Best Frederick Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Nonprofits, government agencies, religious organizations, and civic groups in Frederick, Maryland can seek funding for high-impact projects serving families, older adults, and people affected by substance use disorders. Focused on urgent human needs, the Community Foundation of Frederick County offers awards of more than US $1,000, including for housing access, mental health, and reducing service disparities.

The Black Philanthropy Giving Circle Grant, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations that are Black-led or serve Black communities in the Baltimore area. This grant aims to enhance services for African-Americans, ensuring their needs are prioritized. With a focus on community-driven initiatives, the Fund encourages applications from organizations that contribute positively to the local landscape and uphold the values of empowerment and support for Black communities.

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.

The Hamer Foundation

Our Mission:

The mission of The Hamer Foundation is to provide support to nonprofit organizations within a 100-mile radius of State College PA in the following areas: 

• Environmental Support – 50% of donations 
• Community Support – 35% of donations 
• Educational Support – 15% of donations 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

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.

The IDEA Grant aims to address funding gaps for Black-led nonprofits in Frederick County, as identified by the Frederick Funders Data Project. The Ausherman Family Foundation is committed to enhancing the sustainability and impact of these organizations through targeted support, including coaching and mentorship. By focusing on inclusion, diversity, and equity, the grant seeks to empower Black-led initiatives, ensuring equitable access to resources and fostering long-term community vitality.

​​​​​​​​​​​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.​

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.

The Maryland Forest Legacy Program aims to protect vital forest areas from conversion to non-forest uses through conservation easements. This federal initiative collaborates with state efforts to identify and preserve environmentally significant forests, with funding support where the federal government covers up to 75% of costs. Eligible areas must be designated Forest Legacy Areas, ensuring that at least 75% of the land remains forested. This program not only benefits wildlife but also supports local economies and water quality.

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.

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) Grant supports rural-serving nonprofits and community colleges in enhancing agricultural education, economic development, and community initiatives. The fund aims to strengthen their capacity to tackle rural challenges and foster partnerships that leverage additional funding. Key focus areas include agriculture, energy efficiency, broadband expansion, youth leadership, and community development, ensuring targeted assistance for sustainable growth and innovation in rural Maryland.

The Latham Fund Grant supports organizations in the Washington, DC area focusing on medical research for disease cures, particularly clinical applications. It also aids financially challenged patients requiring medical, nursing, or hospital care. Established in 1972, the Charles and Mary Latham Fund has positively impacted the community by funding various health-related projects. Grants are not available for research involving animals or individual support, ensuring a focus on collective health advancements.

Nonprofits, government agencies, religious organizations, and civic groups in Frederick, Maryland can receive funding for community programs through the Community Foundation of Frederick County Maryland. Impact Grants support work in health and human services, education, youth programs, the arts, agriculture, animal welfare, historic preservation, and civic causes, with awards of more than US $500.

The Capital Food Bank Partnership Program invites not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status to join in addressing food insecurity. Partners will receive essential food and health education materials to distribute within the Washington metropolitan area. Key eligibility requirements include a budget for food procurement, access to technology, and a designated food storage facility. The program aims to enhance community access to nutritious food while prioritizing partners based on regional needs.

Care professionals seeking education in a care-related field can receive scholarship support for tuition at federally accredited institutions, including those living or working in Frederick, Maryland. Grants from Jean Griswold Foundation help caregivers enhance their training, advance their careers, and better serve clients through the Winter 2026 scholarship program, with awards ranging from US $500 - US $2,000.

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.