Best Frederick Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Inspired by nature and rooted in science to improve and grow stewardship for Maryland’s natural resources. Watershed and Climate Services operates as a connector and leader within Maryland, leveraging science, funding and policy, partnerships and adaptive management to restore ecosystems, build resilience, foster equitable well-being and promote sustainable communities and economies. 

Watershed Assistance Grant Program

The Watershed Assistance Grant Program (WAGP) is a partnership between the Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR), the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP). This program provides funding for early-stage watershed restoration design and planning projects in Maryland and West Virginia, as well as in the Octoraro Creek and Conowingo Creek watersheds in Chester and Lancaster Counties, Pennsylvania. Funding for eligible Pennsylvania projects is provided through MDE. Program goals include supporting project readiness, advancing projects toward future implementation, and aligning project development with local and state watershed plans.

Track 2 – Watershed Planning and Program Development

Generally, up to $75,000 for planning and program development, such as watershed characterization, surveys, assessments, action plans, studies, program development, or financing strategies that build local capacity.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program offers federal funds aimed at reducing flood risks for buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. This initiative supports states, U.S. territories, and local governments in implementing various flood mitigation activities, thereby lessening the financial burden on the NFIP. FEMA prioritizes applications that enhance multistate or regional capabilities, contributing to a safer infrastructure and community resilience against flooding.

The NIJ FY 2026 opportunity invites research proposals focused on violent crime linked to gangs and organized criminal groups, both domestically and internationally. This initiative aims to evaluate strategies that assist law enforcement in combatting these threats, including rigorous assessments of intervention methods. Projects may utilize various evaluation designs to analyze the impact of crime reduction strategies, specifically targeting violent crimes such as murder and robbery, while encouraging collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders program aims to fund rigorous evaluations of drone technology in law enforcement. The initiative seeks proposals that assess the effectiveness of drones in combating violent crime and immigration enforcement. By fostering collaboration between police agencies and researchers, the program intends to enhance the operational understanding of drones as first responders, evaluating both existing capabilities and new pilot programs.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research aims to enhance understanding of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation through scientific research. Proposals are sought in four key areas: the role of technology in fraud detection, forensic research for elder abuse investigation, evaluation of preventive programs, and the development of educational interventions against financial fraud targeting older adults. This initiative targets critical issues to improve safety and support for elderly individuals.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

About Patrick "Packy" McGaughan A popular instructor in Area II, Packy operated Banbury Cross Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. The farm was developed into a premier training, breeding and boarding facility, specializing in eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. Packy produced numerous horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. He was a top instructor in Area II for both juniors, amateurs, and professionals alike and could often be found at events up and down the East Coast coaching riders of all ages and levels.

About Patrick “Packy” McGaughan Prize

Following his passing, an award in Packy McGaughan’s honor was established through the USEA Foundation. That award includes a beautiful bronze trophy and award recipients will be recognized at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, and a $5,000 award given annually to a USEA member who demonstrates a love of the sport similar to Packy. 

About Henry Luce FoundationThe Henry Luce Foundation was formed in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the founder of Fortune, Life, and Sports Illustrated magazines co-founder of Time magazine. Our mission then and now is to empower and transform people, communities, and institutions by boosting access to knowledge and forward-thinking ideas. We envision a world in which diverse people and communities thrive— determining their own best futures and working together in pursuit of knowledge and shared understanding.American Art Program : Loan Exhibition GrantsOnce a year, the American Art Program invites institutions to seek funding for special exhibitions. These are scholarly projects that involve significant loans from multiple institutional and private collections and make new contributions to the field through research, interpretation, and publication.We’re Looking For

• Innovation and Rigor: in ideas, approach, research, and content
• Engagement/Collaboration/Partnerships: among colleagues, communities, institutions, and audiences 
• Impact: for the field of American art, for audiences, for communities

About Us 

Maryland’s Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program provides financial assistance to support small-scale agricultural operations in urban, peri-urban, rural, and suburban areas. Its goal is to increase community access to healthy foods by helping farmers improve their management of natural resources by adopting Bay-friendly and climate-smart farming practices. Additional programs aimed at urban and small farms are currently in the planning stages. Please check back often for new programs and updates.

Urban Agriculture Water & Power Grants

​Maryland’s Small Farm and Urban Agriculture Program is now accepting applications for its Urban Agriculture Water and Power Infrastructure Grants. Approved by the Maryland General Assembly in 2022, this financial assistance program provides the department with up to $500,000 in annual funding through Fiscal Year 2027 to help urban farms and community gardens purchase and install equipment to access water and electricity needed to sustain their operations.

Sustainable Communities

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Sustainable Communities Program (“the Program”) designates Maryland communities that are striving for sustainable revitalization. The Program supports sustainable revitalization by facilitating revitalization and sustainability planning, and providing a toolkit of community development programs, technical assistance, and public investment incentives. Its goal is to arm local governments with the resources they need to revitalize their older communities through environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable projects and programs.

Sustainable Communities Act of 2010

The Sustainable Communities Act of 2010 created a shared geographic designation to promote the efficient use of State resources. This designation requires the development of local sustainability and revitalization strategies.

The Sustainable Communities Program combines resources for:

• Infrastructure improvements
• Historic preservation
• Housing production and rehabilitation
• Vacancy reduction
• Multimodal transportation improvements
• Economic development programs

The Program understands Sustainable Communities as communities where public and private stakeholders work together to achieve:

• A healthy local economy
• Preservation and appreciation of historic and cultural resources
• A mix of land uses
• Affordable and sustainable housing and employment options
• Growth and development practices that:
• Protect the environment
• Conserve air, water and energy resources
• Encourage walkability and recreational opportunities
• Improve access to transit where feasible

Maryland Energy Administration

The mission of the Maryland Energy Administration is to promote clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. 

​The agency will advance impactful energy policies and programs to help achieve Maryland's clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

The Maryland Energy Administration currently provides approximately $200 million annually in grants and rebates to Maryland residents, communities, non-profit organizations, and businesses. ​The agency provides grants to all of the counties in the state, as well as the City of Baltimore. 

Residential Energy Equity Program

Program Purpose

The Residential Energy Equity Program (Program), is offered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) to support the installation of cost-effective energy efficiency, solar and storage technologies in the single family and multi-family households of Marylanders with low to moderate income. 

This grant program is offered statewide on a competitive basis.

Program Description

Applicants may apply for funding to deliver applicable technologies through three program Areas of Interest (AOIs): AOI1; AOI2; AOI3

AOI1

AOI1 is for energy efficiency scopes of work and can be utilized for renter-occupied and owner-occupied homes.

To prioritize an equitable distribution across the State, Program funds are allocated to each Maryland region based on the number of households with low-to-moderate income within the respective region. 

Eligible Activities: Program funding can be used for energy efficiency and electrification measures in Eligible Buildings.

Maryland Energy Administration

The mission of the Maryland Energy Administration is to promote clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. 

​The agency will advance impactful energy policies and programs to help achieve Maryland's clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

The Maryland Energy Administration currently provides approximately $200 million annually in grants and rebates to Maryland residents, communities, non-profit organizations, and businesses. ​The agency provides grants to all of the counties in the state, as well as the City of Baltimore. 

Residential Energy Equity Program

Program Purpose

The Residential Energy Equity Program (Program), is offered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) to support the installation of cost-effective energy efficiency, solar and storage technologies in the single family and multi-family households of Marylanders with low to moderate income. 

This grant program is offered statewide on a competitive basis.

Program Description

Applicants may apply for funding to deliver applicable technologies through three program Areas of Interest (AOIs): AOI1; AOI2; AOI3

AOI2

AOI2 is for solar energy and energy storage scopes of work and can be utilized for owner-occupied homes only.

If MEA does not receive a sufficient number of qualifying applications for the available funds, MEA may opt to increase individual grant amounts awarded to successful applicants who have indicated they are capable of scaling up.

Eligible Activities: Program funding shall be used for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage systems (ESS) installed on Eligible Buildings. 

Maryland Energy Administration

The mission of the Maryland Energy Administration is to promote clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. 

​The agency will advance impactful energy policies and programs to help achieve Maryland's clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

The Maryland Energy Administration currently provides approximately $200 million annually in grants and rebates to Maryland residents, communities, non-profit organizations, and businesses. ​The agency provides grants to all of the counties in the state, as well as the City of Baltimore. 

Residential Energy Equity Program

Program Purpose

The Residential Energy Equity Program (Program), is offered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) to support the installation of cost-effective energy efficiency, solar and storage technologies in the single family and multi-family households of Marylanders with low to moderate income. 

This grant program is offered statewide on a competitive basis.

Program Description

Applicants may apply for funding to deliver applicable technologies through three program Areas of Interest (AOIs): AOI1; AOI2; AOI3

AOI3

AOI3 is for energy efficient electric appliance installations in renter-occupied and owner-occupied homes.

Eligible Activities: Program funding can be used for the installation and electrification of certain new major appliances in Eligible Buildings. 

Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP)

The Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP) helps Maryland retain top tech talent by increasing the number of paid technical internships offered in the state. Administered by UMBC and funded by the State of Maryland, the program offers financial assistance to small businesses, start-ups, non-profits and state and local agencies, to hire more interns.

The Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP) helps the State of Maryland retain top talent by increasing the number of paid technical internships across the region. The program incentivizes state and local agencies and technology-based businesses to hire more interns by subsidizing salary costs and providing additional support.

Since 2018, MTIP has funded over 1,200 technical internships, primarily in smaller Maryland businesses, across Biohealth & Life Sciences, Engineering, IT/Software Solutions, Cybersecurity, and Manufacturing. More than 83% of MTIP interns assert that they plan to stay in the state for their first job post-graduation. In addition, 98% of employers report that MTIP interns made significant contributions to their business growth and organizational improvements.

About AOTF

For over 60 years, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation has been the premier catalyst for occupational therapy research, transforming how people with disabilities and health challenges participate in meaningful daily activities.

Established in 1965, AOTF is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific, and educational organization. We serve as the premier resource for occupational therapy research and scholarship, working alongside researchers, educators, practitioners, community partners, and students to build evidence-based practice that improves lives.

As the only foundation dedicated exclusively to advancing occupational therapy science, we bridge the critical gap between innovative research and real-world practice. Our work ensures that occupational therapy interventions are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, ultimately improving outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

Mary J. Bridle First Research Award

The Mary J. Bridle First Research Award fosters scholarship and encourages first research efforts within the occupational therapy community. This Pi Theta Epsilon member-exclusive award supports students, young practitioners, and recent graduates conducting their initial formal research projects, helping to build the foundation for lifelong scholarly contributions to the field.

Award Purpose

The Mary J. Bridle Award provides an opportunity for Pi Theta Epsilon members to:

• Have their research manuscript reviewed by experts in the field
• Be considered for publication in OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research
• Receive recognition and financial support for their first research effort
• Build confidence and experience as emerging OT researchers
• This award supports Pi Theta Epsilon’s mission to promote research and scholarly activities within the field of occupational therapy.

About

Our programs and activities improve the quality of everyday life for people and families with autism along seven key dimensions that are critical to living each day fully.

We aim to provide a path for education and/or employment during the day; opportunities for physical and social activity outside of work/school; and the tools to be safe, supported, and informed at all times.

Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant

Kodi Lee Creates "Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant" in Partnership with Flutie Foundation

We are proud to join forces with our good friend and winner of America's Got Talent, Kodi Lee, for the "Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant!" Thanks to Kodi's leadership, the Flutie Foundation can provide grants to autism self-advocates 15 years of age and older in pursuit of music-related classes, scholarships, therapies, music equipment, and more. Together, through the Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant, Kodi and the Flutie Foundation will help more people with autism pursue their musical dreams and passions, like Kodi!

Apply for a Music Scholarship

Together with the legendary performer and autism self-advocate Kodi Lee, the Flutie Foundation is thrilled to provide the collaborative Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant. This is a unique opportunity for autistic teens and young adults to elevate their music dreams.

Are you an aspiring musician looking to take your talent to the next level? 

This grant supports autistic people of all musical backgrounds and ability levels. Whether you are just getting started, or looking to build a career in music, you can apply to receive a scholarship to invest in your music journey.

Kodi's leadership in the autism community is paving the way for more representation of people with autism to access music opportunities. This grant will cover a wide range of music-related opportunities, including:

• Workshops or music master classes
• Voice coaching or instrument lessons (introductory or advanced)
• Studio recording sessions
• Music therapy
• Music business development opportunities
• Marketing or social media support
• Connecting to performance and career business opportunities in the music industry

The FY26 DRL/IRF Global Request for Statements of Interest invites organizations to submit proposals aimed at promoting religious freedom. This global competition allows for up to five statements of interest from each organization, focusing on addressing restrictions on religious freedom aligned with U.S. foreign policy. Programs funded will support the principles established by the International Religious Freedom Act and Executive Order 13926, emphasizing religious freedom as a moral and national security imperative.

The ROSES 2025: D.4 program by NASA focuses on enhancing theoretical and computational astrophysics through collaborative networks. It aims to address grand challenges in Time Domain Multi-Messenger Astrophysics by integrating diverse expertise from various fields. Researchers from U.S. institutions are encouraged to propose innovative tools for modeling complex multi-messenger phenomena, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across academic, national laboratory, and private sectors to prepare the next generation of scientists.

The IUSE: Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to enhance STEM education at two-year colleges. This initiative encourages innovative projects that promote student success in foundational STEM courses. Eligible institutions can request up to $500,000 for three years, with an extra $100,000 for those without NSF funding in the last five years, facilitating a total budget of $600,000 for impactful educational projects.

The Meyer Foundation provides Rapid Response Grants to support nonprofit organizations addressing urgent challenges related to racial and economic justice in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. These grants are available to core grantee partners and focus on community organizing, advocacy, and direct actions. Eligible organizations must have received funding from the foundation since January 2024. Applications are open from February to November 2026, allowing partners to apply for up to two grants within the year.

This grant aims to enhance national immunization programs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region by focusing on capacity building, disease control, and outbreak response. It seeks to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases, reduce morbidity and mortality, and improve access for under-immunized populations. The initiative will promote sustainability through evidence-based decision-making and program evaluation, aligning with CDC goals to address public health threats and improve overall immunization impact in the region.

This grant aims to enhance global polio eradication efforts through innovative modeling approaches. It focuses on developing effective strategies for cVDPV2 outbreak response and optimizing surveillance following global WPV eradication. The initiative also seeks to build a skilled public health workforce in statistical and mathematical modeling, assess economic impacts of response strategies, and foster capacity among students to address polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education (HTYPE) Demonstration Program aims to empower local education agencies (LEAs) by funding initiatives that equip school staff to identify and respond to human trafficking signs. Collaborating with nonprofit partners, LEAs will provide students with essential knowledge on avoiding victimization and recognizing trafficking indicators. This program fosters a safer school environment by establishing reporting procedures and safety plans in consultation with local law enforcement, ultimately enhancing awareness and prevention of human trafficking in educational settings.

The Meyer Foundation provides Organizational Development Grants to strengthen nonprofit organizations in the Greater Washington, D.C. region. Focusing on systemic racial and economic inequities, these grants support capacity-building activities such as strategic planning, fundraising, and leadership development. Eligible organizations must have received a Meyer grant since January 1, 2022. Applications are continuously accepted, and prospective applicants are encouraged to consult with Meyer staff prior to submission, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing community needs.

Burger Family Foundatio

Our Mission

Inspired by our daughter Penelope and the powerful symbolism of the extra 21st chromosome, our foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Through direct financial assistance, therapy, community, and the healing power of ranch life, we’re building spaces that foster hope, purpose, and belonging.

Pens Pearls

Named after Penelope, Pens Pearls is the financial support arm of our foundation, providing direct assistance to families navigating the unique joys and challenges of raising a child with a disability. From therapy grants to life-changing opportunities, we’re here to lighten the load and ensure every child has the resources they need to thrive.

Through Pens Pearls, eligible families can apply for funding to help cover essential needs, services, or opportunities that make a meaningful impact in their lives. The Burger Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and this program is one of the ways we work to create lasting change—one story at a time.

Qualifications for Pens Pearls Grant Program, are deemed by the strict bylaws of the Burger Family Foundation. Funds are paid directly to provider.