Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects in Maryland focused on Baltimore City can receive up to US $10,000 for seed funding, ongoing programs, capital projects, or general operations. With a mission to strengthen Baltimore communities, Abell Foundation supports work across health, education, workforce, community development, environment, arts, and related areas through rolling small grants.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, and Tribes in Maryland can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve operations and natural resources. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maryland invites applicants to address soil, water, air quality, wildlife habitat, energy use, and related natural resource concerns.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, human services, health, or conservation can receive general operating, project, or occasional capital support from McGraw Foundation, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants generally prioritize the greater Chicago area, Maryland nonprofits with similar profiles may be eligible to explore opportunities.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $50,000 for one-time, project-based capacity or capital improvements can apply for the France-Merrick Foundation Grant. Funding supports areas like education, health, environment, community and economic development, civic and cultural projects, and historic preservation, with a primary emphasis on the Greater Baltimore area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City can apply for Abell Foundation grants over More than US $10,000 to support community-focused work. Funding can provide seed money, operating support, capital, research, or program-related investments across areas like education, workforce development, health and human services, environment, arts, and neighborhood revitalization.

Ausherman Family Foundation provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with capacity-building support, offering US $2,500 - US $25,000 for planning, board and leadership development, strategic relationships, internal operations, and technology improvements. Eligible organizations must be physically located in Frederick County and work in areas such as youth, health and human services, arts and culture, or community benefit.

Maryland nonprofits serving Frederick County residents with programs in children and youth, health and human services, arts and culture, or public benefit can access funding through Ausherman Family Foundation to support operating, program, or project costs. Grants, starting at more than US $2,500, may include a challenge match component, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with timely, actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites students whose work may benefit Maryland communities and other regions to apply.

Nonprofits, schools, government units, and religious organizations with community programs serving Wicomico, Worcester, or Somerset County residents in Maryland can seek flexible program funding across many issue areas. Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore supports initiatives from human services and education to arts, environment, and community development; letters of inquiry submitted by the 15th receive decisions the following month.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving Prince George’s and Montgomery County residents in Maryland can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s competitive grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000 for community services, education, arts, environment, and health programs. Funding can also support capacity building and systemic change efforts for vulnerable and underserved populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working in health care, education, youth programs, veteran services, or human services can apply for Kahlert Foundation support to improve quality of life. Grants may fund capital campaigns, special projects, programs, or general operations, and may benefit Maryland groups launching or expanding new initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland serving women and children through humanitarian aid, education, homelessness services, or self-sufficiency programs can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. The foundation provides up to US $750,000 to support adult readiness, child welfare, health care, disaster relief, microfinance, and related initiatives that build resilience and long-term sustainability.

Maryland nonprofits and eligible educational or religious organizations providing non-discriminatory social services can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation’s regional and property giving program. Baltimore City organizations working on education, workforce development, social equity, food security, climate and environmental sustainability, housing, homelessness, human trafficking, community development, or mental health may be eligible if programs operate solely in the U.S.

Grants from Venable Foundation help Maryland nonprofits fund general operations or projects serving economically disadvantaged communities across human services, education, legal services, workforce development, health, environment, and arts and culture. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations based in or impacting Baltimore City or County, with typical awards around approximately US $10,000.

Maryland 501(c)(3), (4), (6), and (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help organizations serving eligible Maryland communities implement impactful environmental initiatives with measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Traditional Competitive Grant Program

What kind of projects are supported by the Trust Fund?

Implementation-ready restoration proposals can be submitted under this funding source. Example projects can include, but are not limited to: wetland restoration, afforestation and other tree planting projects, riparian buffer restoration, stormwater best management practices, stream restoration, meadow plantings, and agricultural best management practices.

Projects must address water quality in the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Coastal Bays by reducing non-point source pollution, namely nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment. Projects should be cost-effective, located in targeted areas, and be implementation-ready. Competitive projects will be large-scale, multi-partnered efforts with demonstrable water quality benefits. Proposed projects should demonstrate the ability to construct within 12 months of award. Additionally, the state is interested in supporting projects that provide desirable co-benefits (Maryland Code, Natural Resources § 8-2A-04), including:

• The restoration of aquatic resources, such as seagrass beds or oyster reefs;
• Climate resilience;
• Carbon sequestration;
• Creation of wildlife habitat;
• Local employment opportunities;
• The improvement or provision of recreational opportunities; or
• Environmental justice benefits;

Funding is only available for projects located in the Maryland portions of both the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and the Atlantic Coastal Bays. Tree planting projects are eligible for all of Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible. Site visits are required for all stream restoration projects.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Pay for Performance Track

In addition to the traditional competitive grant program, the Trust Fund is soliciting pay for performance contracts that provide the following:

• Cost per lb or outcome and cost per unit of implementation that is more cost effective than traditional grant values, as seen in the Trust Fund Table. Maryland DNR may select to not fund proposals as Pay for Performance if found to be less cost effective than traditional grant mechanisms.

• Reduced risk to state as payments commence once the project is installed and verified, with subsequent payments offered once project is verified to be functioning and sustained

• Innovative projects and/or projects of scale: Large scale restoration where implementation units exceed traditional grant acreages; Additionally, the state is interested in supporting holistic projects that maximize co-benefits; Innovative BMPs with a quantifiable reduction in nutrient and/or sediment pollution or increase in co-benefits

• Measurement of goal attainment (%) - Measure of success is more specific than implementation units and must include measurement of hydric soils, plant survivability, canopy cover, plant density or other indicators that measure performance.

• Long-term sustainability of performance measures achieved through expected project lifespan, monitoring, easements/landowner agreements, operation and maintenance and/or adaptive management plans

Pre-Proposal Meetings are required for all Pay for Performance Proposals; site visits are required for stream restoration projects and strongly encouraged for other restoration practices.

NIH provides Maryland undergraduate-focused higher education institutions with small-scale biomedical research funding to expand student research experiences and strengthen campus research environments. Eligible baccalaureate-granting institutions must have received no more than $6 million per year in NIH support in four of the last seven fiscal years. Awards are available up to US $375,000.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations join a two-year leadership development program and receive capacity-building support, provided they meet revenue thresholds and are based in an eligible local market.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland seeking funding for tangible items to support arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, or related community programs can apply; awards are up to US $10,000. Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation supports established 501(c)(3) public charities, with preference for projects that benefit larger numbers of people.

Early-career clinical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions can apply for NIH’s Emerging Global Leader Award to secure protected research time and support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Maryland-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators advance work in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and other global health priorities.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on enhancing financial and social empowerment in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Established in 2000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-reliance, financial literacy, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) non-profits operating in specific locations such as Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO. The foundation does not fund individuals or certain types of organizations, aiming to create inclusive, resilient communities.

Early-career health researchers in low- or middle-income countries proposing mentored projects can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for career development and research. This NIH program supports LMIC-based junior faculty, including those collaborating with Maryland or other U.S. mentors, across diverse clinical and public health fields.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The Maryland Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, aims to support local education agencies and community organizations in providing after-school academic enrichment programs. This grant focuses on assisting students from low-performing schools to meet academic standards while offering additional services such as youth development, substance abuse prevention, and family literacy opportunities. Grants range from $50,000 to $400,000, enhancing educational and community engagement.