Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving educational outcomes for children and youth in Maryland can seek Comis Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $75,000. Funding supports pilot programs, proof-of-concept projects, capacity building, and innovative efforts that help children explore, learn, and thrive, including community-focused and whole-child initiatives.

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.

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.

Small 501(c)(3) public charities in Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore seeking strategic consulting and coaching support can access funding through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. Eligible nonprofits in Worcester, Wicomico, or Somerset counties with budgets under $400,000 receive free expert consulting, executive coaching, training, and related capacity-building services across key operational areas.

Environmental and sustainability-focused nonprofits in Maryland and other eligible states can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for projects like renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, and resource conservation. Focused on measurable environmental, social, and financial impact, Green Mountain Energy invites established 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) organizations with strong revenue and public support histories to apply.

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 grants, awarding approximately US $10,000 for arts and culture. Funding supports organizational capacity, innovative inclusive programming, artist development, and cultural sector collaboration, including small grants for Maryland nonprofits with modest budgets.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland conducting work in the humanities can apply for Maryland Humanities’ SHINE Grants, which provide US $5,000 in general operating support. These small grants prioritize small and mid-size humanities, cultural, and educational nonprofits and aim for broad geographic reach and more equitable, accessible funding statewide.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Rural-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland and other eligible East and West regions can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen community vitality. Grants from Land O'Lakes Foundation help fund education, agricultural education, fire and ambulance departments, city improvements, economic development, and other local community programs.

Nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microentrepreneurs in Maryland can access loans and grants for revolving loan funds, training, and technical assistance. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports entrepreneurship, rural development, and microfinance in eligible rural areas, with awards up to US $500,000 for microenterprise lending and support activities.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland planning historic preservation projects or education efforts can seek US $2,500 - US $5,000 to support planning, outreach, and capacity-building work. National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Preservation Funds back activities like feasibility studies, design guidelines, community forums, and innovative public education on preservation.

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.

Local governments and partner nonprofits in Maryland can apply for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant, offering up to US $800,000 for affordable housing, job creation, and neighborhood revitalization projects. Organizations focused on community development and small business or infrastructure improvements may be especially well positioned.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, and music education organizations in parts of Maryland can apply for Presser Foundation’s Special Projects funding; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants support general operating costs for newer groups and resilience efforts for small organizations facing government funding or policy changes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland offering adult workforce development, career navigation, or AI-related upskilling programs can access funding through the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards. This U.S.-wide challenge provides US $10,000 - US $250,000 to growth-stage nonprofits strengthening career pathways, AI literacy, and wraparound services for unemployed and underemployed workers.

Maryland nonprofits and other property owners planning tree planting or reforestation on agricultural land in Maryland can access funding through Maryland Environmental Trust for projects up to US $50,000. Eligible projects include native tree planting, riparian buffers, and creating or enhancing forested tracts to improve habitat, water quality, and climate benefits.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive US $30,000 - US $75,000 from the Philip L. Graham Fund for one-time capital, equipment, or program needs. Eligible organizations must serve Charles, Montgomery, or Prince George's counties in areas like basic human needs, education, arts, health care, or community development.

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.

Nonprofit and community organizations improving food access and rural health in Maryland can seek support for projects expanding post-harvest farm infrastructure, food hubs, and mobile markets. Rural Maryland Council also funds initiatives that boost local food procurement by institutions, nutrition education, and regional coordination to address food insecurity in rural communities.

Rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges in Maryland can receive funding for agricultural education, forestry education, and rural economic and community development projects. Rural Maryland Council provides Maryland organizations with grants to build capacity, expand training and technical assistance for agricultural and small businesses, and strengthen public-private partnerships for rural development.

Rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges in Maryland can seek funding to expand agricultural education, rural broadband, youth leadership, and community and economic development initiatives. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Rural Maryland Council provides support to build capacity, enhance training, and foster new public-private partnerships across eligible Maryland counties.

Public and nonprofit organizations in rural Maryland counties can receive matching funds for regional infrastructure projects, including broadband, water, wastewater, transportation, workforce housing, and commercial or industrial facilities. Rural Maryland Council provides these grants to support rural development, encourage intergovernmental cooperation, and improve quality of life across eligible Maryland communities.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on hunger relief and food access can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Eligible organizations serve rural communities in select counties, including food banks, pantries, meal programs, community gardens, and local food systems.

Eligible rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Maryland can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $500,000 for technical assistance, training, and infrastructure benefiting small rural businesses. Funds can support planning, facilities, revolving loan funds, incubators, and broader community and technology-based economic development.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in Priority Funding Areas can apply for Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Investment Tax Credits; awards up to US $10,000 in tax credit allocations to attract individual and business donations. Funding can support education, housing, community revitalization, workforce training, arts, tourism, and services for at-risk residents.