Best Human Rights Grants in Maryland

Fund for Change provides Maryland social justice and human rights organizations with support for systems change, community organizing, and advocacy. Grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 fund work in housing and community development, behavioral health and healing, criminal justice reform, and environmental justice, with a strong emphasis on underserved communities and policy impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland using community organizing to advance social, racial, and economic justice can seek approximately US $12,000 in general support from Abelard Foundation. Focused on grassroots efforts, the funder prioritizes early-stage groups with budgets under $350,000 working on civil and human rights for marginalized communities.

Nonprofit and faith-based groups in Maryland seeking support for social justice, education, or evangelism programs can apply to develop new, existing, racially inclusive, and creative initiatives. With a mission to advance these priorities, Synod of the Mid-Atlantic provides Visionary Fund grants that may benefit human rights-focused organizations in the region.

Synod of the Mid-Atlantic provides Maryland PCUSA congregations with grants for new and small church home mission projects that advance social justice, human rights, education, and evangelism. Eligible churches within the Synod’s Mid-Atlantic bounds can apply for up to US $5,000 to support these ministry initiatives.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions conducting social science dissertation research on social justice, inequality, immigration, work, or related human rights issues affecting the U.S. can access funding through the Russell Sage Foundation’s Dissertation Research Grants. Awards up to US $15,000 support data collection, preparation, analysis, and writing, including projects relevant to Maryland and U.S. territories.

Focused on social science research, this program invites early-career faculty conducting U.S.-focused studies on social justice, human rights, and systemic inequality to apply for US $35,000 - US $50,000 in project support. Scholars in Maryland may be eligible for work on economic mobility, racial and gender justice, immigration, criminal justice, or educational equity.

Maryland schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events can access funding through Safe Routes to School National Parternship for student-centered civil rights and anti-bullying activities. Grants of US $500 - US $1,000 support November 2026 events that promote activism, anti-racism, and walking, biking, or rolling to school.

501(c)(3) organizations working on social justice and human rights in Maryland can seek funding to advance education and equity-focused initiatives. Baskin Family Foundation supports forward-thinking programs across the U.S., so Maryland-based human rights nonprofits may be eligible if their work centers on educational access or broader social justice efforts.

Graduate students pursuing social justice, public or human service, education, or health who are residents of Kauai in Hawaii can receive scholarship support for full-time master’s or doctoral studies. Focused on these fields, Hawai'i Community Foundation invites applicants with financial need and strong academics; Maryland human rights advocates pursuing such degrees may be eligible if they meet residency requirements.

State and local education union affiliates working on racial justice in education can apply for US $5,000 - US $75,000 from the National Education Association Staff Organization to advance awareness, capacity-building, and action. Grants support projects that address racial equity, develop leaders of color, build multiracial solidarity, and transform organizational policies and practices, which may benefit Maryland human rights efforts in K–12 education.

Nonprofit and education-focused organizations working on K–12 student achievement and racial justice in Maryland can seek funding to build community advocacy and partnerships, especially for students of color. With a mission to strengthen educational equity, National Education Association Staff Organization supports initiatives involving leadership-trained NEA members, social justice activism, and parent or community engagement roles.

Aspiring educator groups in Maryland can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization CREATE grants of up to US $2,000 to strengthen their programs and partnerships. Funding supports projects in educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice that build culturally responsive practice and may advance human rights-focused education initiatives.

Education unions and NEA affiliates in Maryland can seek support for student-centered collective bargaining and advocacy initiatives. National Education Association Staff Organization funds projects that unite educators with families and communities, promote transparent negotiations, advance education equity and mental health supports, and engage stakeholders around safe, healthy schools and the use of federal education funds, including American Rescue Plan resources.

Recent humanities and interpretive social science PhDs authorized to work in the U.S. can receive more than US $142,000 to work with social justice–focused nonprofits, including in Maryland. American Council of Learned Societies’ Leading Edge Fellowships support 24‑month placements that apply advanced research, communication, and project management skills to community-based human rights and equity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, tribal entities, and schools providing community development and economic mobility programs can access charitable sponsorship funding from Santander Bank Foundation. With a mission to strengthen low- to moderate-income communities, it supports efforts in Maryland and other Northeast and Florida markets, including affordable housing, small business development, workforce training, youth development, and disaster relief.

Maryland social justice and human rights nonprofits can access funding through the American Electric Power Foundation to support STEM education, basic needs like hunger and housing, and equity-focused programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) charities or public entities within AEP’s multistate service territory or with national or regional reach benefiting the broader public.

Maryland human rights and legal services nonprofits working on social justice, reentry, or juvenile justice programs can access funding through Indigo Oak Fund’s Equal Justice Under the Law program. This Colorado-based foundation generally prioritizes Colorado and the Bay Area but occasionally considers nonprofits elsewhere in the U.S., including organizations advancing fair justice and civic engagement.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with budgets under $500,000 can receive training and up to US $4,000 to strengthen organizational capacity and fundraising. Mockingbird Incubator’s eight-week cohort supports emerging leaders, including social justice and human rights organizers, with workshops, campaign reviews, and access to expert networks and resources.

The B.W. Bastian Foundation Grant supports organizations committed to equality for all Americans, including the LGBTQ+ community. Grants typically range from $100 to $15,000, and applicants must have 501(C)3 tax status. Funding is primarily for projects in the Intermountain West and may include general operating support or specific programs. Organizations should first inquire before applying, especially if requesting more than previous grants. The foundation does not fund individuals or lobbying efforts.

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

The Transformative Organizing Grants, funded by the Arch Community Fund, aim to bolster grassroots movements advocating for systemic change. These grants, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, prioritize organizations with 501(c)(3) status and an annual budget under $1 million. The focus is on empowering community leadership through anti-capitalist solutions, promoting intersectionality, and addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term structural change. Eligible groups are encouraged to apply for support in their transformative organizing efforts.

The Pop Culture Collaborative offers Major Grants to support initiatives that promote long-term narrative change and social justice through pop culture. Targeting U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and individuals, these grants aim to engage mass audiences in transformative experiences. With a focus on communities often marginalized, the Collaborative's efforts are designed to foster a pluralistic society where everyone belongs. Grants range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on project scope and duration, with applications reviewed biannually.

The A.J. Muste Memorial Institute's Social Justice Fund Grant supports grassroots activist projects in the U.S. and abroad, focusing on those with limited funding access. Prioritizing efforts to dismantle systemic injustices, the grant seeks proposals from organizations lacking mainstream support, especially those addressing issues like immigration violence, racial inequalities, and economic exploitation. The fund emphasizes direct activism and diverse leadership, making it a vital resource for community-driven initiatives in the pursuit of social justice.

With a mission to advance justice, U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities and fiscally sponsored projects supporting BAMEMSA communities can seek general operating grants up to US $25,000 for human rights and civic power-building work. Maryland organizations working on social justice, civil rights, immigration, and refugee rights may be especially well positioned for the RISE Together Fund Small Grants.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Theresa Earenfight Scholarship

The purpose of the Theresa Earenfight Scholarship is to support undergrad or graduate students who are passionate about the intersection of social justice and animal welfare within a historical context. Applicants should be studying history, in particular how history intersects with animal activism, animal rights, animal liberation, and other related topics. Preference will be given to students with strong financial need, students of color and those from historically marginalized communities, and/or students who may face barriers to receiving other scholarships. This is a $10,000 annual scholarship renewable through the completion of the student’s degree, assuming the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria. The scholarship may be applied to tuition and fees, or other academic expenses payable to the college or university.

Deb & John Quirk Memorial Scholarship

The Hastings Community Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the Deb and John Quirk Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will provide a $10,000 annual scholarship and is renewable for a total award of up to $40,000. One scholarship will be awarded each year. This scholarship is only available to graduating seniors from Hastings High, Adams Central, or Hastings Catholic Schools. Applicants must be focused on impacting social justice through their education and future employment, as illustrated through an essay submitted to the scholarship committee.

The Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship is a yearlong program designed for early-career and mid-career faculty to enhance their scholarly writing and leadership skills. Participants will receive mentorship and training to develop personalized career roadmaps, navigate challenges, and create impactful research questions. The fellowship, costing $1200, also offers limited scholarships thanks to generous donations. It equips fellows with vital skills for academic advancement, promoting their potential for leadership roles in their institutions.