Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Maryland

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, and Tribes in Maryland can receive financial and technical assistance to implement on-the-ground conservation practices that improve environmental quality and agricultural operations. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites Maryland land stewards to address soil, water, air, habitat, energy, and climate-related natural resource concerns through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental, educational, youth, human services, arts, economic, or other community programs can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation grants. Eligible organizations must be within the bank’s service footprint and submit only one application annually; requests cannot cover payroll, salaries, or stipends.

501(c)(3) organizations running environmental stewardship or children’s programs in Maryland can apply for Sprague’s charitable contribution program; awards US $250 - US $10,000 for impactful community projects. Eligible nonprofits across Sprague’s operating areas may benefit, with priority to initiatives where modest funding creates significant results.

Nonprofits, charities, associations, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and foundations near TC Energy operations in Maryland can seek funding for safety, education, environment, or resilient communities projects. Focused on community impact, TC Energy Foundation invites environmental and related organizations to propose initiatives that address local needs, promote equity, and demonstrate measurable benefits; typical awards range from US $2,500 - US $25,000.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental, agricultural, or community programs can seek more than US $1,000 for projects such as conservation, education, hunger relief, health, or public safety. Focused on community betterment, the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation favors initiatives near its facilities and those endorsed by a Perdue associate.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental protection, agriculture, food access, health, or community safety can apply for the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s Corporate Giving Program for requests up to US $1,000. Eligible projects must benefit the broader community and include an endorsement letter from a Perdue associate.

Doctoral candidates at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities conducting Smithsonian-based research in fields like ecology, environmental science, and animal behavior can receive up to US $50,000, including a research allowance. Smithsonian Institution fellowships support 3–12 month projects, and Maryland-based students at eligible universities may benefit.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Nonprofit organizations running STEM education or healthy food access programs in the U.S., including Maryland, may be eligible for funding that advances K-8 math, high school STEM enrichment, college success, or nutrition initiatives. Focused on reducing social disparities, Takeda supports efforts like urban farming, medically tailored meals, and eliminating food deserts and swamps.

Nonprofits, schools, government units, and religious organizations with non-sectarian programs serving Wicomico, Worcester, or Somerset County residents can seek funding for community, environmental, or related projects in Maryland. Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore uses a letter of inquiry process, with requests submitted by the 15th receiving a decision the following month.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce training, or environmental initiatives can apply for sponsorship funding from Bank of America Foundation. With a mission to advance economic mobility and social progress, the foundation provides regional U.S. sponsorships that may support environmental projects as part of broader community-focused programming.

Municipal, religious, charitable, benevolent, and educational organizations in Maryland can apply for the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust’s project-based community grants to support work in areas like environmental programs, education, health, and human services. Eligible Maryland environmental projects may be competitive if they fit within the Trust’s broad community-focused priorities.

Maryland environmental nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations working on environmental improvement may be eligible for support for general operations or special projects. Maryland environmental groups can access funding through Goodnow Fund, which also backs vulnerable children, Alzheimer’s research, and educational equity, with a particular focus on Fairfield County, Connecticut and other U.S. communities.

Environmental and conservation-focused charitable organizations, especially those in Michigan, can seek project or capital support for initiatives improving communities and natural resources. Focused on education, health, civic, and environmental work, the Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation invites sustainable, strategically planned proposals; Maryland-based groups with relevant programs may also be eligible within its broader U.S. funding.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore provides Maryland environmental and other 501(c)(3) organizations with mini-grants up to US $2,500. Eligible nonprofits, schools, faith-based programs, and government agencies in Somerset, Wicomico, or Worcester counties can fund program needs, capacity building, emergency assistance, or youth initiatives, including environmental projects.

Maryland environmental and community-focused nonprofits and public entities can apply for Community Foundation of Frederick County Maryland funding to support projects in Frederick County; awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000. Eligible projects must serve local communities and may include environment, disease prevention, education, literacy, veterans’ services, and related community initiatives.

Wabtec Foundation provides Maryland environmental nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 for community-focused programs near Wabtec operations. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations should emphasize environmental stewardship, such as natural resource management, pollution reduction, or environmental advocacy, and can strengthen applications by engaging local Wabtec employees as volunteers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified government entities supporting environmental initiatives and other community programs in Maryland communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for this funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation backs projects in education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment that enhance long-term well-being within its manufacturing communities.

Environmental 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland, especially those near Canon’s headquarters, can seek support for conservation and related community projects. Canon U.S.A supports environmental, youth, and local community initiatives and requires applicants to be in good standing with public charity watchdog sites, making this a fit for credible, impact-focused organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes working on environmental science, STEM education, or human services can seek project funding, including work impacting Maryland. Grants from Change Happens Foundation help U.S.-based organizations with national or global reach, with occasional community grants in select regions, advance innovative, equitable, and sustainable solutions.

Maryland environmental organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the James C Stewart Charitable Foundation for projects in areas like environment, animals, health, education, and human services. Grants of approximately US $10,000 primarily support groups in Tucson, Arizona and Southern California, but organizations nationwide may be considered.

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.

The RTK Scholars Program, funded by RTK Environmental Group, provides a $1,500 scholarship to support students pursuing careers in science, particularly in environmental studies, biology, and engineering. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in environmental testing and technology. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an accredited institution. The application deadline is May 31 each year, promoting academic excellence and dedication to environmental sciences.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.

The Community Trust Foundation Inc.

The inception of a Western Maryland community foundation for building economic prosperity and for enhancing the quality of life for its people came from caring community leaders of The Greater Cumberland Committee. The primary question was whether the dream for this foundation could be realized. Together, they worked with Casper R. Taylor Jr., Maryland Speaker of the House, 1994-2003 and promoted the benefits of a community foundation for “ leaving behind a legacy to solve local problems by people who know and care about local problems” to the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce & Rotary of Cumberland, MD.

CTF was fortunate to operate with dedicated board members and a small part-time staff in a rent-free office space. Working tirelessly, the board worked to grow funds, secured operating capital, and submitted a 500-page policy and procedure manual to earn accreditation from the Council of Foundations. They also established advisory councils for each county (Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral), sponsored an annual Humanitarian Award Banquet for community outreach, and gained respect from community members and organizations seeking their leadership.

The Community Trust Foundation Grant

CTF serves as a community leader in philanthropy by raising, managing and distributing funds to address identified needs in Allegany and Garrett Counties, Maryland and in Mineral County, West Virginia. We partner with area non-profits and donors to make effective grants and enable local citizens to generate local solutions in their communities. We make grants to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to building better, stronger, more vital communities in the region.

Since our inception in 2006, CTF has awarded over $7 million in grants, building stronger more vibrant communities. CTF grants support; the arts, education, historical preservation, health and wellness and building a thriving environment. We are committed to identifying high-priority needs and opportunities to make a significant positive impact on the community. CTF grants are typically used to provide start-up or short-term funding to innovative projects designed to meet emerging needs or with creative solutions to longer-term issues.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) invites U.S. researchers to apply for Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DDRIGs) in Arctic Sciences. This initiative aims to support innovative research that enhances understanding of the Arctic's changing environment and cultural systems. The program seeks to foster early career scientists and strengthen STEM workforce development, while also promoting collaboration across federal and international partners to advance Arctic research and logistical capabilities.

The Bernie Bahr Forestry and Natural Resources Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,000 grant to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related fields. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to graduates from specific high schools in Missouri. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to environmental and natural resource management.