Best Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects in Maryland that focus on Baltimore City can seek funding for community development, education, health, environment, arts, and related initiatives. With a mission to build a stronger Baltimore, Abell Foundation provides up to US $10,000 for seed projects, ongoing programs, capital needs, operations, and advocacy efforts.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, and Tribes in Maryland can receive financial and technical assistance to implement on-farm conservation practices that improve soil, water, air, and wildlife habitat. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maryland invites land stewards to address erosion, pollution, habitat, and energy-efficiency priorities through EQIP support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations in the greater Chicago area can receive McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, health, environmental conservation, and cultural programs. Grants from US $2,000 - US $10,000 may benefit Maryland-focused nonprofits indirectly through partners, including those advancing outreach, communications, and public engagement within their funded initiatives.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $50,000 for one-time, project-based capital or capacity-building work can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants. Funding supports areas like civic and cultural facilities, education, environment, health and human services, historic preservation, and community and economic development, primarily benefiting the Greater Baltimore area.

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 community-focused work. Funding can cover seed projects, ongoing programs, operations, capital, and research, which may include outreach or marketing components for Maryland initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Frederick County, Maryland can receive US $2,500 - US $25,000 to strengthen leadership, management, and internal systems. Ausherman Family Foundation provides funding for planning, marketing and communications, technology upgrades, board development, and strategic collaborations, which may benefit Maryland nonprofits seeking to improve their outreach and overall organizational effectiveness.

Maryland nonprofits serving Frederick County residents with programs for children, youth and families, health and human services, arts and culture, or public benefit can access funding through Ausherman Family Foundation to cover operating, program, or project costs. General Grants may also include a challenge match component to help organizations leverage additional community and donor support.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive funding that supports actionable solutions for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites students, including those connected with Maryland nonprofits or institutions, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, which provides US $3,000.

Nonprofits, schools, government units, and religious organizations with community programs serving Wicomico, Worcester, or Somerset County residents can seek flexible project funding through this Maryland grant. Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore supports a wide range of human services, education, health, arts, environment, and community development efforts; marketing-related initiatives within these programs may be eligible.

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving Prince George’s and Montgomery County residents in Maryland can apply for Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $250,000 to support community services, education, environment, arts, and health programs. Nonprofits with strong, comprehensive services and systemic-change approaches may be especially competitive.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health care, education, youth programs, veteran services, or human services can apply for Kahlert Foundation support. Grants may fund capital campaigns, special projects, programs, or general operations, especially for organizations serving Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, or Howard counties with strong Guidestar transparency ratings.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland working on humanitarian aid, child welfare, education, health care, or disaster relief can apply for funding to expand or replicate programs that build self-sufficiency for women and children. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 to partners with a proven record of service and scalable projects, which may include marketing components.

Maryland nonprofits and educational institutions working in areas like social equity, education, food security, climate action, or mental health can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation. Organizations may request monetary donations or contributions such as event space or tickets, provided funded programs operate within the U.S. and meet IRS 501(c)(3) or related public charity criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing human services, education, legal aid, workforce development, health, environment, or arts programs in Maryland can seek approximately US $10,000 for projects or general operations. Grants from Venable Foundation help Maryland nonprofits serving economically disadvantaged communities in Baltimore City or County address housing, food insecurity, youth impact, and related needs.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland with established 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) status and strong financial histories can seek funding for community sustainability projects. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help environmental and conservation initiatives, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, education, and sustainable agriculture, with awards ranging from US $50,000 - US $400,000.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Traditional Competitive Grant Program

What kind of projects are supported by the Trust Fund?

Implementation-ready restoration proposals can be submitted under this funding source. Example projects can include, but are not limited to: wetland restoration, afforestation and other tree planting projects, riparian buffer restoration, stormwater best management practices, stream restoration, meadow plantings, and agricultural best management practices.

Projects must address water quality in the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Coastal Bays by reducing non-point source pollution, namely nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment. Projects should be cost-effective, located in targeted areas, and be implementation-ready. Competitive projects will be large-scale, multi-partnered efforts with demonstrable water quality benefits. Proposed projects should demonstrate the ability to construct within 12 months of award. Additionally, the state is interested in supporting projects that provide desirable co-benefits (Maryland Code, Natural Resources § 8-2A-04), including:

• The restoration of aquatic resources, such as seagrass beds or oyster reefs;
• Climate resilience;
• Carbon sequestration;
• Creation of wildlife habitat;
• Local employment opportunities;
• The improvement or provision of recreational opportunities; or
• Environmental justice benefits;

Funding is only available for projects located in the Maryland portions of both the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and the Atlantic Coastal Bays. Tree planting projects are eligible for all of Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible. Site visits are required for all stream restoration projects.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Pay for Performance Track

In addition to the traditional competitive grant program, the Trust Fund is soliciting pay for performance contracts that provide the following:

• Cost per lb or outcome and cost per unit of implementation that is more cost effective than traditional grant values, as seen in the Trust Fund Table. Maryland DNR may select to not fund proposals as Pay for Performance if found to be less cost effective than traditional grant mechanisms.

• Reduced risk to state as payments commence once the project is installed and verified, with subsequent payments offered once project is verified to be functioning and sustained

• Innovative projects and/or projects of scale: Large scale restoration where implementation units exceed traditional grant acreages; Additionally, the state is interested in supporting holistic projects that maximize co-benefits; Innovative BMPs with a quantifiable reduction in nutrient and/or sediment pollution or increase in co-benefits

• Measurement of goal attainment (%) - Measure of success is more specific than implementation units and must include measurement of hydric soils, plant survivability, canopy cover, plant density or other indicators that measure performance.

• Long-term sustainability of performance measures achieved through expected project lifespan, monitoring, easements/landowner agreements, operation and maintenance and/or adaptive management plans

Pre-Proposal Meetings are required for all Pay for Performance Proposals; site visits are required for stream restoration projects and strongly encouraged for other restoration practices.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Maryland conducting small-scale biomedical research can apply for funding to expand research opportunities and enhance their research environment. The National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 for projects that engage primarily undergraduate students; eligible campuses must award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank Of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant, supporting nonprofit growth and development in eligible Maryland communities and other designated U.S. markets.

Nonprofit public charities in Maryland with at least three years of 501(c)(3) or similar status can seek up to US $10,000 for tangible items supporting arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, and related programs. Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation prioritizes communities near its core region, so Maryland organizations with strong community impact may be competitive.

Early-career clinical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting independent clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Maryland-connected nonprofits and institutions engaged in global health research and training access multi-year support.

Early-career health researchers in low- or middle-income countries can apply for NIH’s Emerging Global Leader Award, offering approximately US $140,000 for mentored research and career development. Maryland-based nonprofits partnering with eligible LMIC faculty on cancer, mental health, cardiovascular, environmental health, or related projects may benefit from this long-term support.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on enhancing financial and social empowerment in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Established in 2000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-reliance, financial literacy, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) non-profits operating in specific locations such as Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO. The foundation does not fund individuals or certain types of organizations, aiming to create inclusive, resilient communities.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Resilience through Restoration Initiative

Design habitat restoration projects to address erosion and flooding in communities and on public lands.

This funding opportunity supports design/permitting of restoration projects.

The Resilience through Restoration Initiative supports on-the-ground implementation of restoration projects to help protect communities from erosion, flooding, and other climate change impacts. The goal of this program is to reduce Maryland’s vulnerabilities and enhance resiliency of local communities, economies, and natural resources.

Projects can be located throughout Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible, but projects on private lands must demonstrate a community-wide benefit and provide an access/landowner agreement.