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.

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Inc.

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center litigates, educates, advocates, and provides grants to nonprofits to eradicate social injustices. 

We pursue litigation through our own efforts as well as funding others in the following fifteen issue areas: Access to Benefits, Children’s Rights, Disability Rights, Discrimination, Domestic Violence, Due Process, Environmental Justice, Healthcare, Homelessness, Housing, Native American Rights, Prisoners’ Rights, Refugee and Immigration Rights, Voting Rights, and Veterans’ Rights.

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Grant

We make grants to organizations that undertake systemic social justice litigation across fifteen issue areas. The Center funds litigation matters that are consistent with our namesake Barbara McDowell’s past legal efforts and her beliefs regarding social justice.

Applications must be for a specific social justice legal case, including the filing of an appeal. Grant funds are to be used only for attorney time charges and litigation expenses related to the specific case for which an organization is applying to be funded. 

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The Park Foundation Grants for Civic Participation aim to enhance democracy through active civic engagement. Focused on mobilizing voters and protecting their rights, this program supports grassroots organizations addressing social injustices. By fostering year-round involvement rather than just election-focused efforts, the foundation seeks to empower communities and ensure robust participation in the democratic process, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored projects with national or broad reach working on social justice, human rights, storytelling, animal connection, or social-emotional learning may be eligible for empathy-focused support, including Maryland-based groups. Acton Family Giving provides consideration through its Empathy Building Initiative to organizations aligning with its giving areas and mission.

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.

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.

About NIF

Advancing Equality for All Israelis

The New Israel Fund (NIF) helps Israel live up to its founders’ vision of a society that ensures complete equality to all its inhabitants. Our aim is to advance liberal democracy, including freedom of speech and minority rights, and to fight the inequality, injustice and extremism that diminish Israel.

From Israel’s first rape crisis centers, to fighting discrimination, NIF-funded organizations have driven positive social change and furthered justice and equality. NIF has provided over $350 million to more than 950 organizations since our inception in 1979.

Naomi Chazan Global Activism Fellowship

Want to travel to Israel/Palestine while advancing equality, democracy, and peace for all?

The New Israel Fund’s Naomi Chazan Global Activism Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit Israel/Palestine, meet frontline Israeli and Palestinian activists, and learn about issues of war, peace, and inequality by seeing the reality on the ground. 

Fellows will visit Israel/Palestine on November 3-10, 2026.

This trip is a great opportunity to learn alongside peers and friends (ages 21 – 35). NIF is based on the simple idea that those of us who share a commitment to Israel/Palestine and to progressive values can join together to work for equality, freedom, and human rights. You will join a cohort of participants from the U.S. and Canada building relationships across borders to be sustained for years to come.

Following the trip, participants are expected to organize at least two NIF events in their home communities, with support from NIF staff. These events could look like a report-back highlighting the participants’ learnings from the trip, educational programs featuring NIF grantees/partners, or something else entirely that is tailored to the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of the fellow’s communities.

The program is subsidized by generous donors in the NIF community. All “on-the-ground” costs—your hotel accommodation and almost all meals—will be covered by NIF. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own airfare and travel/health insurance. If the cost of airfare is a barrier for you, please apply anyway. Limited airfare subsidies may be available.