Best Corporate Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects in Maryland focused on Baltimore City can receive up to US $10,000 for community development, services, education, arts, environment, and related initiatives. With a mission to build a stronger Baltimore, Abell Foundation provides small grants for seed projects, ongoing programs, capital needs, operations, and advocacy on a rolling basis.

Focused on environmental conservation, agricultural producers and non-industrial private forest landowners in Maryland can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to implement conservation practices. Support includes financial and technical assistance to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and overall agricultural and forestry operations, which may benefit conservation-focused nonprofits partnering with producers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations in the greater Chicago area can receive McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, including general operating or project funding. Maryland nonprofits with Chicago-based initiatives or partnerships may be eligible for US $2,000 - US $10,000 awards and occasional larger grants.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $50,000 for one-time, project-based capital or capacity-building work can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants. Funding supports initiatives in Greater Baltimore and across Maryland in areas like education, health and human services, environment, historic preservation, civic life, and community and economic development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City can apply for Abell Foundation grants over More than US $10,000 to support community-focused work. Funding may cover seed projects, ongoing programs, operating support, capital, research, and program-related investments across education, workforce, health, housing, environment, arts, and related services in Maryland.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Frederick County, Maryland can receive US $2,500 - US $25,000 to strengthen leadership, management, and internal systems. Ausherman Family Foundation provides capacity building support for planning, board development, strategic partnerships, technology upgrades, and operations improvements, benefiting groups working in youth and family services, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development.

Maryland nonprofits serving Frederick County residents with programs in children and youth, health and human services, arts and culture, or public benefit can access funding through Ausherman Family Foundation to support operating, program, or project costs. Awards of more than US $2,500 are available, with applications accepted on a rolling basis and limited to one grant per 12 months.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 for actionable, timely projects addressing current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related research, the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship from American Water Works Association may benefit Maryland nonprofits partnering with or supporting such graduate research programs.

Nonprofits, schools, government units, and religious organizations with community programs serving residents of Wicomico, Worcester, or Somerset Counties in Maryland can seek flexible program support through this grant. Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore funds a wide range of human services, education, health, arts, environment, and community development initiatives via a simple letter of inquiry process.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of Montgomery or Prince George’s Counties in Maryland can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s competitive grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000 for community services, education, health, environment, and arts programs. Nonprofits supporting vulnerable or underserved residents with comprehensive, culturally competent services may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working in health care, education, youth programs, veteran services, or human services can apply for Kahlert Foundation support for capital, program, or general operating needs. Grants from Kahlert Foundation help Maryland nonprofits, especially in Baltimore City and surrounding counties, improve quality of life with measurable community impact.

Nonprofit organizations providing humanitarian aid, child welfare, education, or self-sufficiency programs for women and children can seek funding to expand or replicate proven services, including in Maryland. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 for projects such as homelessness support, food security, microfinance, health care, disaster relief, and related community-strengthening initiatives.

Maryland nonprofits and eligible educational or religious organizations offering nondiscriminatory social services can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation’s regional and property giving program. Grants may benefit programs in Baltimore City that advance social equity and education, climate and food security, or responsible play and mental health within local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working in human services, legal aid, education, health, environment, workforce development, youth, or arts and culture can seek Venable Foundation grants for general operations or projects, averaging approximately US $10,000. Grants from Venable Foundation help Maryland nonprofits serving economically disadvantaged communities in Baltimore City and County thrive.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Traditional Competitive Grant Program

What kind of projects are supported by the Trust Fund?

Implementation-ready restoration proposals can be submitted under this funding source. Example projects can include, but are not limited to: wetland restoration, afforestation and other tree planting projects, riparian buffer restoration, stormwater best management practices, stream restoration, meadow plantings, and agricultural best management practices.

Projects must address water quality in the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Coastal Bays by reducing non-point source pollution, namely nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment. Projects should be cost-effective, located in targeted areas, and be implementation-ready. Competitive projects will be large-scale, multi-partnered efforts with demonstrable water quality benefits. Proposed projects should demonstrate the ability to construct within 12 months of award. Additionally, the state is interested in supporting projects that provide desirable co-benefits (Maryland Code, Natural Resources § 8-2A-04), including:

• The restoration of aquatic resources, such as seagrass beds or oyster reefs;
• Climate resilience;
• Carbon sequestration;
• Creation of wildlife habitat;
• Local employment opportunities;
• The improvement or provision of recreational opportunities; or
• Environmental justice benefits;

Funding is only available for projects located in the Maryland portions of both the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and the Atlantic Coastal Bays. Tree planting projects are eligible for all of Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible. Site visits are required for all stream restoration projects.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Pay for Performance Track

In addition to the traditional competitive grant program, the Trust Fund is soliciting pay for performance contracts that provide the following:

• Cost per lb or outcome and cost per unit of implementation that is more cost effective than traditional grant values, as seen in the Trust Fund Table. Maryland DNR may select to not fund proposals as Pay for Performance if found to be less cost effective than traditional grant mechanisms.

• Reduced risk to state as payments commence once the project is installed and verified, with subsequent payments offered once project is verified to be functioning and sustained

• Innovative projects and/or projects of scale: Large scale restoration where implementation units exceed traditional grant acreages; Additionally, the state is interested in supporting holistic projects that maximize co-benefits; Innovative BMPs with a quantifiable reduction in nutrient and/or sediment pollution or increase in co-benefits

• Measurement of goal attainment (%) - Measure of success is more specific than implementation units and must include measurement of hydric soils, plant survivability, canopy cover, plant density or other indicators that measure performance.

• Long-term sustainability of performance measures achieved through expected project lifespan, monitoring, easements/landowner agreements, operation and maintenance and/or adaptive management plans

Pre-Proposal Meetings are required for all Pay for Performance Proposals; site visits are required for stream restoration projects and strongly encouraged for other restoration practices.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland pursuing sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, or resource conservation can apply for US $50,000 - US $400,000 to advance environmental initiatives. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help eligible 501(c)(3), (4), (6), and (19) organizations with strong financial histories implement impactful, measurable sustainability programs in communities they serve.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Maryland conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale projects and student research experiences, with awards up to US $375,000. The US Dept. of Health & Human Services’ National Institutes of Health provides these grants to institutions with limited prior NIH funding across eligible U.S. territories.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations join a two-year leadership development program and receive capacity-building support; eligible applicants must serve designated markets and have a three-year impact plan and stable financial history.

Nonprofit public charities in Maryland with at least three years of 501(c)(3) or similar status can seek funding for tangible items supporting programs in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and more. Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation supports a wide range of community-focused initiatives with awards up to US $10,000.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions can seek the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research and career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Maryland-based nonprofits collaborating with eligible LMIC investigators advance work in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, genetics, and other global health priorities; awards approximately US $140,000.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on enhancing financial and social empowerment in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Established in 2000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-reliance, financial literacy, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) non-profits operating in specific locations such as Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO. The foundation does not fund individuals or certain types of organizations, aiming to create inclusive, resilient communities.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with approximately US $140,000 to support mentored health research and career development. Maryland-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators on relevant health priorities may benefit.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

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.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Resilience through Restoration Initiative

Design habitat restoration projects to address erosion and flooding in communities and on public lands.

This funding opportunity supports design/permitting of restoration projects.

The Resilience through Restoration Initiative supports on-the-ground implementation of restoration projects to help protect communities from erosion, flooding, and other climate change impacts. The goal of this program is to reduce Maryland’s vulnerabilities and enhance resiliency of local communities, economies, and natural resources.

Projects can be located throughout Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible, but projects on private lands must demonstrate a community-wide benefit and provide an access/landowner agreement.