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.

Frederick County, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support of community programs. Eligible U.S. organizations must demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support; applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for Hearst Foundation social service grants of more than US $100,000 to support program, capital, or general operations. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help Frederick County, Maryland organizations tackling chronic poverty, economic development, housing, food access, reentry, youth development, and related social services that demonstrate proven, scalable impact.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other eligible organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability projects in Frederick County, Maryland may be eligible for more than US $50,000 to support or scale their work. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports programs serving urban low-income children and youth in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving early childhood education or economic and community development may be eligible for this funding in Frederick County, Maryland. Focused on early learning, affordable housing, small business support, and vital human services for low- and moderate-income communities, PNC Foundation invites partnerships with community-based nonprofits in areas where it has a significant presence.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Focused on environmental and human services work, the Lawrence Foundation invites Frederick County, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries to request unrestricted support for programs or general operations. Eligible U.S.-headquartered organizations may receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 for projects within the foundation’s funding priorities, including reasonable indirect costs.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s national community grants, including organizations serving Frederick County, Maryland. Funding supports hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, community development, and cultural enrichment, with priority for programs engaging Ameriprise employees and financial advisors as volunteers.

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.

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.

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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

IDEA Collaborative Grants

Ongoing Support for Black-Led Nonprofits in Frederick.

The IDEA Collaborative Grant is a new 12-month funding opportunity designed to support meaningful, outcomes-driven partnerships between Black-led nonprofit organizations addressing a clearly defined community issue. The grant emphasizes capacity building and a growth mindset, encouraging hands-on collaboration specifically among Black-led organizations.

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend a virtual information session on July 21, 2026, where Foundation staff will provide an overview of the application process and timeline.

Grants will be awarded in November 2026 for programming and collaboration to take place in 2027. Two grants of $40,000-$60,000 each will be awarded to two separate collaborative efforts. Support from a consultant will be available to help shape the collaborative structure during the application process.

Projects must align with AFF’s key focus areas:

• Youth, Children & Families
• Public & Society Benefit
• Health & Human Services
• Arts & Culture

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.