Best STEM Education Grants in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Maryland offering STEM education, workforce development, environmental, community vitality, or arts access programs can seek support from Baltimore Gas and Electric Company. With a mission to strengthen local communities, BGE provides grants to eligible groups that promote education, equity, sustainability, and cultural enrichment across its service area.

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 with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those in Maryland, can seek support for new or unaddressed social issues. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations across diverse fields; interested groups may submit a letter of inquiry, though full applications are by invitation only.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Maryland tackling social or environmental challenges, including STEM and education initiatives, can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Focused on scalable solutions for underserved communities, the funder supports organizations post-pilot and pre-scale with capital, intensive capacity-building, and a global peer community.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology-driven programs in STEM education, crisis response, or economic empowerment in Maryland can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help early-stage, innovative solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural and science nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s culture grants, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and STEM/STEAM education programs. Maryland organizations offering arts education or science programs that build skills in STEM, environment, arts and math may be eligible for program or capital support.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore focused on public education improvement can seek funding to strengthen school leadership, teaching quality, and STEM-related professional development. Focused on education system reform, Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation invites Maryland education organizations to pursue program or operating support that benefits clusters of Baltimore City public schools and advances equitable school funding policies.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

Focused on STEM and related education, this grant invites Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek funding for K-12 and higher education, youth programs, and scholarships. Organizations serving areas like Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, or Howard counties may request support for capital projects, programs, or general operations that measurably improve community quality of life.

Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with flexible funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. Organizations offering STEM or STEAM education within these broader missions may be eligible to apply to support their educational programming and related projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities can seek funding for education, STEM, and broader community programs that serve Georgia-Pacific communities. Focused on education, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites Maryland STEM and other community organizations within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing facility to apply for support.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking environmental or human services program or operating support, including in Maryland, can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help organizations worldwide, and Maryland groups with STEM or related educational initiatives may be eligible if they fit these priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for programs like hunger relief, shelter, financial literacy, and job readiness. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations that match these focus areas and can demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability may be eligible.

Maryland STEM / STEAM education nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding for education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental projects. The Dr Scholl Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $25,000, primarily to U.S. applicants, for one-year project support through an annual October–March grant cycle.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits working on education initiatives in Maryland can use this grant to fund storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports STEM and broader education programs by helping them share their work through media and other narrative tools; awards are more than US $50,000.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland that improve quality of life for underserved people through community programs can seek project, general operating, or capital support addressing economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports organizations near its business locations, which may include Maryland communities working on STEM-related workforce readiness or literacy initiatives.

Nonprofit and public organizations offering STEM, apprenticeship, or summer enrichment programs in rural Maryland can seek funding for workforce development initiatives. With a mission to strengthen rural prosperity, Rural Maryland Council provides Maryland STEM education and training programs with support to expand apprenticeships, agricultural career pathways, and technology-focused education for adults and students in eligible rural counties.

Local education agencies and nonprofits partnering with Maryland public K–12 schools can secure US $5,000 - US $15,000 to start or expand robotics and STEM programs. Grants from Maryland State Department of Education help Maryland STEM / STEAM education providers offer standards-aligned robotics activities during the school day or as extracurricular programs.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

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.