Best Physics Grants in Maryland

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland, physically located in Frederick County, can apply for Ausherman Family Foundation capacity building grants of US $2,500 - US $25,000 to strengthen leadership, management, and internal systems. Funding may support planning, board development, strategic collaborations, technology upgrades, and operations improvements that enhance programs in areas like youth services, health, housing, arts, and community development.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Maryland 501(c)(3) health and human service nonprofits can seek funding to expand mental health care, improve chronic disease prevention and management, and support aging-in-place services. Focused on health, the Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Charitable Foundation invites Maryland organizations, including those with physics-related health innovations, to propose projects that increase access to care and address social determinants of health.

Small to mid-sized 501(c)(3) public charities in Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore can access free strategic consulting, coaching, and training to strengthen their organizations. Maryland nonprofits, including those with physics-related programs, may be eligible for Mission Possible services, which provide expert support in planning, governance, fundraising, IT, evaluation, and more through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland communities where Penn National Gaming operates can apply for Penn National Gaming Foundation grants to support local programs. Funding may benefit education, community development, health, human services, cultural initiatives, or veteran and military support, and physics-related outreach or education projects that fit these priorities may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations in Maryland can seek funding for cultural arts, education, health, human services, historical preservation, and spiritual enrichment projects. Focused on strengthening communities, Delaplaine Foundation invites Maryland organizations, including those with physics-related educational or community programming, to apply year-round, with a primary emphasis on impactful work in Frederick County.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning one-time, project-based capital or capacity-building work can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants over More than US $50,000. Funding supports areas like education, environment, health, housing, workforce development, civic assets, and historic preservation, so organizations with physics-related facilities or educational initiatives may be eligible if they fit these priorities.

Doctoral candidates enrolled at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities can receive up to US $50,000 to conduct Smithsonian-based research in fields like ecology, anthropology, art history, and related sciences. Focused on advanced research, the Smithsonian Institution invites eligible scholars, including those based in Maryland, to pursue 3–12 month fellowships with an additional research allowance.

Arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations producing public programming in Anne Arundel County can receive up to US $2,500 for innovative, well-defined projects that reach new or underserved audiences. The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County offers matching mini grants, which may interest Maryland groups whose work in physics also incorporates arts, culture, or science outreach.

Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities serving local residents with education, health, human services, arts, or community programs can apply for Philip L. Graham Fund grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000. Funding typically supports one-time capital, equipment, or infrastructure needs, with occasional support for program or general operating expenses in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Cultural 501(c)(3) organizations and their fiscal agents in the greater Baltimore area can apply for Baltimore Community Foundation’s William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, awarding approximately US $10,000 for arts and culture initiatives. Maryland groups may receive support for organizational capacity, innovative programming, artist development, and cultural sector collaboration that enriches metropolitan Baltimore life.

Colleges and universities in Maryland seeking support for campus greening and tree care programs can apply for recognition through the Tree Campus Higher Education Program, which emphasizes community forestry and sustainable campus landscapes. The National Arbor Day Foundation supports institutions that meet five standards, including a tree advisory committee, care plan, dedicated expenditures, Arbor Day observance, and a service-learning project.

Maryland biotechnology and stem cell companies needing GMP cell therapy manufacturing capacity in Maryland can access funding through the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund. Awards up to US $1,000,000 support building or acquiring modular facilities, clean rooms, and related platforms, with a 1:1 non-state match required and all funded work conducted in Maryland.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Psychology graduate students interested in multiple sclerosis clinical care can receive US $3,000 for a four-week, full-time mentorship focused on neurocognitive, mood, and psychosocial issues at Maryland and other partner sites. National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides U.S. psychology students with intensive observation of MS assessment, management, rehabilitation, and related research, which may benefit those in Maryland exploring neuroscience or health-related fields.

High school seniors in Howard County, Maryland planning to study mathematics, physical sciences, or engineering at a four-year college can receive $1,000 Tropf Family Scholarships. The Community Foundation of Howard County offers four awards, one each to eligible students at Atholton, Wilde Lake, Long Reach, and Oakland Mills High Schools, which may benefit future physics majors.

Nonprofit arts organizations providing public arts programming in Anne Arundel County can receive up to US $2,500 in general operating support through this program. Grants from Arts Council of Anne Arundel County help Maryland arts groups broaden access to community arts, increase local programming, and promote countywide awareness of arts opportunities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing direct services to children and families in Anne Arundel County can access funding through the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County. Grants of US $25,000 - US $50,000 support programs prioritizing children’s and families’ physical, mental, and behavioral health, including preventive care, mental health services, nutrition, and family support, within Maryland.

Early-career assistant professors running independent biomedical research labs at nominated U.S. institutions can apply for Pew Charitable Trusts’ Pew Biomedical Scholars awards, offering US $75,000 - US $300,000 for high-impact human health research. Maryland physics-related researchers whose work is grounded in biomedical principles and human health may be eligible if their institution is on the invited list.

Maryland 501(c)(3) libraries, educational institutions, hospitals, and clinics seeking capital projects, endowments, or major equipment may be eligible for US $50,000 - US $150,000 in support. With a mission to advance intellectual, moral, and physical welfare, the Gladys Brooks Foundation provides funding that could strengthen physics-related facilities, resources, or programs within these institutions.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations preserving historic sites on Maryland’s Eastern Shore can apply for $5,000 - $25,000 to acquire, maintain, and restore significant landmarks. With a mission to advance historic preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides matching grants for land or building acquisition, bricks-and-mortar work, easements, technical assistance, and related educational programming.

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

Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations based in and primarily serving Washington County that run youth pregnancy prevention and sexual health education programs can access funding through Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland. Grants of US $600 support programming for youth under 20, with preference for initiatives educating parents and caregivers to help teens avoid unplanned pregnancies and unsafe sexual practices.

Early-career physicists and planetary scientists interested in space science can apply for approximately €60,000 postdoctoral fellowships to conduct independent research with the European Space Agency at ESAC, ESTEC, or STScI in Maryland. Focused on heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics, these three-year positions may benefit Maryland-based researchers in relevant fields.