans and their families; a veteran may receive support once every 12 months.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Nonprofit organizations serving Frederick County, Maryland can seek project funding for arts and humanities, Catholic activities, education, health care, and human services. The Marion I & Henry J Knott Foundation provides one-year General Fund grants ranging from US $10,000 - US $45,000, with Letters of Inquiry accepted in February, June, and October.

Existing 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and civic groups expanding food access and distribution in Frederick County, Maryland can seek more than US $5,000 to support food insecurity services and operations. The Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Frederick FEED Grant funds food distribution, meal programs, related operating costs, and equipment like refrigerators, freezers, and other storage or preparation items.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofits and eligible agencies supporting women’s self-sufficiency can apply for US $1,000 - US $40,000 to run programs in Frederick County, Maryland. With a mission to empower women in challenging situations, the Community Foundation of Frederick County Maryland provides funding for workforce development, education, housing stability, transportation, financial literacy, and related supports for women ages 18 and over.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Frederick County, Maryland can apply for high-impact project grants of US $36,625 supporting community services and basic human needs. Grants from Shepherd University Foundation’s Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) program fund urgent needs, bold new ventures, or new approaches to ongoing challenges, with funds used within three years.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Students pursuing post-secondary education who have lived experiences of harm or past legal challenges in Frederick County, Maryland can seek academic scholarship support to gain a second chance. Community Foundation of Frederick County Maryland created the Mary Alice and R. David Stup Scholarship Fund to help these students use scholarship monies during the 2026–2027 academic year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services such as economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief in Frederick County, Maryland may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. With a mission to improve quality of life, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S.-based charities in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nonprofits, government agencies, religious organizations, and civic groups serving Frederick County, Maryland can apply for more than US $500 to support almost any programmatic or community need. Grants from Community Foundation of Frederick County Maryland help local organizations provide health, human services, workforce readiness, education, and other direct benefits to county residents through a rolling application process.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Frederick County, Maryland with programs in areas like education, poverty relief, health, families, or related services may be eligible for support from the Robinson Foundation. Funding is available for single-year projects from established Southern-region organizations, excluding capital or facilities projects.

IDEA Collaborative Grants

The IDEA Collaborative Grant is a new funding opportunity designed to support meaningful, outcomes-driven partnerships between several organizations addressing a clearly defined community issue. The grant emphasizes capacity building and a growth mindset, encouraging hands-on collaboration that can be replicated in future efforts.

By providing dedicated funding and fostering partnerships, the initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of Black-led nonprofits and expand opportunities for collective impact across the region.

A Collaborative Grant ideally includes 2-3 separate organizations that are collaborating on a shared effort. This can include shared programs and services, shared resources, shared offices, shared staffing, or shared public education and advocacy efforts. One organization would serve as the backbone and fiscal lead, with clearly defined roles, shared accountability, and measurable outcomes outlined in a signed MOU.

This grant program is programmatically separate from the traditional IDEA Grant cycle that is open Jul 1 – Jul 31, 2026. Applying for or receiving an IDEA Grant does not make you ineligible to apply for or receive the IDEA Collaborative Grant. The IDEA committee’s focus is on building power and resources for Black-led nonprofits in Frederick County. To that end, all collaborations should be between Black-led nonprofits.

Through this new initiative, the Foundation hopes to empower community leaders whose work is driving positive change and expanding opportunities for residents throughout Frederick County. For more information about IDEA grants, click here.

Nonprofits, government agencies, religious organizations with non-sectarian programs, and civic groups in Frederick County, Maryland can seek funding for high-impact projects addressing families with children, aging populations, and substance use disorders. Grants from Community Foundation of Frederick County also support affordable housing access, mental health needs, and reducing disparities in service delivery, with awards of more than US $1,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and 509(a) public institutions in Frederick County, Maryland can seek support for cultural arts, education, health, human services, historical preservation, and spiritual programs. With a mission to strengthen communities and families, Delaplaine Foundation provides grants primarily benefiting the greater Frederick County area, with applications accepted year-round and an annual October 1 deadline.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government or quasi-government agencies, religious organizations with non-sectarian activities, and civic groups in Frederick County, Maryland can apply for Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Impact Grants, awarding more than US $500 for community programs. Funding may support health and human services, education, youth programs, arts, agriculture, civic causes, animal welfare, and historic preservation.

Nonprofits, government entities, faith-based organizations, and civic groups in Frederick County, Maryland can seek funding for projects in veteran services, education and literacy, and disease prevention and treatment. Grants from Community Foundation of Frederick County Maryland help cover a wide range of community-focused programs, with awards from US $2,000 - US $10,000.