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 Goldseker Foundation offers Management Assistance Grants to nonprofit organizations in metropolitan Baltimore. These grants support initiatives such as strategic planning, program evaluation, and fund development, ensuring organizations can sustain their efforts beyond the funding period. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities and demonstrate financial stability, while the Foundation prioritizes community development and education. Prior consultation with the program officer is required before submitting applications.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development 

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development transforms communities into places people want to call home. Through investments in community-led placemaking, housing and small business development, infrastructure and broadband deployment, we partner with local government, nonprofits, and private sector stakeholders to make great places.

NourishMD Grant Program

The Nouri​shMD Grant Program is a targeted investment designed to expand access to healthy and fresh foods in Maryland communities experiencing food insecurity by providing direct grants to eligible retailers. 

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 O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About

Who We Are

The Charles County Charitable Trust manages the grant application and award process for nonprofits located in Charles County, Maryland. Funding for grants is provided to the Trust by the Charles County Board of Commissioners. The Trust monitors the grants awarded, performing site visits to grantees, and tracking the impact of grant dollars on the community. The organization provides opportunities for representatives of nonprofit organizations to participate in comprehensive learning experiences, including fundraising plans, nonprofit networking and collaboration, and marketing and communications to increase overall support and assure sustainability.

FY27 Wills Group MicroGrant

The Charles County Charitable Trust is pleased to announce the Fiscal Year 2027 MicroGrant made possible through a partnership with The Wills Group. Grants are available to eligible nonprofit organizations that serve the residents of Charles County. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded for the timeframe beginning November 1, 2026 and ending April 30, 2027. 

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.