Best Aging Grants in Maryland

BGE Charitable Contributions supports community enhancement through focused corporate giving in four key areas: building Exelon's future workforce, energy empowerment, local vitality enrichment, and equal access to arts and culture. By investing in diverse nonprofit organizations, BGE aims to create sustainable improvements in education, environmental conservation, and cultural access, fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the values and needs of the communities it serves.

The Leonard & Helen R. Stulman Charitable Foundation Grants provide funding ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 to support initiatives in mental health, aging, and health care. The foundation prioritizes projects in greater Baltimore and Maryland, focusing on underserved populations and evidence-based practices. Organizations must qualify as public charities and adhere to non-discrimination policies. The foundation does not fund capital projects, K-12 education, scholarships, or conferences.

The National Home Library Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in distributing books and reading materials to libraries and community groups with limited resources. This initiative aims to promote literacy and combat illiteracy among all ages through various programs. Grants are available only to tax-exempt organizations that adhere to non-discrimination policies. Preference is given to requests from the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, with applications considered on a rolling basis.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund Grant, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, aims to enrich the cultural landscape of metropolitan Baltimore. Established in 1964, the fund supports various arts and culture initiatives, focusing on organizational effectiveness and community engagement. Grants range from $1,500 to $45,000, prioritizing inclusive and innovative programming that fosters collaboration among cultural organizations, supports local artists, and enhances the community's sense of identity.

The TogetherMD Grant program (formerly Maryland Elevates) is designed to enhance and sharpen the State’s steadfast focus on narrowing gaps for infants and toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and their families in a comprehensive system of early intervention and special education services, birth through age 21. With heightened emphasis on high-leverage strategies and evidence-based practices necessary to transform early intervention and special education, TogetherMD targets disparities impacting children and families across a range of priority needs.

The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation focuses on improving the lives of underserved individuals in the DC area through grants in five key areas: Arts and Humanities, Community Services, Education, Environment, and Health & Wellness. The Foundation supports organizations that demonstrate cultural competence and systemic change, aiming for self-sufficiency and holistic well-being for all community members. Grants emphasize access to resources and equitable opportunities to foster meaningful community engagement.

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 Gene Wiles Memorial Award honors the legacy of Gene Wiles by providing annual grants to support young adults (ages 16-21) from Washington County, Maryland, pursuing agricultural projects. This initiative encourages community involvement through affiliations with 4-H, FFA, or the local Agriculture Board. While funding amounts vary, the award emphasizes direct engagement in agricultural endeavors, fostering growth and opportunity for emerging leaders in the field.

The Curtis Uzelac Family Fund, established in memory of Curtis Uzelac, offers annual grants to young adults aged 16-21 from Washington County, Maryland, or nearby areas. This funding supports individuals pursuing 4H or FFA projects or other agricultural endeavors. Grant amounts may vary, and applicants must demonstrate residency and affiliation with relevant programs. This initiative aims to empower local youth in their agricultural pursuits and community involvement.

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.

The Field of Interest Fund - Youth Unplanned Pregnancy Prevention Fund Grant aims to combat youth unplanned pregnancies in Washington County, Maryland. With a significant reduction in the teen birth rate, this initiative emphasizes the critical role of parental influence in guiding teenagers' decisions about sexual activity. The grant supports programs that educate parents and provide essential resources, fostering informed choices among youth. By empowering families, the fund seeks to create healthier futures for young individuals and their communities.

The Youth Unplanned Pregnancy Prevention Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland, aims to address the significant issue of teen pregnancy in the area, which ranks fifth highest in Maryland. With a focus on empowering parents and providing educational resources, this fund supports programs that target youth and unplanned pregnancies. Grants of $600 are suggested, but flexibility exists to accommodate varying needs, ensuring impactful community engagement in preventing teen pregnancy.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County Mini Grants support innovative arts initiatives aimed at expanding audience engagement, particularly in underserved communities. With grants up to $2,500 and a dollar-for-dollar matching requirement, this program encourages partnerships and activities that promote diversity, equity, and cultural enrichment. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Anne Arundel County and demonstrate a history of community-focused programming. Grant cycles occur twice a year, in spring and fall.

The Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Host Organization Grant, offered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, aims to enhance public engagement in environmental restoration through a structured program. This initiative places young adults (ages 18-25) with various nonprofit organizations or government agencies for a year of stipend-supported service. Participants gain valuable experience and training in areas such as environmental education and sustainable practices, fostering the next generation of environmental leaders.

The Lacrosse Opportunities Grant by the Maryland State Department of Education aims to enhance participation in lacrosse among minority students under 18. It supports Local Education Agencies and recognized nonprofits in providing comprehensive training and resources. The program prioritizes jurisdictions where over 80% of students are minorities, funding salaries, equipment, and clinics. This initiative reflects Maryland's commitment to equitable education and development opportunities in sports for underserved communities.

The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) invites nominations for the Community Accountable Fund, aimed at youth-serving organizations in Baltimore City. This fund, which awards $75,000 annually for three years, prioritizes organizations that are credible and accountable to the communities they serve. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities with budgets between $350,000 and $500,000, committed to supporting youth aged 24 and under, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.

The BCYF: Grassroots Fund aims to provide $50,000 annual grants for five years to twelve eligible Baltimore-based nonprofit organizations serving youth under 24. This initiative not only offers financial support but also focuses on enhancing organizational capacity to ensure sustainability and growth. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $350,000, and prioritize organizations led by Black and Brown individuals, fostering community engagement and empowerment.

The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick County Fund offers grants aimed at empowering women aged 18 and older facing challenging situations. With funding from the Community Foundation of Frederick County, the program supports initiatives that promote self-sufficiency and improve quality of life. Grants range from $1,000 to $40,000, targeting organizations that enhance workforce development, financial literacy, and economic stability for women. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and government agencies focused on community causes.

The Thomas Wilson Foundation, established in 1875, is dedicated to enhancing the health and welfare of children in Baltimore City. It provides funding for medical research, medical services, and social and community programs aimed at supporting youth. The Foundation specifically targets initiatives that benefit children and youth aged 18 and under, ensuring that resources are directed towards improving their overall well-being and access to essential services.

The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County offers Community Arts Grants to support nonprofit arts organizations in providing enriching programming to county residents. This key funding initiative aims to promote diversity, equity, and accessibility in the arts. Organizations can apply for grants based on their budget size, with funding tiers designed to foster excellence and broaden opportunities in the local arts community. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to serving the community and maintaining good fiscal practices.

The Maryland Elevates Grant Program aims to improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities within a comprehensive early intervention and special education system. Targeting disparities, it supports non-profits, community-based partners, and higher education institutions committed to implementing evidence-based practices and equitable solutions. The program emphasizes accelerated learning in inclusive environments, fostering teacher capacity and instructional leadership to enhance educational experiences for families across Maryland.

The Louis H. Shaman Charitable Foundation, established by Louis H. Shaman, offers grants to support organizations aiding senior residents in Maryland. With an average of five grants awarded annually, the foundation prioritizes 501(c)(3) exempt organizations that benefit the elderly, disadvantaged, and disabled. Organizations that have exceeded 15% in fundraising expenses over two years are ineligible. Applications are reviewed during the foundation's annual grant meeting.

FY27 Lighthouse Grant Program

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Grants Management (OGM) are soliciting grant applications for the County’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Lighthouse Grant Program from qualified organizations. The FY27 Lighthouse Grant Program expects to provide one umbrella (lead) organization a total of $3,993,574 in county funds. Potential applicants must note that the Montgomery County Council has not yet appropriated the funds to support this Grant Program and final funding amounts may change. The awarded applicant will have an opportunity to revise their budget and proposal to match the actual appropriated amount. If the County Council substantively changes the scope or the terms of this Grant Program through the appropriations process, a new NOFO will be issued to reflect their decisions. Applicants would then need to submit a new proposal based on the updated scope and requirements. 

The awarded organization will lead a coordinated network of community-based partners to deliver comprehensive, culturally, and linguistically responsive services that promote stabilization, integration, and long-term self-sufficiency. This includes implementing a centralized intake and needs assessment system; providing navigation to critical services such as housing, healthcare, education, immigration legal services, intensive case management, and strong outreach to diverse immigrant populations across the County. Services must also incorporate preparedness planning for families facing immigration-related disruptions, along with fraud prevention, and safeguards against notario exploitation. Applicants must demonstrate strong partnership development, coalition leadership, and capacity-building efforts, including establishing a community advisory board and supporting partner organizations to ensure coordinated, equitable, and responsive service delivery systems.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

FY27 Aging-in-Place (AIP) Program

Program Authority and Purpose:

The Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA or Department) is pleased to issue this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the award of grants through a competitive process under the Aging-In-Place (AIP) Program, under the authority of and in accordance with the §10-1201 of the Human Services Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, amended by the Village Multigenerational Third Places Act (Senate Bill 530/House Bill 811), which shall take effect July 1, 2026. This funding opportunity aligns with the Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) multisector plan on aging and the Department’s commitment to supporting Marylanders to age with health, financial security, social connection, and purpose.

Like the rest of the country, Maryland is home to a population of older adults which will grow considerably over the next several decades. By 2030, nearly one out of every four Marylanders will be 60 years of age or older (census.gov). The majority of older adults want to age in their homes or have limited alternatives due to the high cost of institutional or assisted living options. The AIP funding opportunity enables older Marylanders to live in their homes and participate in a community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

To provide the highest quality of care, it is essential that aging services are both person- centered and trauma-informed (PCTI) . Consequently, this FY27 funding opportunity prioritizes community-based organizations that provide essential programming, service coordination, and support within high-need areas. We are specifically seeking to reach low-income older adults facing the compounding challenges of declining health, social isolation, financial hardship, and language barriers. Integrating PCTI principles into the AIP model aims to rebuild the sense of security and stability necessary for Maryland's older adults to thrive within the communities we call home.

Description:

This funding opportunity aligns with MDOA’s Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) multisector plan on aging. Successful applicants will propose projects that address the following strategies from the plan:

• Increase awareness and adoption of the neighbor-helping-neighbor Village model;
• Recruit older volunteers and multigenerational volunteer teams into coordinated service opportunities;
• Increase the number of intergenerational volunteer opportunities;
• Expand AIP options by providing wraparound services that include health care, transportation, and social services in coordination with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Centers for Independent Living, Villages, and other community-based aging service providers;
• Increase access to home repair and modification programs that ensure safe and accessible home environments; 
• Leverage technology and community-based services to enhance transportation options and operability for older adults, especially in rural communities;
• Promote innovative opportunities to connect Marylanders across all ages through technology, programming, and community spaces; and
• Promote the adoption of initiatives that increase intergenerational connection to reduce age-related bias.

The Bartus Trew Providence Preservation Fund, established by a generous gift to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports local efforts to acquire and preserve historic landmarks on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Grants aid in the restoration and maintenance of culturally significant sites, fostering public awareness of heritage conservation. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations capable of matching funds. This initiative prioritizes the preservation of unique local history and heritage, ensuring its continuity for future generations.