Best Frederick Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Florence Nesh Charitable Trust Grant focuses on supporting medical or scientific research and education in the Greater Washington DC area. It funds projects that provide direct services, demonstrate community needs, and foster collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of operation and prior measurable outcomes. The trust prioritizes sustainability and diversified income, while avoiding support for general operating costs, for-profit entities, and organizations lacking public charity status.

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

The Frederick FEED Grant, administered by The Community Foundation of Frederick County, aims to enhance food equity and emergency distribution in the community. Open from December 1 to December 21, 2025, it supports existing food banks, pantries, and nonprofits in Frederick County. Grants can be utilized for expanding food distribution efforts and acquiring necessary equipment, thereby addressing critical food insecurity issues and fostering a healthier community for all.

​​​​​​​​​​​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 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to enhance the quality of life in rural Maryland by 2030 through strategic investments in economic and community development. The RMPIF MD Rural Agricultural Development Grant supports agriculture, which is vital to Maryland's economy, contributing $16.5 billion and over 73,000 jobs. This initiative fosters sustainable development while preserving the cultural heritage of rural areas, ensuring that local organizations can leverage additional resources for continued agricultural growth and agritourism.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to enhance the quality of life in rural areas by 2030, focusing on economic and community development. It promotes investments in education and workforce initiatives, such as apprenticeships and STEM programs, to empower young adults to stay in their communities. The fund encourages collaboration among public and nonprofit organizations, ensuring sustainable development while preserving cultural heritage and rural lifestyles.

Frederick, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing community services or basic human needs can access funding through Shepherd University Foundation via Women Investing in Shepherd. Two high-impact community grants of US $36,625 each support urgent needs, bold new ventures, or innovative approaches, for projects serving Frederick County residents and completed within three years.

Nonprofits and other organizations in Frederick, Maryland that operate in Frederick County and have ties to the intellectual/developmental disability community can apply for the Monocacy Foundation Grant to support individuals’ unmet medical, educational, and recreational needs. Funding may cover items like adaptive equipment, employment training, vacations, medications, or pet ownership costs for eligible residents.

Nonprofit organizations serving children with disabilities in Frederick, Maryland and the wider Washington metropolitan area can seek support for medical, therapeutic, and accessibility needs. Vicky Collins Charitable Foundation has funded projects like pediatric clinics and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, so Frederick-area 501(c)(3)s helping children with special needs may be eligible.

The TowerCares Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations that support children in need and military families in the Baltimore/Washington area. New organizations must consult a Foundation Ambassador before applying. The Foundation prioritizes specific project funding over general operational support. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the Foundation's mission, enhancing community welfare and ensuring a brighter future for those in need.

The Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program aims to strengthen community ties by providing financial support in key areas such as education focused on STEM, environmental sustainability, and community safety. This program welcomes applications from eligible organizations that meet specific grant criteria, including being tax-exempt and located within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site. The initiative underscores Westinghouse's commitment to advancing education, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing community well-being.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified public entities providing community development programs in Frederick, Maryland may be eligible for charitable sponsorship supporting low- to moderate-income communities. With a mission to advance educational, physical, and economic mobility, Santander Bank Foundation funds efforts like affordable housing, small business development, financial education, workforce training, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization within its Northeast and Florida banking footprint.

Nonprofit organizations providing early childhood education and school-readiness programs in Frederick, Maryland can apply for funding that supports vocabulary, social-emotional learning, math, science, and the arts. Focused on early learning, PNC Foundation invites Frederick-area 501(c)(3)s to form community partnerships that strengthen children, families, and neighborhoods through its Grow Up Great initiative.

The Richard E. & Nancy P. Marriott Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities in Washington, D.C. by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on education, human services, and employment opportunities. With an emphasis on early childhood education, mentoring, and relief from hunger and homelessness, the Foundation awards approximately 150 grants annually, totaling around $1.8 million. They prioritize partnerships that foster community strength and individual dignity, especially for vulnerable populations, ensuring access to essential resources and job training.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Frederick, Maryland can apply for grants supporting arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health care, and human services. Grants from M & T Charitable Foundation help strengthen local quality of life through flexible community-focused funding, with requests accepted year-round and decisions made by local staff.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to elevate living standards in rural areas by 2030, preserving cultural heritage while fostering economic growth. It supports targeted investments in community development, entrepreneurial activities, and infrastructure improvements, including broadband and housing. By promoting intergovernmental cooperation and leveraging additional resources, RMPIF seeks to enhance the overall welfare and opportunities for residents across rural Maryland.

The RMPIF MD Rural Health Care Grant aims to elevate living standards in rural Maryland by 2030, focusing on healthcare access and economic development. It supports initiatives that enhance health services, promote intergovernmental cooperation, and encourage entrepreneurship. The grant also addresses critical healthcare provider shortages and improves transportation for medical access, ensuring comprehensive support for rural health and community well-being.

Ausherman Family Foundation provides Frederick, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with capacity-building support for planning, leadership development, strategic partnerships, internal operations, and technology improvements. Organizations in areas like youth and family services, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development can apply for US $2,500 - US $25,000 to strengthen their effectiveness and infrastructure.

Frederick, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking operating, program, or project support can access funding through Ausherman Family Foundation, with awards starting at more than US $2,500. Eligible organizations must serve Frederick County residents in areas such as children and youth, health and human services, arts and culture, or public and society benefit, with applications accepted year-round.

The Sgt. David J. Smith Veterans Relief Fund provides financial assistance to veterans and their families in Frederick County, Maryland, who are facing unexpected financial challenges. Nonprofit organizations can apply on behalf of eligible households, ensuring that only those with honorable military discharges benefit. Support is limited to once every 12 months per veteran, and applications are accepted as long as funding is available, making this a critical resource for local veterans in need.

The Community Foundation’s Rolling Grant Program offers financial support for a variety of purposes, serving individuals and organizations in Frederick County, Maryland. Grants are available to established nonprofits, government agencies, religious organizations for non-sectarian projects, and civic groups. This program aims to empower local communities by funding educational scholarships and nonprofit initiatives, fostering a vibrant future through philanthropy. Applications are accepted continuously until funds are exhausted.

Frederick, Maryland nonprofits serving underprivileged children, people experiencing homelessness, or elderly adults can access funding through Cloudbreak Foundation for specific projects providing direct care, services, or treatment. 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area, including Frederick County, may receive US $5,000 - US $20,000, with priority for programs meeting critical or basic needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Frederick, Maryland working on children’s services, hunger, or education can request monetary or in-kind dining certificate support through Brinker International’s charitable giving program. Brinker International provides Frederick, Maryland nonprofits with one donation per calendar year, with applications due at least six weeks before the related event and submitted online.

About the Community Foundation of Washington County

The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. Hood College Waltersdorf-Henson Scholarship Endowment Fund

A fund of the Waltersdorf-Henson Endowment Challenge for scholarships to benefit qualified students who attend Hood College from the Community Foundation’s service area, with an emphasis on Washington County.

The Luke Clemens Bartlett Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund

Frederick County students ages Kindergarten through 12th grade may apply for financial aid scholarships to attend sports activities, programs, and athletic camps. These scholarships are funded by The Luke Clemens Bartlett Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund. Scholarships support participation fees only, and payment will be made directly to the youth athletic organization and/or as a reimbursement to the parent/guardian with proof of payment. 

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing services to needy elderly persons can apply for $1,000 - $10,000 in program or general operating support, including in Frederick, Maryland. With a mission to aid aged persons in need, the Helen Wardman Naselli Memorial Fund prioritizes organizations in the Washington, DC metropolitan area that operate old people’s homes or similar elder care institutions.