Best Grants for Immigration Nonprofits in Maryland

Doctoral-level researchers conducting U.S.-focused studies on race, ethnicity, and immigration can receive up to US $200,000 for data collection, analysis, and investigator time. Russell Sage Foundation provides Maryland immigration and immigrant-rights scholars with support for rigorous, theory-driven projects on policy, legal status, social movements, and related social, economic, or political outcomes.

Researchers with doctorates studying immigration and immigrant integration can seek up to US $200,000 for social science research through Russell Sage Foundation’s core grants. Grants from Russell Sage Foundation help Maryland immigrant services and immigration rights scholars examine race, citizenship, legal status, politics, and policy impacts on immigrant and native-born outcomes in the U.S.

State agencies, local governments, and tribal governments in Maryland can apply for Bureau of Justice Assistance funding to support law enforcement and justice system activities related to immigration enforcement and crime. Grants from Bureau of Justice Assistance help cover costs for investigations, prosecutions, detention, transportation, and support services targeting criminal activity involving noncitizens.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects working on immigrant and refugee rights, racial justice, or climate justice can receive funding for advocacy, legal services, and community support. The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation primarily supports work in Baltimore and the DC Capital Region, including immigrant-led organizing, impact litigation, and holistic services for refugees and asylum seekers.

The Venable Foundation, a corporate funder, provides grants averaging $10,000 to nonprofits focused on human services, legal support, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts. Funding is targeted at organizations in specific regions, including Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, reinforcing equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals.

Maryland immigrant and refugee-serving nonprofits may have students who qualify for a $1,000 higher-education scholarship for foreign-born graduating seniors with financial need, awarded through the William and Susanna Botts Scholarship for Immigrants. Local immigrant youth connected to immigration nonprofits could benefit from this support administered by the Community Foundation of Rappahannock River Region.

With a mission to support education, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region provides Maryland immigrant- and refugee-serving students with scholarships for higher education and technical or trade programs. Current or former USCRI Albany clients now living in the Greater Capital Region may be eligible, which can benefit those connected to Maryland-based immigration nonprofits.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation provides new immigrant students in the U.S. with tuition support for degree studies at Berkshire Community College. Applicants must have been in the country five years or less, demonstrate leadership skills, and show financial need, which may resonate with Maryland-based immigrant-serving organizations advising students.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools providing food distribution or related services can receive regular donations of unsold bread and baked goods to serve people in need. Panera Bread Foundation’s Day-End Dough-Nation program supports immigrant and refugee services, food pantries, shelters, youth programs, and other community initiatives across the U.S.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, a 501c3 nonprofit, has been instrumental in fostering philanthropy, providing over $107 million in grants since 1984. They unite donors with local causes, enhancing community welfare in Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties. By accepting Letters of Inquiry, they ensure timely decision-making, offering support to IRS-designated nonprofits, governmental units, and schools. This foundation exemplifies a commitment to empowering regional initiatives and enhancing the quality of life through strategic grantmaking.

The Takoma Foundation offers grants to enhance the social, environmental, and cultural vitality of Takoma Park. These grants, capped at $5,000 for small nonprofits and $1,000 for larger organizations, support initiatives in community connection, youth empowerment, anti-racism, and assistance for vulnerable populations. Eligible organizations must align with the Foundation's mission and primarily serve the Takoma Park area, ensuring equitable opportunities for all community members.

Individuals born in North Korea, or their immediate family members, pursuing accredited higher education in the U.S. can receive up to US $10,000 for tuition and related educational costs through the Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship. With a mission to support immigrant and refugee communities, Communities Foundation of Texas assists students whose experiences connect to immigration and refugee journeys, including those in Maryland.

Doctoral-level researchers studying behavioral science and decision making in social, economic, political, or legal contexts can apply for Russell Sage Foundation core research grants of up to US $200,000. With a mission to advance rigorous social science, the foundation supports U.S.-based projects, including work on immigration, immigrant integration, and related institutional practices that may inform Maryland-focused programs.

Researchers with doctorates studying race, ethnicity, and immigration in the U.S. can apply for Russell Sage Foundation’s core research grants, with awards up to US $200,000 for social science projects. Maryland-based scholars or those examining immigrant and refugee experiences relevant to Maryland immigration nonprofits may benefit from this funding opportunity.

Individual researchers studying community-led development and immigration-related issues in Latin America, the Caribbean, or the U.S. can receive US $20,000 fellowships to support 12 months of rigorous field-based research. Social Science Research Council and the Inter-American Foundation fund projects on topics like migration drivers, migrant integration, social inclusion, and disaster resilience, including work relevant to Maryland-focused immigration nonprofits’ constituencies abroad.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status in Maryland can access funding for general operating support, projects, advocacy, and capacity building through the B.W. Bastian Foundation; awards range from US $100 - US $15,000. Immigration and refugee rights nonprofits that explicitly commit to equality, including for the LGBTQ+ community, may be eligible and must first inquire by email or phone.

With a mission to recognize immigrant contributions, Vilcek Foundation provides Maryland immigrant services and arts nonprofits with US $5,000 - US $20,000 for innovative programs in the arts, sciences, culture, and society. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Maryland and U.S. territories, can apply year-round if their work centers immigrant contributions.

Maryland immigration and refugee rights researchers enrolled as U.S.-based doctoral students can access funding through the Russell Sage Foundation’s Dissertation Research Grants, awarding up to US $15,000 for one year of dissertation work. Projects must focus on U.S. social conditions within RSF priority areas, including immigration, inequality, and employment-related topics affecting BIPOC communities.

Early-career faculty researching U.S. immigration, immigrant integration, or related inequalities can receive US $35,000 - US $50,000 in one-year project funding from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on economic mobility and systemic barriers, this program may benefit Maryland immigration nonprofits partnering with scholars to study policy impacts, labor markets, education, or immigrant communities’ civic and political engagement.

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 PCC Rapid Response Grants provide support for cultural initiatives that aim to shape narratives during critical cultural moments. These grants prioritize projects that engage communities of color, immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized groups, focusing on intersectionality, gender justice, and social equity. Eligible projects include pop culture campaigns, research, and public spectacles that respond to urgent political and cultural events, aiming to reach mass audiences and disrupt harmful narratives.

BIPOC-led and BIPOC-allied community-based organizations and Tribal nations working on immigrant services and equitable food systems in Maryland can apply for Growing Justice Fund’s Growing Justice Fund Program. Grants from Growing Justice Fund help support US $10,000 - US $25,000 planning or implementation projects that advance good food purchasing infrastructure, policy and organizing, and traditional food pathways.

The H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation, established in 1956, focuses on peace, justice, and racial harmony. With a mission to support ecumenical efforts, the foundation has expanded its assets significantly since the passing of H. Robert Gemmer in 1992. The foundation prioritizes funding initiatives that promote peace education, human rights, and social justice, while providing grants to organizations that demonstrate financial stability and effective community impact.

Immigrant and first-generation college students in Torrington seeking higher education support can receive $750 scholarships for accredited universities or colleges. Focused on immigrant services and higher education, Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation invites eligible students, including those connected to Maryland-based immigration nonprofits through family ties, to apply for the Patrick Dillon Scholarship.

The Aaron Straus and Lillie Straus Foundation focuses on enhancing opportunities for Baltimore families through education, health services, and community engagement. Since its establishment in 1926, it has prioritized support for Jewish communities, immigration advocacy, and social innovation. The foundation aims to connect families to resources that foster resilience and growth, ensuring they can thrive in a supportive environment. By investing in local initiatives and emerging leaders, the foundation seeks to create lasting impact in the Baltimore region.

Nonprofit and agency providers offering child welfare, foster care, or immigration support services in Maryland can access large-scale federal funding to deliver home studies and post-release services for unaccompanied children. Grants from the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: Administration for Children & Families range from US $1,000,000 - US $50,000,000 and support safe placement and ongoing case management for these youth.

The Institutional Challenge Grant aims to foster collaborative research by requiring institutions to adapt their policies and enhance capacities for meaningful partnerships. It encourages applications from diverse leadership teams in youth-serving areas, focusing on addressing inequalities in youth outcomes. The grant outlines four key goals: strengthening partnerships, pursuing a joint research agenda, facilitating institutional change, and enhancing collaborative capacities for producing actionable research evidence.