Best Grants for Theater in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Maryland offering arts, culture, or community programs can apply for Baltimore Gas and Electric’s charitable contributions. With a mission to strengthen local vitality, BGE provides Maryland theater and arts groups with support for equal access to arts and culture, STEM education, workforce development, environmental initiatives, and community enrichment.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. The foundation prioritizes evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes and broad community support in areas where Costco operates, so theater organizations with youth-focused educational or social service programming may be eligible.

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

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first social enterprises in Maryland tackling urgent social or environmental challenges can seek up to US $300,000 over three years to scale proven solutions. Focused on bold, scalable impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation supports organizations serving underserved communities, including those whose theater-related programs meet its innovation, evidence, and growth criteria.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, including applicants in Maryland. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help tech-enabled programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities with innovative, early-stage solutions; awards up to US $100,000 are available worldwide.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Maryland can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, and K–12 or higher education, which may benefit theater organizations with aligned community or educational programming.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including Maryland theaters and performing arts organizations, can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards more than US $100,000 for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Priority goes to arts education, artist development, and impactful youth engagement in the arts and sciences.

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.

Nonprofit and social enterprise programs improving education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children in Maryland and across the U.S. can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation prioritizes initiatives serving children and youth, including theater education efforts that fit its education focus.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Accredited charities in Maryland and worldwide can seek funding for humanitarian, social, science education, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that engage local partners and volunteers. Grants from La Roche help organizations delivering high-quality, sustainable programs, including theater and arts initiatives, that align with its four focus areas and are managed within its affiliate countries.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland can seek sponsorship support for community-focused programs that advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives such as arts and culture, theater-related community events, community development, housing, workforce education, hunger relief, environmental efforts, and diversity and inclusion through its regional U.S. sponsorships program.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Maryland seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help theater organizations that fit these priorities cover general operating or program/project costs, including reasonable indirect expenses.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland producing theater or other cultural programs can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support museums, performing arts, and community-based initiatives. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds a wide range of U.S. nonprofits, including arts, education, youth, seniors, disability services, and environmental and wildlife programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, and education organizations in Maryland within 75 miles of Philadelphia can receive general operating support through the Presser Foundation’s Advancement of Music Grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $50,000. Groups that incorporate theater elements into music-focused programming may be eligible if their core work is music.

Theater and other arts-focused nonprofits in Maryland can receive annual operating or program support for public arts activities, with awards of more than US $50,000. Grants from Maryland State Arts Council help Maryland cultural organizations sustain dance, theater, music, visual arts, folk arts, and multidisciplinary programs that strengthen the state’s arts infrastructure.

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.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering theater or related arts, education, or community programs can seek US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time projects, capital needs, or limited operating support. With a mission to strengthen the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, the Philip L. Graham Fund supports organizations serving eligible Maryland counties within its arts and community-focused priorities.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community development, and cultural enrichment programs. Theater and arts organizations that fit these focus areas, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and engage Ameriprise volunteers may be especially competitive; funding is available across the U.S.

Maryland nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can seek project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, environmental, and related community programs through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Theater organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3)s may be eligible if their work fits these priorities.

Nonprofit music performance, presenting, or education organizations in Maryland can apply for Presser Foundation capital support grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $100,000 for facilities and equipment projects. Eligible projects include construction, renovation, and technology upgrades, and theater groups with music-focused spaces or programs may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Theater and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland can seek funding to tell powerful stories about their impact through the Storytelling Grant. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports organizations working in preservation, education, or wellness, with a current emphasis on wildlife conservation nonprofits for unsolicited applications; awards are more than US $50,000.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.