Best Arts Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

501(c)(3) nonprofits physically located in Frederick County, Maryland can apply for Ausherman Family Foundation’s capacity building grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for planning, board development, strategic partnerships, internal operations, and technology upgrades. Arts and culture organizations, as well as groups serving youth, health, housing, and community development, may be eligible if they commit time and resources to building capacity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Maryland offering arts, culture, or creative enrichment programs can seek support for initiatives that expand equal access to arts and culture. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company also funds related STEM education, workforce, environmental, and community vitality projects in its Maryland service area.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on public education, teacher development, arts education, or health-related advocacy can seek funding for programs, operating support, or select capital projects. Focused on systemic change in Baltimore, the Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation supports initiatives in mental health, environmental health, and strengthening public schools, including arts and literacy-focused professional development.

Grants from the John J. Leidy Foundation help Maryland arts and culture nonprofits, along with other 501(c)(3) organizations, fund operating support, new or ongoing programs, and equipment, typically in the Baltimore metro area. Awards of US $1,000 - US $10,000 may also support education, health and human services, social and economic welfare, and services for disabled persons.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland and across the U.S. can seek funding to provide books and reading materials to libraries and community groups with limited resources. The National Home Library Foundation awards US $500 - US $5,000 to support literacy, reading-related, and literary or cultural programs, with preference for Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia projects.

Nonprofits and other eligible community organizations in Maryland can apply for Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Impact Grants, awarding more than US $500 for local programs. Arts and culture initiatives in Frederick County, along with projects in education, health, human services, youth, agriculture, animal welfare, civic causes, and historic preservation, may be supported.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City can apply for the Abell Foundation’s community development grants over More than US $10,000 to support arts, culture, and related initiatives. Funding can provide seed money, general operating support, capital projects, or ongoing community arts programming benefiting underserved Maryland residents.

Maryland arts and culture nonprofits, schools, and other 501(c)(3) public institutions can seek funding for cultural programs, performances, and arts education initiatives. Focused on strengthening communities and families, Delaplaine Foundation also supports related education, health, human services, historic preservation, and spiritual enrichment projects, with priority for work benefiting Frederick County and nearby areas.

Maryland nonprofits and government entities offering arts education programs in Maryland can receive matching support for engagements led by Teaching Artists on the Maryland State Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster. Maryland State Arts Council provides up to US $6,000, paid directly to Teaching Artists, for school and community-based arts learning projects that are matched dollar for dollar.

Nonprofit organizations serving Maryland communities within the Archdiocese of Baltimore can apply for Knott Foundation’s General Fund grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $45,000 for arts and humanities, education, health care, and human services projects. Arts and culture nonprofits may submit one Letter of Inquiry per year during the February, June, or October cycles.

Nonprofit arts organizations producing public programming in Anne Arundel County can receive up to US $2,500 in matching support for innovative, well-defined arts projects reaching new or broader audiences. Arts Council of Anne Arundel County prioritizes activities in Maryland that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and arts access, especially in underserved communities.

Middendorf Foundation Arts and Culture GrantsThe Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.The Foundation believes that arts and cultural institutions help define and create vibrant communities and foster sustainable economic development. We view investing in this sector as an integral component of supporting well-rounded, inclusive and dynamic community growth.The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.

Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

Middendorf Foundation Education Grants

The Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.

A well-educated population is critical to the vitality of our state. We seek to foster innovation, creativity, and equity through education. The Foundation has long been interested and involved in funding educational institutions which demonstrate uncommon success in preparing students to thrive in a global society. The Foundation funds innovative models for early childhood, K-12 education, higher education and professional development.

The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.

Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

Middendorf Foundation Environment GrantsThe Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.Since the 1970’s, the Foundation has been aware of emerging environmental issues regarding air and water pollution, loss of wilderness and the extinction of wildlife. Over the decades, the Foundation has supported a broad array of environmental interests.  Supporting the urgent need to resolve environmental issues including addressing pollution and the extinction of wildlife.The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

The Middendorf Foundation HealthCare Grants support healthcare initiatives essential for the thriving of individuals and communities. By focusing on one-time costs for capital projects, equipment, and technology with a lifespan of over seven years, the foundation aims to improve access to quality healthcare for all Marylanders. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits serving Baltimore City or County that hold a valid 501(c)(3) status. This initiative fosters a healthier future by ensuring effective use of funds within a year of the award.

Middendorf Foundation Inc

The Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture. During their lifetimes, Mr. & Mrs. Middendorf provided inspirational leadership to the Foundation. Upon their deaths, the Foundation received generous bequests, which allowed it to begin making more sizable grants on a regular basis. Current assets are valued at $60 million.

In 2018, upon the death of their last surviving child, Alice Carter Middendorf, the Foundation received another large bequest which has further strengthened its ability to support causes of interest to the Middendorfs. Today the Foundation is governed by trustees who are honored to safeguard the legacy of the Middendorfs. 

Middendorf Foundation Historic Preservation Grants

The Middendorf Foundation has long recognized the importance of preserving historic buildings and sites and has supported those who believe in the preservation of Maryland’s cultural heritage. The Foundation is committed to preserving sites of historical significance so that they will continue to be enjoyed by a broad public well into the future.

The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years. 

501(c)(3) public charities serving Prince George’s or Montgomery County, Maryland residents can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s competitive grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000 for arts and humanities, education, community services, environment, and health and wellness. Nonprofits using comprehensive, culturally competent approaches and pursuing systemic change may be especially strong candidates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, and music education organizations near Philadelphia can apply for Presser Foundation’s Special Projects Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $25,000. Eligible Maryland groups within 75 miles of Philadelphia may seek general operating support for new music organizations or resilience funding for small music organizations facing government funding or policy changes.

Nonprofit arts organizations and other nonprofits with ongoing public arts programs in Maryland can receive annual operating or program support, with awards of more than US $50,000. Grants from Maryland State Arts Council help fund dance, theater, music, visual, literary, folk, multidisciplinary, and service-based arts activities that strengthen the state’s cultural infrastructure.

Cultural 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible fiscal agents in the greater Baltimore area can apply for approximately US $10,000 from the Baltimore Community Foundation to support arts and culture programs. Funding in Maryland backs organizational capacity, innovative programming, artist development, and cultural sector collaborations that enrich metropolitan Baltimore’s cultural life.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing youth or adult education in the greater Washington, DC region can access funding through Herb Block Foundation, with awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year projects. Programs may include in-school or community education, after-school and mentoring, literacy, GED preparation, vocational training, and job placement initiatives that improve outcomes for underprivileged people.

Maryland arts nonprofits presenting live performances can access funding through the Maryland State Arts Council’s Maryland Touring Grant to support engagements with artists on the Maryland Performing Artists Touring Roster, with awards from US $500 - US $5,000. Eligible presenters use these funds to bring professional touring artists to their communities and expand arts access statewide.

Arts and culture nonprofits in Maryland seeking support for tangible items can apply for grants up to US $10,000. Grants from Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation help organizations with 501(c)(3) or similar nonprofit status (at least three years) fund equipment and other concrete needs for programs serving their communities.

Nonprofit arts organizations providing public programming in Anne Arundel County can access general operating support and founding grants up to US $2,500. Grants from Arts Council of Anne Arundel County help Maryland arts and culture groups expand access, increase local arts activities, and promote diverse, community-focused arts opportunities countywide.

Maryland arts nonprofits and government or tribal entities planning folk or traditional arts projects can apply for Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000. Funding supports public performances, workshops, exhibitions, collaborations, documentation, or new traditional work, with a required 1:1 non-federal match.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in state Priority Funding Areas can apply for Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Investment Tax Credits; awards up to US $10,000 in tax credit allocations to leverage charitable contributions. Eligible projects include arts and culture, historic preservation, community revitalization, youth services, housing, and services for at-risk populations.

Nonprofit arts presenters and government units presenting touring artists in Maryland and the wider mid-Atlantic can access ongoing Jazz Touring Network membership support from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, with awards up to US $3,000. Funding helps organizations present professional jazz, block-book regional tours, and participate in professional development to strengthen diverse, equitable, and accessible programming.