Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects in Maryland focused on Baltimore City can receive up to US $10,000 for community development, services, and capital needs. With a mission to build a stronger Baltimore, Abell Foundation provides small grants for seed projects, ongoing programs, capital improvements, general operations, and advocacy efforts across its core program areas.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, and Tribes in Maryland can receive financial and technical assistance to implement on-the-ground conservation practices that improve operations and natural resources. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites Maryland land stewards to address soil, water, air quality, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, and related resource concerns through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations focused on education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 for operating support, projects, or occasional capital needs. McGraw Foundation provides greater Chicago–area nonprofits with flexible funding that may help strengthen capacity for organizations doing similar work in Maryland.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $50,000 for one-time, project-based capacity building—often capital construction, renovation, or other enhancements—can apply for the France-Merrick Foundation Grant. Eligible projects strengthen long-term impact in areas like education, community and economic development, environment, health, historic preservation, and civic and cultural initiatives, primarily in Greater Baltimore.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)/509(a) organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City can apply for Abell Foundation grants over More than US $10,000 to support community-focused work. Funding in Maryland may cover seed projects, ongoing programs, general operations, capital needs, research, or program-related investments that strengthen organizational capacity across multiple issue areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Frederick County, Maryland can receive US $2,500 - US $25,000 for capacity building projects such as planning, board development, strategic partnerships, internal operations, and technology improvements. Ausherman Family Foundation supports groups working in areas like youth and family services, health and human services, arts and culture, and community benefit.

Maryland nonprofits serving Frederick County residents with programs in children and youth, health and human services, arts and culture, or public benefit can access funding through Ausherman Family Foundation to support operating, program, or project costs. Awards of more than US $2,500 are available, with applications accepted on a rolling basis and some grants including a challenge match component.

Graduate students pursuing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive scholarship support through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. Focused on water industry challenges, this US $3,000 award may benefit Maryland students whose work ultimately strengthens nonprofit or public-sector capacity around safe drinking water and related issues.

Nonprofits, schools, government units, and religious organizations with community programs serving residents of Wicomico, Worcester, or Somerset Counties in Maryland can seek flexible program support that may strengthen organizational capacity. Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore accepts a general Letter of Inquiry, with requests submitted by the 15th reviewed and decided on the following month.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s capacity building and program grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000. Funding supports organizational strengthening and services in areas like community development, education, health, environment, and arts and humanities.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health care, education, youth programs, veteran services, or human services can apply for Kahlert Foundation support to strengthen programs, operations, or capital projects. Grants aim to build organizational capacity and impact in Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, and Howard counties, with preference for strong Guidestar-rated organizations.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland working on capacity-building efforts such as adult education, employment readiness, child welfare, health care, or humanitarian aid can apply for support from The Father's Table Foundation. This highly selective program funds projects that build self-sufficiency and resilience for women and children, including initiatives in homelessness, food security, microfinance, and disaster relief, with awards up to US $750,000.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public charities, universities, and qualifying religious organizations offering social services can access funding and in-kind support through The Caesars Foundation for community impact programs. Support may benefit work in social equity and education, climate change and food security, or responsible play and mental health, helping strengthen nonprofit capacity and services.

Grants from Venable Foundation help Maryland nonprofits fund general operations and projects in areas like human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, health, environment, and arts and culture. Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations serving economically disadvantaged communities, especially in Baltimore City and County, can request approximately US $10,000 to strengthen and expand their programs.

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.

Maryland 501(c)(3), (4), (6), and (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 to implement sustainability projects that benefit local communities. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help organizations fund renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, and related environmental initiatives that may also strengthen long-term organizational capacity.

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.

Pay for Performance Track

In addition to the traditional competitive grant program, the Trust Fund is soliciting pay for performance contracts that provide the following:

• Cost per lb or outcome and cost per unit of implementation that is more cost effective than traditional grant values, as seen in the Trust Fund Table. Maryland DNR may select to not fund proposals as Pay for Performance if found to be less cost effective than traditional grant mechanisms.

• Reduced risk to state as payments commence once the project is installed and verified, with subsequent payments offered once project is verified to be functioning and sustained

• Innovative projects and/or projects of scale: Large scale restoration where implementation units exceed traditional grant acreages; Additionally, the state is interested in supporting holistic projects that maximize co-benefits; Innovative BMPs with a quantifiable reduction in nutrient and/or sediment pollution or increase in co-benefits

• Measurement of goal attainment (%) - Measure of success is more specific than implementation units and must include measurement of hydric soils, plant survivability, canopy cover, plant density or other indicators that measure performance.

• Long-term sustainability of performance measures achieved through expected project lifespan, monitoring, easements/landowner agreements, operation and maintenance and/or adaptive management plans

Pre-Proposal Meetings are required for all Pay for Performance Proposals; site visits are required for stream restoration projects and strongly encouraged for other restoration practices.

NIH provides Maryland undergraduate-focused higher education institutions with funding to conduct small-scale biomedical research projects and strengthen their research environment. Eligible colleges and universities must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million per year in NIH support in 4 of the last 7 fiscal years; awards are up to US $375,000.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on income creation, workforce readiness, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank Of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program to strengthen organizational capacity. Selected organizations join a two-year leadership development program for their CEO and an emerging leader, expanding skills, networks, and long-term impact in eligible local markets.

Nonprofit public charities in Maryland seeking funding for tangible items for programs in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, religion, or related areas may be eligible for this grant. The Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation supports capacity-building needs such as equipment or other concrete resources, with awards up to US $10,000 and geographic precedence for nearby regions.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for National Institutes of Health Emerging Global Leader Awards to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from NIH help Maryland-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators build global health research capacity across areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and environmental health.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on enhancing financial and social empowerment in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Established in 2000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-reliance, financial literacy, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) non-profits operating in specific locations such as Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO. The foundation does not fund individuals or certain types of organizations, aiming to create inclusive, resilient communities.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries proposing health-related research and career development projects can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 in support. Administered by the National Institutes of Health, this funding may benefit Maryland-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC institutions on capacity-building research initiatives.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The Maryland Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, aims to support local education agencies and community organizations in providing after-school academic enrichment programs. This grant focuses on assisting students from low-performing schools to meet academic standards while offering additional services such as youth development, substance abuse prevention, and family literacy opportunities. Grants range from $50,000 to $400,000, enhancing educational and community engagement.