Best Organic Farming and Agriculture Grants in Maryland

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children’s health, education, development, and welfare can seek funding for youth-focused programs worldwide, including Maryland. The Dan Paul Foundation supports projects such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, clean air and water education, refugee enrichment, and scholarships, with awards up to US $15,000.

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 Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities in Maryland working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds work in the U.S., India, and South Africa, prioritizing measurable impact for children and families in poverty.

PNC Foundation provides Maryland nonprofit organizations with grants for early childhood education and community economic development, especially in low- and moderate-income communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) charities working on neighborhood revitalization, housing, small business support, or related services may be eligible if their projects occur in Maryland communities where PNC has a significant presence.

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 nonprofits and community organizations focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable populations. Programs may include healthcare access, child and women’s health, disaster relief, literacy, and human services; agriculture or food-access initiatives that serve these groups may also be eligible within the foundation’s global and U.S. priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs that operate in the U.S. may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help organizations with broad, well-managed services; sustainable agriculture or agroecology initiatives that fit these priorities may qualify.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion can seek sponsorship support for programs and events. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, and strengthen local economic and cultural life, which may include sustainable agriculture-related efforts.

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.

Nonprofits, farmers, researchers, and service providers working on sustainable farming and food systems in Maryland can apply for US $50,000 - US $250,000 to support social science research and education projects. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education funds community-based initiatives that improve agricultural sustainability, marketing, production, climate resilience, and overall farm community well-being across the Northeast region.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and eligible local government entities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing communities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment projects. Focused on community well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites Maryland groups working on sustainable agriculture or related community initiatives to apply if they meet the foundation’s priorities and location requirements.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in agriculture, environment, education, hunger relief, health, social services, or public safety can receive up to US $1,000 in community-focused support. The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation funds programs in eligible states, with priority for communities near Perdue facilities and organizations endorsed by Perdue associates.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, and Tribes in Maryland can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve environmental quality and operations. Focused on sustainable agriculture and natural resource protection, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maryland supports projects addressing soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, and related resource concerns.

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) nonprofits working on agriculture, the environment, or related community programs can apply for the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving awards of more than US $1,000. Funding supports projects in sustainable agriculture, education, hunger and poverty relief, health, social services, public safety, and community heritage where Perdue associates live and work.

Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations seeking project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded primarily to U.S. applicants and may benefit nonprofits supporting sustainable agriculture or organic farming within broader community initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations, producer groups, universities, and government agencies in Maryland can apply for Maryland Department of Agriculture’s competitive grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $140,000 to enhance specialty crop competitiveness. Funding supports projects benefiting fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, hops, grapes, nursery crops, and related agriculture, including multi-state efforts and industry-priority initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Maryland can seek storytelling support to showcase the impact of their preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds projects over US $50,000 nationwide, so Maryland groups advancing conservation, sustainable practices, or related agriculture and environmental efforts may be eligible.

Nonprofits, food banks, and charitable emergency food providers in Maryland can apply for Maryland Department of Agriculture’s MFARM grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $40,000 to purchase local agricultural and seafood products and cover transportation. Organizations supporting food-insecure residents and partnering with Certified Local Farm and Fish providers may benefit, including those advancing sustainable agriculture and agroecology.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working with youth, families, food access, or community environments can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants from US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs addressing hunger, housing, education, or environmental stewardship, including community gardens and outdoor classrooms, may be eligible alongside sustainable agriculture-related efforts.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations improving rural food access and distribution in Maryland can seek support for projects enhancing post-harvest infrastructure, food hubs, mobile markets, and institutional local food procurement. Grants from Rural Maryland Council may also fund nutrition education and regional coordination to address food insecurity in rural communities, including agricultural initiatives.

Nonprofit and public organizations running rural workforce and education programs in Maryland can seek funding for apprenticeships, STEM education, and summer enrichment initiatives. With a mission to strengthen rural prosperity, Rural Maryland Council provides support for projects including agricultural apprenticeships and career pathways in agronomy, agricultural engineering, conservation, veterinary services, and agribusiness that may benefit sustainable agriculture efforts.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, which may include sustainable agriculture or agroecology initiatives that build cohesive, model communities.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.