Best Wildlife Grants in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Maryland working on environmental education, conservation, climate resilience, or neighborhood green space can seek support for community programs, outreach, and related initiatives. With a mission to improve quality of life, Baltimore Gas and Electric provides grants for projects that enhance local vitality, environmental stewardship, and access to arts and culture while upholding strong DEI values.

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 Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience programs in Maryland and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help tech-enabled programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, including initiatives that may support environmental or climate-related work.

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.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Nonprofit organizations working on health, education, or community services in Maryland can seek funding to support their programs and services. Focused on equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for support such as healthcare access for underserved populations, food pantries, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Private forest landowners in Maryland’s designated Forest Legacy Areas can protect important wildlife habitat and forests through perpetual conservation easements funded by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Focused on land and habitat conservation, this program purchases development rights on environmentally sensitive forests to prevent conversion and support long-term ecological and wildlife benefits.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability in Maryland may be eligible to apply for more than US $50,000 to expand or scale projects. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports initiatives serving urban low-income children and youth in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Environmental and community-focused charities in Maryland working on conservation, youth education, health, or cultural programs may be eligible for humanitarian, science, community, or arts support; grants from La Roche help fund accredited charity projects in countries where it operates. Wildlife and habitat organizations may qualify if their work fits these priorities and involves local Roche affiliates.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or diversity programs can seek sponsorship support that advances economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation’s regional sponsorships may benefit groups whose wildlife or habitat conservation efforts intersect with neighborhood preservation or environmental priorities.

Wildlife and animal welfare organizations in Maryland can seek funding for rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary, and protection efforts, including work with underserved communities. Focused on animal welfare and environmental conservation, the Joseph Robert Foundation invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups to request up to US $10,000 for general operating or project support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. TJX Foundation supports vulnerable families and children, and Maryland groups with wildlife or outdoor-focused youth programming may be eligible if they align with these priorities.

Middendorf Foundation Environment GrantsThe Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.Since the 1970’s, the Foundation has been aware of emerging environmental issues regarding air and water pollution, loss of wilderness and the extinction of wildlife. Over the decades, the Foundation has supported a broad array of environmental interests.  Supporting the urgent need to resolve environmental issues including addressing pollution and the extinction of wildlife.The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

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.

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.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for hunger relief, shelter, self-sufficiency, and cultural enrichment. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving local residents, including those whose work supports healthy habitats for wildlife, may be eligible if they meet focus and volunteer engagement criteria.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, and Tribes in Maryland can receive financial and technical help to implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, air, and wildlife habitat. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maryland supports projects that enhance aquatic and terrestrial habitat and reduce pollution on eligible farm, ranch, and forest lands.

Community groups and volunteer-based organizations in Maryland can receive up to US $1,000 to support urban tree planting and education projects on public lands. Focused on urban forestry, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources program may benefit wildlife and habitat by expanding urban tree canopy in parks, school grounds, and metropolitan areas.

Maryland environmental and research organizations focused on watershed and habitat restoration can access funding for applied restoration research through Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Pooled Monitoring Initiative, with awards up to US $50,000. Wildlife and ecosystem projects in Maryland addressing stormwater, stream restoration, pollution, or invasive species may be eligible, especially those answering key implementation and monitoring questions.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, health care, social services, civic and cultural, or environmental work can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded annually, primarily to U.S. applicants, and may benefit organizations whose missions include wildlife or broader conservation efforts.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Maryland and other Appalachian states can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians funding; awards up to US $100,000 for fee and easement acquisition projects. Wildlife-focused land protection that enhances connectivity, climate resilience, and community benefits may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on youth education, family services, food security, or community and environmental projects can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants from US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs that engage underserved youth and communities, including outdoor classrooms or community gardens, may be especially competitive.

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.