Best Grants for Women in Maryland

The Ausherman Family Foundation offers General Grants for organizations seeking to fund operating, program, or project costs that align with their mission. Eligible applicants must serve Frederick County, MD residents and request a minimum of $2,500. Grants can include a challenge matching funds component, encouraging community support and engagement. However, in-kind and government funding cannot be counted as matching funds. This grant is an excellent opportunity for local organizations to enhance their services and impact.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Frederick County, Maryland can apply for Ausherman Family Foundation’s capacity building grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for planning, leadership development, technology, and internal operations. Organizations serving women and girls, families, health and human services, arts and culture, or community benefit may be eligible to strengthen management, governance, and strategic collaborations.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Maryland can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, and K-16 education, which may benefit programs serving women and girls.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Maryland organizations supporting women and girls’ health, education, and social services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. This global funder backs initiatives in women and girl services, healthcare access, and humanitarian aid, so Maryland-based efforts that fit these priorities may be eligible.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland serving women, girls, and vulnerable families with basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety may be eligible for TJX Foundation support if located within 15 miles of a TJX site. TJX Foundation supports these community programs through an LOI-based, invitation-only application process.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Maryland

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and state-recognized nonprofits in Maryland can apply for The NRA Foundation’s grants, awarding US $3,000 - US $5,000 for firearms safety education, shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship programs. Organizations serving women and girls through these activities may be eligible if projects meet 501(c)(3) charitable and public benefit requirements.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and girls in Maryland’s Archdiocese of Baltimore can seek Knott Foundation support for program-specific needs. The Marion I & Henry J Knott Foundation offers US $10,000 - US $45,000 General Fund grants in areas including women and girl services, basic human needs, education, health care, and human services, with LOIs accepted three times annually.

Maryland land trusts honoring women leaders in land and habitat conservation can receive up to US $5,000 to support their work. Grants from Chesapeake Bay Trust help Maryland organizations recognize outstanding individual leadership in land conservation while funding the land trust itself. Programs advancing women’s leadership in conservation may be especially relevant.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based organizations serving Maryland women and broader populations through hunger relief, shelter, economic development, financial literacy, arts access, or workforce readiness may be eligible, especially where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Catalogue for Philanthropy provides Maryland women- and girl-serving nonprofits with visibility, fundraising support, and capacity-building resources rather than direct grants. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be headquartered in the greater Washington region, serve local communities, and have budgets between $100,000 and $4 million; groups focused on girls and women are especially encouraged to apply.

Grapevine Giving Foundation provides Maryland nonprofits serving women, children, and families with up to US $5,000 for one-year, project-specific programs in Harford County. 501(c)(3) organizations can request funds for direct program costs like staff time, equipment, and supplies, but not general operating or sectarian religious activities.

Nonprofits, government agencies, religious organizations with non-sectarian programs, and civic groups in Maryland’s Frederick County can apply for the Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Women’s Giving Circle grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $40,000 to empower women 18+ facing challenging situations. Funding supports self-sufficiency through workforce development, education, economic stability, housing, transportation, and financial literacy services.

Maryland women- and girl-serving nonprofits can access funding through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore for programs benefiting women and girls on the Lower Eastern Shore. 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and qualifying faith-based programs in Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties may receive up to US $5,000 for targeted services and empowerment initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can receive storytelling support to showcase their impact in preservation, education, or wellness, including in Maryland. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds projects that highlight work such as environmental conservation, early education, mental health, and community wellbeing, which may benefit organizations serving women and girls.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on youth education, family services, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Women- and girl-serving organizations that fit these priorities may be strong candidates.

UNFCU Foundation

In 1947, UN members founded the United Nations Federal Credit Union with the goal of serving the financial needs of those who serve the world. Having learned more about the poverty and inequality that the UN witnessed every day, UNFCU was inspired to do more.

With the support of their membership and over 65 years of financial knowledge, UNFCU founded the UNFCU Foundation in 2015.

Grant Opportunities

We support projects that align with our mission to sustain the path out of poverty for women and youth. These projects must also help to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To be eligible for funding, over 50% of the proposed project’s beneficiaries must be women or girls.

Areas of Focus

Our goal is to empower women and youth with fundamental human rights. To accomplish this, we accept grant applications for projects focused on education, livelihood training, and health care. Each year, we also select an additional strategic focus to deepen our philanthropic impact. This year, particular consideration will be given to projects who provide digital upskilling to economically vulnerable women and youth. Note: projects funding humanitarian relief efforts are by invitation only.

Education

Our education projects work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper. We look to empower girls and women through education so they can unleash their full potential within their community. We also educate boys on the critical role girls and women play in families and societies, to break down antiquated norms around gender.

We fund education projects that focus on the following:

• Reading, writing, and math programs
• Financial education, from budgeting to business planning
• GED training
• Child educational TV programming
• Digital advancements for remote learning

Livelihood Training

Our livelihood training projects create economic opportunities and job prospects for women so they can earn their own incomes.

Livelihood training equips women with the skills and experience they need to rise out of poverty permanently, and bring their families and communities along with them.

We fund livelihood training that focuses on the following:

• Computer skills training
• Customer service training
• Entrepreneurial strategies
• Seed money for new businesses
• Training in specific sectors, like farming

Health Care

We fund projects that ensure proper access to health care for women and girls, including reproductive care.

When women are at their healthiest, physically and emotionally, they can also succeed economically. No one should fear losing their job in order to take care of their physical or mental health.

We fund health care projects that focus on the following:

• Protecting reproductive rights
• Providing healthcare to homeless populations
• Providing access to free or low-cost care
• Providing mental health assistance
• Supporting emotional health and building self-esteem

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborative efforts that address significant social issues. Programs serving women and girls may be eligible if they demonstrate exemplary cross-sector leadership, measurable community impact, and potential to scale or be replicated in other communities.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including women and girls in Maryland, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000 to support focused interventions and humanitarian relief. Grants are typically for smaller 501(c)(3) organizations or qualifying foreign entities operating in select countries, including the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Anne Arundel County supporting women and girls can apply for $3,000 - $5,000 grants to build skills, reduce isolation, and enhance safety and well-being. Focused on women and girl services in Maryland, the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County backs data-informed projects that demonstrate credibility and measurable impact.