Best Frederick Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing services to needy elderly persons can apply for $1,000 - $10,000 in program or general operating support, including in Frederick, Maryland. With a mission to aid aged persons in need, the Helen Wardman Naselli Memorial Fund prioritizes organizations in the Washington, DC metropolitan area that operate old people’s homes or similar elder care institutions.

The Luke Clemens Bartlett Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund

Frederick County students ages Kindergarten through 12th grade may apply for financial aid scholarships to attend sports activities, programs, and athletic camps. These scholarships are funded by The Luke Clemens Bartlett Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund. Scholarships support participation fees only, and payment will be made directly to the youth athletic organization and/or as a reimbursement to the parent/guardian with proof of payment. 

Care professionals seeking education in a care-related field can receive scholarship support for tuition at federally accredited institutions, including those living or working in Frederick, Maryland. Grants from Jean Griswold Foundation help caregivers enhance their training, advance their careers, and better serve clients through the Winter 2026 scholarship program, with awards ranging from US $500 - US $2,000.

Frederick, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing community services or basic human needs can access funding through Shepherd University Foundation via Women Investing in Shepherd. Two high-impact community grants of US $36,625 each support urgent needs, bold new ventures, or innovative approaches, for projects serving Frederick County residents and completed within three years.

The Marion I. and Henry J. Knott Foundation offers grants to support various program areas, including Arts & Humanities, Catholic Activities, Education, Health Care, and Human Services. With a commitment to enhancing community well-being, the foundation provides funding opportunities primarily for organizations serving the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Typical grant amounts are under $100,000, with discretionary grants available on a rolling basis. The foundation is dedicated to fostering education and supporting those in need, reflecting the legacy of its founders.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking funding for tangible items in arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and related areas in Frederick, Maryland may be eligible for up to US $10,000. The Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation prioritizes communities in its broader region, including parts of Maryland, for community-serving projects with clear, concrete benefits.

IDEA Collaborative Grants

The IDEA Collaborative Grant is a new funding opportunity designed to support meaningful, outcomes-driven partnerships between several organizations addressing a clearly defined community issue. The grant emphasizes capacity building and a growth mindset, encouraging hands-on collaboration that can be replicated in future efforts.

By providing dedicated funding and fostering partnerships, the initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of Black-led nonprofits and expand opportunities for collective impact across the region.

A Collaborative Grant ideally includes 2-3 separate organizations that are collaborating on a shared effort. This can include shared programs and services, shared resources, shared offices, shared staffing, or shared public education and advocacy efforts. One organization would serve as the backbone and fiscal lead, with clearly defined roles, shared accountability, and measurable outcomes outlined in a signed MOU.

This grant program is programmatically separate from the traditional IDEA Grant cycle that is open Jul 1 – Jul 31, 2026. Applying for or receiving an IDEA Grant does not make you ineligible to apply for or receive the IDEA Collaborative Grant. The IDEA committee’s focus is on building power and resources for Black-led nonprofits in Frederick County. To that end, all collaborations should be between Black-led nonprofits.

Through this new initiative, the Foundation hopes to empower community leaders whose work is driving positive change and expanding opportunities for residents throughout Frederick County. For more information about IDEA grants, click here.

The Bloedorn Foundation offers annual grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable children and at-risk citizens in the Washington D.C. area. The foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through various initiatives, including education, job training, and health support. Grants are awarded after thorough vetting of applicants, ensuring that resources are directed towards efforts that significantly improve the quality of life for those in need.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing health and human services or civic programs within 100 miles of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, including Frederick, Maryland, can seek project, operating, capital, equipment, or last-resort support. Grants from Stewart Huston Charitable Trust favor programs addressing clear community needs and leveraging other funding and volunteer involvement.

The Art Bank Program (ABP) supports local visual artists and nonprofit organizations in DC by acquiring original artwork for its permanent collection. This program aims to enhance public spaces and provide exposure for artists. Eligible applicants include legal residents of DC or those within a 50-mile radius, with requirements for artists and nonprofit galleries to ensure community representation and artistic diversity. The program fosters a vibrant cultural environment and enriches the aesthetic experience in government buildings.

The Maryland Forest Legacy Program aims to protect vital forest areas from conversion to non-forest uses through conservation easements. This federal initiative collaborates with state efforts to identify and preserve environmentally significant forests, with funding support where the federal government covers up to 75% of costs. Eligible areas must be designated Forest Legacy Areas, ensuring that at least 75% of the land remains forested. This program not only benefits wildlife but also supports local economies and water quality.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) Grant supports rural-serving nonprofits and community colleges in enhancing agricultural education, economic development, and community initiatives. The fund aims to strengthen their capacity to tackle rural challenges and foster partnerships that leverage additional funding. Key focus areas include agriculture, energy efficiency, broadband expansion, youth leadership, and community development, ensuring targeted assistance for sustainable growth and innovation in rural Maryland.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington connects donors with high-impact nonprofits in the D.C. area, promoting local charities through educational support and visibility. Though not a grant-maker, their partnerships help organizations raise significant funds, enhancing community engagement. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, with budgets between $100,000 and $4 million, and based in the greater Washington region. This initiative facilitates development opportunities without financial obligations, showcasing impactful stories through various marketing channels.

The IDEA Grant aims to address funding gaps for Black-led nonprofits in Frederick County, as identified by the Frederick Funders Data Project. The Ausherman Family Foundation is committed to enhancing the sustainability and impact of these organizations through targeted support, including coaching and mentorship. By focusing on inclusion, diversity, and equity, the grant seeks to empower Black-led initiatives, ensuring equitable access to resources and fostering long-term community vitality.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Grant aims to enhance living standards in rural areas of Maryland by 2030. The Fund supports targeted investments in economic and community development initiatives, fostering regional cooperation and leveraging additional resources. Key objectives include boosting entrepreneurship, reducing unemployment, preserving agricultural land, and improving essential infrastructure such as housing and broadband services. This initiative is vital for promoting the overall well-being of rural communities across the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing early childhood education or community economic development in Frederick, Maryland can seek funding to expand programs for low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods. With a mission to strengthen communities, PNC Foundation provides support for early learning, affordable housing, small business assistance, arts, and community revitalization where PNC has a significant presence.

Nonprofits, government agencies, religious organizations, and civic groups in Frederick, Maryland can seek funding for high-impact projects serving families, older adults, and people affected by substance use disorders. Focused on urgent human needs, the Community Foundation of Frederick County offers awards of more than US $1,000, including for housing access, mental health, and reducing service disparities.

With a mission to support education, health care, humanitarian services, and vulnerable populations, Gratis Foundation provides Frederick, Maryland nonprofits with project funding. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Frederick County working on areas like at-risk youth, food pantries, animal welfare, military family support, or religious and community services may apply during the appropriate annual application windows.

The RMPIF MD Rural Health Care Grant aims to elevate living standards in rural Maryland by 2030, focusing on healthcare access and economic development. It supports initiatives that enhance health services, promote intergovernmental cooperation, and encourage entrepreneurship. The grant also addresses critical healthcare provider shortages and improves transportation for medical access, ensuring comprehensive support for rural health and community well-being.

The Latham Fund Grant supports organizations in the Washington, DC area focusing on medical research for disease cures, particularly clinical applications. It also aids financially challenged patients requiring medical, nursing, or hospital care. Established in 1972, the Charles and Mary Latham Fund has positively impacted the community by funding various health-related projects. Grants are not available for research involving animals or individual support, ensuring a focus on collective health advancements.

About the Community Foundation of Washington County

The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. Hood College Waltersdorf-Henson Scholarship Endowment Fund

A fund of the Waltersdorf-Henson Endowment Challenge for scholarships to benefit qualified students who attend Hood College from the Community Foundation’s service area, with an emphasis on Washington County.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to elevate living standards in rural areas by 2030, preserving cultural heritage while fostering economic growth. It supports targeted investments in community development, entrepreneurial activities, and infrastructure improvements, including broadband and housing. By promoting intergovernmental cooperation and leveraging additional resources, RMPIF seeks to enhance the overall welfare and opportunities for residents across rural Maryland.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to enhance the quality of life in rural Maryland by 2030 through strategic investments in economic and community development. The RMPIF MD Rural Agricultural Development Grant supports agriculture, which is vital to Maryland's economy, contributing $16.5 billion and over 73,000 jobs. This initiative fosters sustainable development while preserving the cultural heritage of rural areas, ensuring that local organizations can leverage additional resources for continued agricultural growth and agritourism.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to enhance the quality of life in rural areas by 2030, focusing on economic and community development. It promotes investments in education and workforce initiatives, such as apprenticeships and STEM programs, to empower young adults to stay in their communities. The fund encourages collaboration among public and nonprofit organizations, ensuring sustainable development while preserving cultural heritage and rural lifestyles.

Focused on transportation access and community quality of life, Mileone Community Giving Foundation invites Frederick, Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations to seek support. Eligible nonprofits must be at least two years old and located in or impacting MileOne service areas, and can request program, multi-year project, capital, or operating funds, including help securing reliable vehicles.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention Initiative

The Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to expand access to lifesaving breast cancer screening and prevention services for uninsured and medically underserved. Through this initiative, the NAFC will provide $30,000 grants to members to establish or strengthen breast cancer screening programs in alignment with evidence-based guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society. Funding will support activities such as improving patient identification and referral systems, increasing access to mammography services through partnerships or mobile units, strengthening staffing and technology capacity, and providing patient education and case management to ensure follow-through with recommended screenings. By enhancing early detection and preventive care, the initiative seeks to reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for women who might otherwise go without critical cancer screening services.