Best Literacy Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

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

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 K-12 academic performance, STEM, financial literacy, and community revitalization projects that may strengthen local literacy and learning outcomes.

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.

Focused on strengthening public education, Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation invites Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek support for Baltimore-focused initiatives that improve school leadership, teaching quality, arts and literacy instruction, and school climate. Programs working across clusters of public schools and related policy or advocacy efforts in Baltimore City may be eligible.

Maryland literacy and education nonprofits can seek funding for health, education, and community-focused programs that expand equitable care and learning opportunities. Focused on health and welfare, the Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for support such as STEM education, food pantries, patient services, and preventative healthcare benefiting local communities.

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 running literacy or library programs can seek US $500 - US $5,000 to distribute books and reading materials to under-resourced libraries and community groups. The National Home Library Foundation supports programs that combat illiteracy, promote reading and literary arts, and develop culturally focused, reading-related activities across the U.S., with preference for the DC–Maryland–Virginia area.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects in countries where Roche operates can seek philanthropic support, including in Maryland via its U.S. affiliate. Grants from La Roche help nonprofits that promote sustainable development and engage Roche expertise and employees, which may include literacy or broader education initiatives.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can apply for funding that must be used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help literacy and other service-focused nonprofits expand well-managed programs that significantly benefit their target populations and contribute to general welfare.

The CFES Workforce Development Grant supports programs aimed at enhancing job training and career advancement, particularly for underrepresented groups such as individuals with disabilities and non-traditional students. With a maximum funding of $7,500, the grant prioritizes collaborative efforts that demonstrate a commitment to quality education and workforce development. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated nonprofits and educational institutions serving Maryland's Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, academic enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports literacy-related and out-of-school opportunities that help at-risk youth and vulnerable families access resources and build better futures.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland and across the U.S. can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support education, skills-training, youth programs, and related services. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds schools, museums, cultural and performing arts programs, and community-based initiatives, so nonprofits with literacy or broader educational programming may be eligible.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering literacy, education, or related direct services can seek US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time projects, capital, equipment, or select program and operating needs. With a mission to strengthen the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Philip L. Graham Fund supports organizations serving eligible Maryland counties within its education and literacy focus areas.

Focused on environmental education, Chesapeake Bay Trust invites Maryland schools, nonprofits, public agencies, and community groups to apply for funding that builds students’ environmental literacy. Eligible projects include Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) implementation and district or statewide environmental literacy capacity-building efforts, which may benefit organizations integrating literacy and environmental learning for Maryland students.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 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 literacy and broader community initiatives. Funding may cover seed projects, ongoing programs, general operations, capital needs, research, and program-related investments in Maryland.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Maryland literacy and education nonprofits serving youth or adults in the greater Washington, DC region can access funding through the Herb Block Foundation’s Pathways Out of Poverty program. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 support in-school and community literacy, GED preparation, ESOL, vocational training, mentoring, and programs boosting academic success and graduation rates.

Nonprofits and eligible public, religious, or civic organizations in Maryland serving women in Frederick County can apply for Community Foundation of Frederick County Maryland grants of US $1,000 - US $40,000 to promote self-sufficiency and economic stability. Programs supporting adult women’s workforce development, education, financial literacy, housing, or related services may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on literacy, workforce readiness, and related community programs may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S.-based charities near its business locations that improve economic stability, education, health, and disaster relief for underserved individuals and families.

Local education agencies, public schools, and nonprofits partnering with Maryland public K–12 schools can apply for the Maryland Robotics Grant, offering US $5,000 - US $15,000 to start or expand robotics education programs. Grants from Maryland State Department of Education help Maryland organizations provide STEM-rich, standards-aligned robotics activities that may complement literacy and broader academic skills.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored programs focused on workforce and economic development can receive US $5,000 - US $20,000 for general operations or specific initiatives. Greenspring Advisors provides funding for efforts like job and skills training, internships, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, which may benefit literacy-focused organizations with related programming.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, which may include literacy initiatives that model effective, scalable community solutions.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant may be eligible for Gupta Family Foundation grants, including groups in Maryland. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation support poverty alleviation, disability services, humanitarian aid, and related human services worldwide, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000 for smaller, mission-driven organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering adult workforce development, career navigation, and AI-readiness programs in Maryland and other Truist footprint states can apply for Truist Foundation’s Inspire Awards, with grants ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000. Funding supports training, upskilling, AI literacy, and wraparound services that help workers access quality jobs and long-term stability.