Best Grants for Museums in Maryland

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capacity-building support for planning, leadership development, technology, or internal operations can apply for Ausherman Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000. Frederick County organizations, including museums and cultural institutions, may be eligible when working in areas like arts, culture, history, youth, health, or community development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Maryland can seek support for STEM education, environmental initiatives, community vitality, and arts and culture programs. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Baltimore Gas and Electric provides grants to museums and other cultural or community groups that promote education, conservation, economic development, and equal access to arts experiences.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including Maryland museums, can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards are more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Funding may support programs, capital needs, or limited general and endowment support, with emphasis on youth engagement and measurable impact.

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.

Maryland museums and cultural nonprofits working on health, education, or humanitarian programs for marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation. Organizations whose exhibits, outreach, or partnerships advance health care access, literacy, or social services may be eligible, as part of the foundation’s broader global and U.S. grantmaking.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical work that benefits U.S. communities may be eligible. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help Maryland organizations with tax-exempt status under federal (and where applicable, California) law fund programs that significantly impact their target populations and advance general welfare.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Maryland can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible applicants to support facilities such as museums, libraries, community centers, and other critical local services in smaller communities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Nonprofit organizations serving communities in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in Maryland 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. Performing arts groups, visual art and history museums, and instructional art programs may be especially well-suited to this opportunity.

Maryland museums and institutional collections seeking support to strengthen operations, build professional capacity, and improve long-term sustainability can apply for Museum Assistance Program Grants up to US $20,000. The Maryland Historical Trust funds organizations that interpret the state’s cultural heritage, history, natural history, or history of science and technology; state and federal government-operated museums are ineligible.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) organizations serving Maryland and the broader Southern region can seek funding for programs in education, children and families, poverty relief, disaster relief, and related community services. Robinson Foundation supports single-year, program-focused projects that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and deliver tangible, meaningful impact for local communities.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Maryland museums and other arts-focused nonprofits can access operating or program support for public arts activities through this statewide grant program. Grants from Maryland State Arts Council help Maryland cultural organizations strengthen their ongoing dance, music, theater, visual arts, literary, folk, and multidisciplinary programs that serve general audiences. Awards are typically more than US $50,000.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities serving local residents with education, arts, community enrichment, or health and human services programs can apply for Philip L. Graham Fund grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000. Museums and cultural institutions in eligible Maryland counties may seek primarily one-time project, equipment, capital, or other special needs support through this two-step LOI and proposal process.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Maryland museums and heritage organizations planning capital or non-capital projects that preserve and interpret the state’s past in designated heritage areas can access funding through Maryland Historical Trust. Grants from US $5,000 - US $100,008 support projects that highlight Maryland’s diverse heritage while boosting tourism, sustainability, community revitalization, and economic development.

Museums and cultural organizations in Maryland can seek non-capital project support that preserves and interprets the state’s heritage, promotes tourism, and advances community revitalization. Maryland Historical Trust’s Maryland Heritage Areas Program offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 for projects in designated heritage areas, with a required 1:1 cash or in-kind match.

Museums, nonprofits, and other stewards of historic properties in Maryland can seek capital funding to preserve publicly beneficial historic sites and structures. Grants from Maryland Historical Trust help Maryland historic preservation projects address urgent repair and rehabilitation needs, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $100,000 for properties eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

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.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland seeking up to US $10,000 for tangible items may be eligible, especially for arts, culture, education, environmental, or historical projects. Grants from Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation help organizations acquire concrete resources that expand programs and better serve their communities, including museum collections, exhibits, and related needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) museums and other organizations in Maryland serving youth, families, education, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful community programs. U.S.-based nonprofits and equivalent charities in eligible countries may benefit.

Maryland museums and heritage organizations preserving African American history and culture in Maryland can seek funding for significant buildings, sites, and communities. The African American Heritage Preservation Program, jointly administered by Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, offers grants up to US $250,000 for historic preservation and revitalization projects.

Maryland public school districts planning student field trips to major cultural museums can receive support for related expenses, including transportation and admission. Maryland museums may benefit when schools use this Maryland State Department of Education grant to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Jewish Museum of Maryland, and Reginald F. Lewis Museum.