Best Grants for Museums in Maryland

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capacity-building support for planning, leadership development, technology, or internal operations can apply for Ausherman Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000. Frederick County organizations, including museums and cultural institutions, may be eligible when working in areas like arts, culture, history, youth, health, or community development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Maryland can seek support for STEM education, environmental initiatives, community vitality, and arts and culture programs. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Baltimore Gas and Electric provides grants to museums and other cultural or community groups that promote education, conservation, economic development, and equal access to arts experiences.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for programs advancing health, education, development, and welfare, including in Maryland. The Dan Paul Foundation supports initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental responsibility, and related workshops, conferences, seminars, scholarships, and scientific endeavors, with awards up to US $15,000.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Maryland museums and other eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–12 or higher education programs.

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.

Museums and accredited cultural charities in Maryland working on arts, culture, science education, or community programs can seek philanthropic project support through La Roche’s global Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program. Grants from La Roche help organizations in Maryland and worldwide advance humanitarian, educational, environmental, and contemporary arts initiatives in partnership with local Roche affiliates.

Maryland museums and other arts-focused nonprofits can access operating or program support for public arts activities through this statewide grant program. Grants from Maryland State Arts Council help Maryland cultural organizations strengthen their ongoing dance, music, theater, visual arts, literary, folk, and multidisciplinary programs that serve general audiences. Awards are typically more than US $50,000.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural Maryland can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible applicants to support facilities such as museums, libraries, community centers, and other critical local services in smaller communities.

Nonprofit organizations serving communities in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in Maryland can apply for Knott Foundation’s General Fund grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $45,000 for arts and humanities, education, health care, and human services projects. Performing arts groups, visual art and history museums, and instructional art programs may be especially well-suited to this opportunity.

Maryland museums and institutional collections seeking support to strengthen operations, build professional capacity, and improve long-term sustainability can apply for Museum Assistance Program Grants up to US $20,000. The Maryland Historical Trust funds organizations that interpret the state’s cultural heritage, history, natural history, or history of science and technology; state and federal government-operated museums are ineligible.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) organizations serving Maryland and the broader Southern region can seek funding for programs in education, children and families, poverty relief, disaster relief, and related community services. Robinson Foundation supports single-year, program-focused projects that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and deliver tangible, meaningful impact for local communities.

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.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland communities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facilities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Focused on long-term well-being in GP communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible organizations to propose programs that strengthen local quality of life and serve residents where the company operates.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities serving local residents with education, arts, community enrichment, or health and human services programs can apply for Philip L. Graham Fund grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000. Museums and cultural institutions in eligible Maryland counties may seek primarily one-time project, equipment, capital, or other special needs support through this two-step LOI and proposal process.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, and volunteer-driven causes. Museums and cultural nonprofits in Maryland may be eligible if they fit these focus areas, engage Ameriprise volunteers, and serve U.S. communities while demonstrating stability and measurable outcomes.

Maryland museums and heritage organizations planning capital or non-capital projects that preserve and interpret the state’s past in designated heritage areas can access funding through Maryland Historical Trust. Grants from US $5,000 - US $100,008 support projects that highlight Maryland’s diverse heritage while boosting tourism, sustainability, community revitalization, and economic development.

Museums and cultural organizations in Maryland can seek non-capital project support that preserves and interprets the state’s heritage, promotes tourism, and advances community revitalization. Maryland Historical Trust’s Maryland Heritage Areas Program offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 for projects in designated heritage areas, with a required 1:1 cash or in-kind match.

Museums, nonprofits, and other stewards of historic properties in Maryland can seek capital funding to preserve publicly beneficial historic sites and structures. Grants from Maryland Historical Trust help Maryland historic preservation projects address urgent repair and rehabilitation needs, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $100,000 for properties eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland seeking up to US $10,000 for tangible items may be eligible, especially for arts, culture, education, environmental, or historical projects. Grants from Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation help organizations acquire concrete resources that expand programs and better serve their communities, including museum collections, exhibits, and related needs.

Maryland museums and heritage organizations preserving African American history and culture in Maryland can seek funding for significant buildings, sites, and communities. The African American Heritage Preservation Program, jointly administered by Maryland Historical Trust and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, offers grants up to US $250,000 for historic preservation and revitalization projects.

Maryland public school districts planning student field trips to major cultural museums can receive support for related expenses, including transportation and admission. Maryland museums may benefit when schools use this Maryland State Department of Education grant to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Jewish Museum of Maryland, and Reginald F. Lewis Museum.