Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland focusing on children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support for community programs. Costco Foundation provides Maryland nonprofits with grants evaluated on documented community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, diversified funding, and clear project budgets, with applications typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

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, government entities, and educational institutions in Maryland can receive in-kind intermodal transportation services and donated railroad equipment to support community service, military, and first responder initiatives. Grants from CSX Foundation help eligible groups in CSX-served communities reduce transportation costs and access rail-related materials for their programs.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can apply for up to US $300,000 in flexible support, plus intensive capacity-building. Focused on scalable solutions for underserved communities, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation invites Maryland and other eligible organizations to seek funding once they are post-pilot and operating in priority geographies.

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, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, K-12 and higher education, and community revitalization across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland with audited expenses over $2 million that deliver direct social services can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes efforts addressing chronic poverty, including affordable housing, food access, job training, youth development, reentry, and related services across the U.S.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventive health. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based organizations to apply for support that advances equitable care, education, and local community initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development in Maryland can access funding via PNC Foundation to expand programs and services. Grants support early learning for children birth to five, affordable housing, small business assistance, cultural enrichment, and revitalization efforts in low- and moderate-income communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Nonprofit organizations and accredited charities in humanitarian, education, community development, environment, and contemporary arts can seek philanthropic project support, including Maryland affiliates, through La Roche’s corporate donations program. Grants from La Roche help organizations worldwide implement innovative, sustainable initiatives that engage local partners and employees and leverage the company’s expertise and logistics capabilities.

Maryland nonprofits focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable communities. Organizations may be eligible if their work fits areas like healthcare access, child and women’s health, disaster relief, or human and social services in Maryland or other supported countries.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs that operate within the U.S. may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help organizations with strong management and broad community impact advance projects that materially improve general welfare and serve substantial target populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Zegar Family Foundation Grant, established in 2007, focuses on improving lives through impactful charitable donations. The foundation prioritizes areas such as environment, justice, human rights, science, education, and community development. While unsolicited proposals are not accepted, the foundation remains open to innovative ideas that align with its mission. Through targeted support, it aims to create lasting positive change in communities and promote social equity.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on hunger relief, food access, waste reduction, health, youth development, or community strengthening can access funding through Kroger Foundation. Support may include cash donations, sponsorships, gift cards, or product donations for programs that advance Zero Hunger | Zero Waste and broader community impact in local neighborhoods.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $1,000 for community programs can apply for corporate giving support from the Perdue Foundation. Funding can support agriculture and environmental initiatives, education, hunger and poverty relief, health and social services, public safety, and cultural and heritage programs in communities where Perdue associates live and work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) public charities in Maryland can request Delaplaine Foundation support for projects in cultural arts, education, health, human services, historic preservation, and spiritual enrichment. Priority goes to initiatives, especially in Frederick County, that show measurable community impact, long-term benefits, and diversified funding beyond the foundation’s contribution.

Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years and serving communities in the Southern region can seek funding for programmatic work in areas like education, poverty relief, health, families, and veterans. Robinson Foundation supports single-year, non-capital projects where grants will have tangible, meaningful impact and demonstrate clear results alongside other financial contributors.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services programs or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships in counties where Insperity employees live and work. Insperity supports community-focused initiatives through philanthropic grants and sponsorships for approved charities, with applications reviewed within about 45 days and limited to one request per year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Maryland can seek support for their charitable programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding to tax-exempt charities whose work advances respect for people, the environment, and our changing world, which may benefit Maryland nonprofits with aligned missions.

Focused on education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and eligible government entities to apply for community-focused project support. Organizations must be within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serve areas where the company operates, which may include parts of Maryland.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports large nonprofit initiatives that help vulnerable families and children access resources and opportunities to build better futures.

Middendorf Foundation Inc

The Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture. During their lifetimes, Mr. & Mrs. Middendorf provided inspirational leadership to the Foundation. Upon their deaths, the Foundation received generous bequests, which allowed it to begin making more sizable grants on a regular basis. Current assets are valued at $60 million.

In 2018, upon the death of their last surviving child, Alice Carter Middendorf, the Foundation received another large bequest which has further strengthened its ability to support causes of interest to the Middendorfs. Today the Foundation is governed by trustees who are honored to safeguard the legacy of the Middendorfs. 

Middendorf Foundation Historic Preservation Grants

The Middendorf Foundation has long recognized the importance of preserving historic buildings and sites and has supported those who believe in the preservation of Maryland’s cultural heritage. The Foundation is committed to preserving sites of historical significance so that they will continue to be enjoyed by a broad public well into the future.

The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years. 

Maryland nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community groups can seek funding to deliver environmental education and build environmental literacy for students. Focused on environmental education, Chesapeake Bay Trust invites Maryland organizations to implement Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences or district-wide literacy capacity-building projects, with awards up to US $120,000 across eligible multi-year initiatives.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers financial support for various community projects through its Company Giving program. Focused on four key areas—Health Care, Veterans' Support, Education, and Crisis Management—this initiative aims to enhance the well-being of local communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and civic groups, while organizations that primarily benefit their members or have high management overhead may be excluded. The program underscores J.B. Hunt's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland providing community-focused programs can seek funding for project, general operating, or capital support that improves quality of life for underserved people. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports efforts in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on youth education, family services, food insecurity, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs serving underserved young people and their families across these focus areas may be competitive.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.