Best Frederick Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Dissertation Mini-Grant

The Mensa Foundation empowers the next generation of researchers through its Dissertation Mini-Grant program.

Designed to support advanced doctoral students, this grant funds innovative studies that broaden our understanding of intelligence, creativity, gifted education, and related fields.

Details

The Mensa Foundation Dissertation Mini-Grant provides $2,500 to advanced doctoral students conducting research on intelligence and gifted education. By funding innovative studies, the grant promotes research that addresses the complexities of intelligence, creativity, and related fields.

Grant Components

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Early Career Mini-Grant

The Mensa Foundation empowers emerging researchers through its Early Career Mini-Grant program.

Designed to support post-doctoral researchers and early career faculty, this grant funds innovative studies that advance our understanding of intelligence, creativity, gifted education, and related fields.

Details

The Early Career Mini-Grant provides $2,500 to support post-doctoral researchers and faculty within five years of completing their doctoral degree. This grant is intended to promote groundbreaking studies that advance our understanding of intelligence and its applications in education and beyond.

Grant Components

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Awards

Cooper Black Award for Creativity

The Copper Black Award for Creative Achievement honors Mensa members whose innovative solutions and practical creativity have brought meaningful benefits to the world.

Details

The Copper Black Award annually recognizes Mensa International members who have demonstrated a specific creative achievement with practical value. This award honors innovations that have been implemented, at least in part, to benefit others.

Award Components

The FY 2027 Continuation of Solicitation invites applications to support various program areas, including Advanced Scientific Computing, Basic Energy Sciences, Fusion Energy Sciences, and more. This annual open solicitation from the Department of Energy (DOE) allows research proposals throughout the fiscal year. Applications must align with SC's mission and can be submitted until September 30, 2027, or until a new solicitation is issued. Detailed submission processes are outlined in 10 C.F.R. part 605.

The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Program (DBI) for Fiscal Year 2026, administered by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, invites applications from existing initiatives to support the dairy industry. With approximately $12.65 million available, the program aims to diversify dairy markets, enhance farmer income, and promote regional milk production. Funding will prioritize equipment and infrastructure projects, which are vital for strengthening the capacity of dairy businesses and fostering innovation in processing and marketing.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program aims to enhance public safety by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity for various species. With approximately $80 million available through cost reimbursable grants, this initiative supports eligible projects that address these critical environmental and safety concerns. The program may also distribute leftover funds from previous years, contingent on availability, fostering innovative solutions in wildlife management and transportation safety.

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, managed by the Department of War, aims to enhance the U.S. military's technical workforce by offering competitive scholarships for STEM degrees. With a funding cap of $1.3 billion over ten years, the program prepares scholars for critical roles in national defense, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals. Since its inception in 2005, over 8,000 scholarships have been awarded, fostering a strong connection between education and service in defense-related fields.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

WRF was formed in 2018 through the integration of three highly respected research collaboratives: WateReuse Research Foundation, Water Environment Research Foundation, and Water Research Foundation. Separately, these organizations focused on research to support varied segments of the water sector—water reuse, wastewater and stormwater, and drinking water, respectively. Now a One Water organization, WRF delivers the research programming the sector needs to address the most pressing water issues holistically.

5425 - Assessing and Managing Manganese Behavior in Drinking Water Distribution and Premise Plumbing Systems

Grant Information

• Characterize spatial and temporal variability of manganese (Mn) concentrations and speciation in distribution systems and potential impacts in premise plumbing.
• Investigate Mn speciation and its influences on interactions with water chemistry, corrosion control treatment, and complexing agents, and assess implications for Mn occurrence, stability, and release in distribution systems and premise plumbing.
• Evaluate the relationships between Mn stability and release, including long-term legacy deposit mobilization, in relation to chemical, hydraulic, and biological processes in distribution systems.
• Evaluate strategies for mitigating Mn accumulation and release, including corrosion control treatments such as phosphate blends, and assess operational practices such as flushing and other system maintenance activities.
• Recommend monitoring strategies to identify system-specific risks, support detection of Mn accumulation, and inform responses to anticipated regulatory changes.

The USDA SBIR/STTR programs aim to enhance scientific excellence and technological innovation through federal funding, fostering a robust national economy. By supporting small businesses in addressing federal research needs, these programs encourage the commercialization of federally funded research. Specifically, the STTR program promotes partnerships between small businesses and research institutions, such as universities and federal laboratories, to advance cooperative research and development efforts.

The Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

The Solid Waste Management Grant Program, administered by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service, invites applications for FY 2027 funding. This initiative aims to enhance solid waste management in rural communities through technical assistance and training. Eligible organizations can receive grants to develop sustainable waste management practices, addressing critical issues like water pollution and emerging contaminants, while promoting hazardous waste collection. This program supports operational improvements and capital financing applications to ensure long-term environmental health.

The HIV Prevention and Alcohol R61/R33 funding opportunity aims to advance innovative HIV prevention strategies through a phased research approach. The R61 phase focuses on developing and pilot testing interventions, addressing key implementation questions for diverse populations. Following successful milestones, the R33 phase expands testing of these interventions and explores their effectiveness and sustainability, particularly in relation to alcohol use and related health issues.

The Essex Horse Trials Grant is available to a developing rider age 25 and under who is competing successfully at the CCI4*-S level and above and who is working towards representing the U.S. in international team competition. The grant is intended to assist the recipient in developing the essential horsemanship skills required for a successful transition from the Young Rider ranks to the Senior Rider ranks. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.On behalf of the representatives of the Essex Horse Trials, the USEA Foundation will administer the processes of the grant’s intent. Eligible riders will be in good standing with the USEA. The rider’s performance at the CCI4*-S level and above during the previous competition season will be reviewed by the Essex Horse Trials Grant Committee when making the final selection. The Essex Horse Trials Grant is awarded at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in December each year.  Funds must be used within two calendar years following receipt of the grant and riders must keep complete accounting records and receipts for all funds used and submit these to the USEA Foundation by November 30 of that year. 

About Easton Sports Development Foundation IIArchery is an inspirational sport that teaches discipline and brings communities together. However, many organizations face challenges introducing this transformative sport due to limited funding, which restricts their ability to access equipment, resources, and training. The Easton Foundations supports archery across the U.S. and seeks to bridge the gap between initial experiences and elite performance through its grants program.The foundation's mission is to inspire individuals and collaborate with partners by providing resources and services that result in growth and life-long enjoyment of archery.The Foundation supports indoor and outdoor archery facilities at city parks, schools, universities and sports complexes throughout the U.S. and provides programs to train aspiring archers, trainers, coaches and administrators.

About the Operational Grant

The Operational Grant is for those seeking funding to assist with the costs related to the operation of the archery program.

The OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program aims to enhance the capacity of state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies by funding qualified prosecutors who will investigate and prosecute fraud and crimes committed by aliens in the U.S. This initiative also supports hiring criminal investigators and other staff to improve investigative efforts. By fostering intergovernmental coordination, the program seeks to strengthen law enforcement's ability to combat criminal activities, including drug and human trafficking.

The USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program for FY 2027 aims to assist various governments in mitigating landslide risks through comprehensive hazard mapping, risk assessments, and public education. This initiative addresses the urgent need for proactive measures against landslides, which cause significant damages annually. By enhancing community preparedness and fostering collaboration among agencies, the program seeks to protect lives and infrastructure while advancing federal priorities related to hazard mitigation and scientific integrity.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants aim to support eligible entities in assessing and planning the cleanup of brownfield sites. This funding opportunity is targeted at government organizations, federally recognized tribes, and nonprofit organizations, allowing for a collaborative approach through Assessment Coalition Grants. The lead entity can request up to $1,000,000 to assess sites, with individual site costs capped at $200,000, promoting effective resource allocation and community engagement.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants offer funding for eligible entities, including government organizations and nonprofits, to prevent, inventory, assess, and plan the cleanup of brownfield sites. This grant supports community involvement, site assessments, and the development of reuse plans, ensuring that communities can effectively address their brownfield challenges. It is essential for applicants to note that funds cannot be allocated for cleanup activities, focusing instead on assessment and planning.

The U.S. Geological Survey's Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center is providing a funding opportunity for research into seabed mineral formation through a cooperative agreement with the California Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of ocean processes and inform resource management strategies. It fosters collaboration and expertise sharing among CESU partners, ensuring timely and relevant scientific contributions to address submarine geohazards and mineral enrichment.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) invites applications for its Endowments for Advancing the Humanities program. This initiative aims to enhance the financial stability of organizations dedicated to humanities education and research. It supports projects exploring Western civilization, significant literary works, civic education, and cultural literacy. Grants combine NEH matching funds with private donations, fostering long-term investment in the humanities across educational institutions. Detailed application guidelines are provided in the accompanying Notice of Funding Opportunity.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants invite eligible entities, including states, tribes, and Alaska Native corporations, to apply for funding aimed at assessing and planning the cleanup of brownfield sites. The grants support activities such as site assessments, community involvement, and developing reuse plans. However, state and tribal universities are not eligible for these specific grants. This initiative by the EPA is crucial for promoting environmental health and revitalizing impacted communities.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Cleanup Grants provide essential funding for eligible entities, including government organizations and nonprofits, to conduct cleanup activities at brownfield sites. The program aims to revitalize these properties, addressing environmental contamination and health disparities while fostering community engagement and economic development. Applicants are limited to one grant application per competition cycle, ensuring focused and effective use of resources to enhance local environments and economies.

About Us

We endeavor to help individuals reach their full potential, families to thrive and communities to flourish through grants to a range of charitable organizations. To these ends, our grantmaking is framed by two potentially contrasting convictions: that tradition is an important resource and that fundamental rethinking often is necessary to respond effectively to new challenges and circumstances. These convictions arise from the encouragement J.K. Lilly, Sr. gave to his sons to be conservatively progressive. That philosophy was evident in their leadership of their company and the establishment and administration of the Endowment.

LE Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative (Serving Neighbors). This initiative has two complementary aims: 1) to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by encouraging stronger collaborations in local communities between Christian congregations and charitable organizations (e.g., human and social service agencies, youth-serving organizations, arts and cultural organizations, neighborhood associations, and parks and outdoor recreational organizations, among others) that utilize their respective strengths to jointly undertake efforts that address community needs and priorities and 2) to deepen the faith of individuals and enhance the vitality of congregations by providing opportunities for Christians to practice their faith through acts of love and care for their neighbors.

Through Serving Neighbors, the Endowment anticipates awarding grants of up to $5 million each to approximately 60 charitable organizations to develop and implement programs that advance the aims stated above and the following four objectives:

Helping Christian congregations identify and explore compelling human and social needs and priorities in their neighborhoods and local communities (e.g., hunger relief, after-school and educational enrichments programs, violence reduction, homelessness, outdoor recreational opportunities, community building festivals).

Assisting these congregations in building relationships with community organizations and, when appropriate, other faith-based organizations focused on those needs and priorities.

Guiding leaders from these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities through a planning process to help them develop new and/or strengthen current collaborative joint endeavors that address the identified community needs or priorities.

Providing support and resources to help these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities launch and, if successful, sustain these collaborations into the future.

Funding Opportunities 

Lilly Endowment will conduct Serving Neighbors through a two-stage process.

Concept Papers: In the first stage, interested charitable organizations may submit concept papers that explain their interest in the initiative and provide initial descriptions of potential Serving Neighbors programs that would advance the initiative’s aims and objectives.

The Endowment will review the concept papers and anticipates providing planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 60 organizations that submit the most promising descriptions of potential collaborative programs. Selected organizations may use their planning grants to develop their concepts and prepare proposals for implementation grants.

Concept papers must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Concept Paper Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Concept papers are due by January 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates notifying organizations of planning grant awards by the end of March 2027.

Implementation Grant Proposals: In the second stage, selected charitable organizations that receive planning grants may submit proposals for implementation grants of up to $5 million each that may be used for up to a four-year period to execute their plans.

Implementation grant proposals must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Implementation Grant Proposal Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Implementation grant proposals are due by July 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates announcing implementation grant awards by the end of November 2027. Guidelines for preparing an implementation grant proposal will be provided with notice of approval of a planning grant.

About Us

We endeavor to help individuals reach their full potential, families to thrive and communities to flourish through grants to a range of charitable organizations. To these ends, our grantmaking is framed by two potentially contrasting convictions: that tradition is an important resource and that fundamental rethinking often is necessary to respond effectively to new challenges and circumstances. These convictions arise from the encouragement J.K. Lilly, Sr. gave to his sons to be conservatively progressive. That philosophy was evident in their leadership of their company and the establishment and administration of the Endowment.

LE National Initiative to Strengthen Christian Campus Ministries at Colleges and Universities

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its National Initiative to Strengthen Christian Campus Ministries at Colleges and Universities (Campus Ministry Initiative). The aim of the initiative is to strengthen throughout the United States the capacities of Christian campus ministries at or near colleges and universities to nurture the religious lives of college students both today and into the future.

In this competitive initiative, the Endowment intends to award grants of up to $7.5 million each to approximately 20 national and regional charitable organizations that support Christian campus ministries at or near multiple college and university campuses (e.g., national and/or regional denominational agencies, campus ministry parachurch organizations, collegiate ministry associations, church networks, independent religious agencies) to support programs that advance the aim stated above and the following five objectives:

Assisting local campus ministry leaders in listening to and understanding more deeply the emerging spiritual interests and questions of students and in assessing how effectively their existing ministry strategies and programs are reaching and nurturing the religious lives of young people.

Creating new or enhancing existing programs of local campus ministries to help students explore spiritual questions, build community with other students, discover and test how they can draw more fully on their faith in making decisions about their futures and engage in Christian practices and rituals to deepen their faith.

Fostering more opportunities at local campus ministries for students to serve as Christian leaders and explore calls to Christian ministry.

Engaging in fundraising and related activities to strengthen the financial and organizational capacities of local campus ministries (including creating or increasing pools of financial resources to support local campus ministries).

Strengthening the charitable organization’s own capacities and programs to provide resources and support to local campus ministries and those who lead these student ministries.

Funding Opportunities

Interested charitable organizations may apply for Campus Ministry Initiative grants through a two-stage, competitive process.

Stage 1 Concept Papers: In the first stage, interested charitable organizations that support Christian campus ministries at or near universities and colleges may submit concept papers that explain their interest in the initiative and provide initial descriptions of their potential programs for which they would like to request an implementation grant. Concept papers must be submitted through the Campus Ministry Initiative Concept Paper Submission Form, which may be found on the initiative’s webpage.

Concept papers are due by January 25, 2027.

The Endowment will review the concept papers and intends to award planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 20 organizations that submit concepts that show the most promise to advance the Campus Ministry Initiative’s aim and objectives. The planning grants are intended to assist organizations in developing their concepts and preparing proposals for implementation grants. The Endowment anticipates notifying organizations of planning grant awards in March 2027.

Stage 2 Implementation Grant Proposals: In the second stage, selected organizations that receive planning grants may submit proposals for grants up to $7.5 million each that may be used for up to a five-year period to implement their plans. Selected organizations may request to use up to $5 million in these funds to support the programmatic and related expenses of their proposed programs. Organizations may request up to an additional $2.5 million, which would be subject to $1(Endowment)-for-$1(grantee) matching conditions and be paid on a matching basis, to create or increase a pool of funds to support local campus ministries.

Implementation grant proposals are due by June 7, 2027. The Endowment anticipates announcing implementation grant awards in October 2027. 

About Us

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations.

The J.W. Couch Foundation is more than a grantmaker — we are an Emmy Award-winning impact producer, partnering with nonprofits and causes to craft powerful stories that move audiences to action.

Our Programs

We invest in and support efforts across three charitable pillars — all united by the belief that impact is best achieved through close, authentic partnerships with local organizations.

J.W. Couch Foundation: Wellness Grant

We champion mental health, digital wellbeing, access to nature, and mentorship so that individuals and communities can truly thrive — body, mind, and spirit.

Mental Health

Supporting organizations helping those who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.

Digital Wellbeing

Teams educating and creating awareness to promote a more balanced technological lifestyle.

Get Outside

Being outside improves memory, fights depression, and lowers blood pressure. We support organizations that make it happen.

Mentorship

Nonprofits that provide communities with leaders who foster creativity, health, and career advancement.

About Us

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations.

The J.W. Couch Foundation is more than a grantmaker — we are an Emmy Award-winning impact producer, partnering with nonprofits and causes to craft powerful stories that move audiences to action.

Our Programs

We invest in and support efforts across three charitable pillars — all united by the belief that impact is best achieved through close, authentic partnerships with local organizations.

J.W. Couch Foundation: Preservation Grant

We believe in preserving our history so we can understand and educate the importance of community. Historic places affect our identity and have a direct impact on our well-being.

Historical Preservation

Supporting organizations that protect architectural heritage and cultural history for future generations.

Wildlife Conservation

We believe it's our duty to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Food & Waste Management

Supporting nonprofits pioneering innovative solutions to reduce food waste and ensure nutritious meals reach those in need.

Animal Wellbeing

Dedicated to helping nonprofits that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals.

Biodiversity

Protecting the variety of life on Earth — from habitats and ecosystems to the species that sustain our natural world.

About Us

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations.

The J.W. Couch Foundation is more than a grantmaker — we are an Emmy Award-winning impact producer, partnering with nonprofits and causes to craft powerful stories that move audiences to action.

Our Programs

We invest in and support efforts across three charitable pillars — all united by the belief that impact is best achieved through close, authentic partnerships with local organizations.

J.W. Couch Foundation: Education Grant

We support forward-thinking schools and programs that give students — from toddlers to teenagers — the tools to become curious, capable, and compassionate leaders.

Early Childhood Education

Schools with creative, balanced approaches — life skills, Montessori, project-based, and more time outside.

21st-Century Education

Programs teaching critical thinking, adaptability, communication, and entrepreneurship for a changing world.

Teacher Support

Teachers are essential. We invest in programs that help educators succeed in inspiring the next generation.