Best Community and School Garden Grants in Maryland

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary support of their programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) groups running youth, child welfare, or related community initiatives, including those connected to school or community gardening, may apply; applications are reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits tackling major social or environmental challenges can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable solutions. Focused on bold models with measurable impact, organizations in Maryland and beyond working on community, education, or garden-related initiatives may be eligible if they serve underserved populations.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology-driven programs in crisis response, education, or economic empowerment can access Global Impact Cash Grants supporting underserved communities in Maryland and beyond. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help tech-enabled projects like community or school gardens that build skills, food security, or green jobs, with awards up to US $100,000.

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's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving low- and moderate-income communities can access funding for early childhood education and community economic development programs through PNC Foundation. Grants may support school readiness initiatives, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing counseling, small business support, arts and cultural enrichment, and other community services in counties where PNC has a significant presence.

Maryland nonprofits and community organizations focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable populations. Organizations that incorporate community or school gardening into health, nutrition, or social service initiatives may be eligible if they operate within the foundation’s international or U.S. focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland seeking support for educational, scientific, medical, or charitable programs can apply; funded activities must take place in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help well-managed groups, including those running community or school garden and horticulture projects, expand services that significantly benefit their target populations and general welfare.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland and across the U.S. can seek sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce training, arts, environment, and inclusion programs. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, and strengthen economic and social life in local communities, which may include community and school garden projects.

Nonprofit organizations focused on wildlife conservation in Maryland can seek storytelling support to highlight their impact through the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant, with awards of more than US $50,000. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and aligned for-profits working in preservation, education, or wellness, including garden and outdoor programs, may benefit.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Maryland can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities, equipment, and related project costs. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites horticulture and gardening groups operating community or school gardens to apply if they serve eligible rural areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Maryland communities with horticulture, education, youth, family, or poverty-relief programs can seek funding for projects, including community and school gardens. Robinson Foundation supports single-year initiatives across the Southern region that create tangible, meaningful impact and show fiscal responsibility, with at least three years of operating history and additional financial contributors.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Maryland can access funding via the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Grants may benefit community and school garden projects that advance environmental stewardship, community engagement, or education within local neighborhoods and schools.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment projects that serve communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strengthening local well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible organizations within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community, including those running community or school garden initiatives, to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services in Maryland can seek project funding that helps vulnerable families and children. The Tjx Foundation supports programs near its stores, distribution centers, or offices that provide food, clothing, shelter, educational enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety for those facing domestic violence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Maryland seeking support for environmental, human services, or related community programs can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help horticulture and gardening projects, including community or school gardens, with unrestricted operating or program funding when they fit the foundation’s priorities.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Maryland running community, educational, cultural, environmental, or similar programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in support from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. This national funder supports museums, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, wildlife and environmental efforts, and other community-based initiatives, which may include garden-related projects.

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.

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 community development. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes may be especially competitive, including those whose gardening or food programs improve food access and neighborhood revitalization.

Maryland horticulture, gardening, and community organizations can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for education, social service, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental projects. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year initiatives, with one application accepted per organization each grant year.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving community quality of life through gardens, food access, workforce development, or related services may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S. organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts communities addressing economic stability, health and social services, literacy, and disaster relief, which can include community and school garden initiatives.

Maryland horticulture and gardening nonprofits focused on hunger relief and food access can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants Open Grant Round, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must serve rural communities in specific member counties and may include community gardens, food pantries, school meal programs, and local food systems.

U.S. nonprofit organizations leading strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborations that address significant social issues. Maryland groups with community or school garden initiatives that showcase effective cross-sector partnerships may be competitive if their programs measurably improve communities and model innovative approaches.

Nonprofit organizations working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help Maryland and other eligible locations support poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, and related human and social services, including programs connected to community or school gardens.