Best Grants for Churches in Maryland

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support through the Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions program. The foundation provides grants to organizations in communities where Costco operates; church-affiliated nonprofits with eligible community programs may be considered if they meet these criteria and request cash support only.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Maryland may be eligible for support from the Creag Foundation. The foundation considers invited proposals from smaller or evolving organizations developing new approaches to societal issues, which can include faith-based and church-affiliated initiatives that meet its innovation and human services focus.

Churches and faith-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland serving children and youth can seek up to US $15,000 for programs advancing health, education, development, and welfare. The Dan Paul Foundation supports initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, refugee enrichment, and related workshops or scholarships for young people.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits and 509(a) public institutions can seek funding for cultural arts, education, health, human services, historical preservation, and spiritual enlightenment projects. Focused on strengthening families and communities, Delaplaine Foundation prioritizes programs with measurable impact, especially those serving Frederick County and nearby areas, with some support extending to the District of Columbia.

Churches and 501(c)(3) faith-based organizations in Maryland can seek Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 for programs serving children, education, humanitarian needs, animals, the environment, or arts and culture. With a mission to uphold life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the foundation considers U.S.-based nonprofits with budgets under $1 million and reasonable overhead.

Churches and other Maryland nonprofits offering ongoing public arts programming can access funding through Maryland State Arts Council’s Grants for Organizations program, with awards of more than US $50,000 for operating or program support. Eligible activities include dance, music, theater, visual and media arts, folk and traditional arts, literary arts, and multidisciplinary projects.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit organizations serving the Archdiocese of Baltimore in Maryland can seek project funding for arts and humanities, Catholic activities, education, health care, and human services, including church and faith-community programs. The Marion I & Henry J Knott Foundation offers General Fund grants of US $10,000 - US $45,000, plus smaller discretionary awards, through competitive cycles and invitation-only initiatives.

Focused on community and economic development, Citi Foundation invites 501(c)(3) public charities serving low-income communities to seek multi-year unrestricted support, technical assistance, and peer learning. Eligible organizations must operate in specified regions, including Montgomery or Prince George’s Counties in Maryland, and work in areas like affordable housing, workforce readiness, financial health, or small business support.

Churches, faith-based groups, and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland can seek up to US $500 for specific community programs like child safety education, clean-up campaigns, and neighborhood watch activities. Baltimore Life Foundation prioritizes projects that enhance family, safety, and community life and already have strong volunteer involvement in place.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services can seek program funding if they are located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. The TJX Foundation invites eligible organizations to complete an online eligibility questionnaire, then a letter of inquiry, with full applications by invitation only.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Maryland seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help fund general operating or program/project costs, and Maryland faith-based organizations with eligible community or environmental programs may be considered.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving Prince George’s or Montgomery County residents can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s competitive grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000 for community services, education, arts, environment, and health programs. Maryland churches with qualifying public-charity status and community-focused programming may be eligible.

Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities providing direct services in health and human services, education, arts, or community endeavors can seek US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time projects and related needs. With a mission to strengthen the Washington, D.C. metro area, Philip L. Graham Fund supports nonprofits serving Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties, which may include church-affiliated organizations.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, community development, and cultural enrichment. U.S.-based churches and faith-based organizations with eligible community programs and strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement may be competitive applicants, especially near Ameriprise employee centers.

Grants from Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation help Maryland religious organizations and churches fund tangible items for programs in areas like religion, education, and human services. Eligible applicants are established 501(c)(3) or similar nonprofits of at least three years, with awards up to Up to US $10,000 and preference for projects serving local communities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community programs in areas like economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support, including in Maryland. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports organizations serving underserved individuals and families, which can include community-focused ministries with separate nonprofit status that do not discriminate in services or hiring.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland serving youth, families, or communities can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 for education, housing, hunger relief, and environmental projects. Faith-based and church-affiliated nonprofits may be eligible if they meet the charitable status requirements.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborative efforts addressing significant social issues. Faith-based and church-affiliated nonprofits may be eligible if they operate as U.S. nonprofits leading cross-sector partnerships that measurably improve lives and communities.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help Maryland faith-based groups’ separate 501(c)(3) entities, and other eligible nonprofits in listed countries, support disadvantaged people in becoming more self-reliant.