Best Physics Grants in Maryland

The Ausherman Family Foundation offers General Grants for organizations seeking to fund operating, program, or project costs that align with their mission. Eligible applicants must serve Frederick County, MD residents and request a minimum of $2,500. Grants can include a challenge matching funds component, encouraging community support and engagement. However, in-kind and government funding cannot be counted as matching funds. This grant is an excellent opportunity for local organizations to enhance their services and impact.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland, physically located in Frederick County, can apply for Ausherman Family Foundation capacity building grants of US $2,500 - US $25,000 to strengthen leadership, management, and internal systems. Funding may support planning, board development, strategic collaborations, technology upgrades, and operations improvements that enhance programs in areas like youth services, health, housing, arts, and community development.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Maryland 501(c)(3) health and human service nonprofits can seek funding to expand mental health care, improve chronic disease prevention and management, and support aging-in-place services. Focused on health, the Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Charitable Foundation invites Maryland organizations, including those with physics-related health innovations, to propose projects that increase access to care and address social determinants of health.

Small to mid-sized 501(c)(3) public charities in Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore can access free strategic consulting, coaching, and training to strengthen their organizations. Maryland nonprofits, including those with physics-related programs, may be eligible for Mission Possible services, which provide expert support in planning, governance, fundraising, IT, evaluation, and more through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

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.

Doctoral candidates enrolled at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities can receive up to US $50,000 to conduct Smithsonian-based research in fields like ecology, anthropology, art history, and related sciences. Focused on advanced research, the Smithsonian Institution invites eligible scholars, including those based in Maryland, to pursue 3–12 month fellowships with an additional research allowance.

About

Who We Are

The Charles County Charitable Trust manages the grant application and award process for nonprofits located in Charles County, Maryland. Funding for grants is provided to the Trust by the Charles County Board of Commissioners. The Trust monitors the grants awarded, performing site visits to grantees, and tracking the impact of grant dollars on the community. The organization provides opportunities for representatives of nonprofit organizations to participate in comprehensive learning experiences, including fundraising plans, nonprofit networking and collaboration, and marketing and communications to increase overall support and assure sustainability.

ARPA Community Impact Grant

Grant Information

The Charles County Charitable Trust is pleased to offer the ARPA Community Impact Grant to eligible nonprofit organizations serving Charles County residents.

This grant opportunity is supported through funding made available under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is intended to support eligible projects that address qualifying public health and/or negative economic impacts associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency while strengthening the capacity of local nonprofit organizations to serve Charles County residents.

Local nonprofits have played an essential role in helping Charles County residents navigate the challenges created or intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, many organizations continue to experience increased demand for services, workforce challenges, increased operating costs, technology needs, facility needs, and other impacts.

The ARPA Community Impact Grant provides an opportunity to make a strategic investment in the organizations serving our community.

Grant funding will prioritize projects that strengthen nonprofit organizations, expand services, improve organizational capacity, and address the continuing needs of Charles County residents.

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) public charities serving local residents with education, health, human services, arts, or community programs can apply for Philip L. Graham Fund grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000. Funding typically supports one-time capital, equipment, or infrastructure needs, with occasional support for program or general operating expenses in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning one-time, project-based capital or capacity-building work can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants over More than US $50,000. Funding supports areas like education, environment, health, housing, workforce development, civic assets, and historic preservation, so organizations with physics-related facilities or educational initiatives may be eligible if they fit these priorities.

Cultural 501(c)(3) organizations and their fiscal agents in the greater Baltimore area can apply for Baltimore Community Foundation’s William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, awarding approximately US $10,000 for arts and culture initiatives. Maryland groups may receive support for organizational capacity, innovative programming, artist development, and cultural sector collaboration that enriches metropolitan Baltimore life.

Colleges and universities in Maryland seeking support for campus greening and tree care programs can apply for recognition through the Tree Campus Higher Education Program, which emphasizes community forestry and sustainable campus landscapes. The National Arbor Day Foundation supports institutions that meet five standards, including a tree advisory committee, care plan, dedicated expenditures, Arbor Day observance, and a service-learning project.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland communities where Penn National Gaming operates can apply for Penn National Gaming Foundation grants to support local programs. Funding may benefit education, community development, health, human services, cultural initiatives, or veteran and military support, and physics-related outreach or education projects that fit these priorities may be eligible.

Maryland biotechnology and stem cell companies needing GMP cell therapy manufacturing capacity in Maryland can access funding through the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund. Awards up to US $1,000,000 support building or acquiring modular facilities, clean rooms, and related platforms, with a 1:1 non-state match required and all funded work conducted in Maryland.

Psychology graduate students interested in multiple sclerosis clinical care can receive US $3,000 for a four-week, full-time mentorship focused on neurocognitive, mood, and psychosocial issues at Maryland and other partner sites. National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides U.S. psychology students with intensive observation of MS assessment, management, rehabilitation, and related research, which may benefit those in Maryland exploring neuroscience or health-related fields.

High school seniors in Howard County, Maryland planning to study mathematics, physical sciences, or engineering at a four-year college can receive $1,000 Tropf Family Scholarships. The Community Foundation of Howard County offers four awards, one each to eligible students at Atholton, Wilde Lake, Long Reach, and Oakland Mills High Schools, which may benefit future physics majors.

Nonprofit arts organizations providing public arts programming in Anne Arundel County can receive up to US $2,500 in general operating support through this program. Grants from Arts Council of Anne Arundel County help Maryland arts groups broaden access to community arts, increase local programming, and promote countywide awareness of arts opportunities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing direct services to children and families in Anne Arundel County can access funding through the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County. Grants of US $25,000 - US $50,000 support programs prioritizing children’s and families’ physical, mental, and behavioral health, including preventive care, mental health services, nutrition, and family support, within Maryland.

Early-career assistant professors running independent biomedical research labs at nominated U.S. institutions can apply for Pew Charitable Trusts’ Pew Biomedical Scholars awards, offering US $75,000 - US $300,000 for high-impact human health research. Maryland physics-related researchers whose work is grounded in biomedical principles and human health may be eligible if their institution is on the invited list.

Maryland 501(c)(3) libraries, educational institutions, hospitals, and clinics seeking capital projects, endowments, or major equipment may be eligible for US $50,000 - US $150,000 in support. With a mission to advance intellectual, moral, and physical welfare, the Gladys Brooks Foundation provides funding that could strengthen physics-related facilities, resources, or programs within these institutions.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations preserving historic sites on Maryland’s Eastern Shore can apply for $5,000 - $25,000 to acquire, maintain, and restore significant landmarks. With a mission to advance historic preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides matching grants for land or building acquisition, bricks-and-mortar work, easements, technical assistance, and related educational programming.

UNFCU Foundation

In 1947, UN members founded the United Nations Federal Credit Union with the goal of serving the financial needs of those who serve the world. Having learned more about the poverty and inequality that the UN witnessed every day, UNFCU was inspired to do more.

With the support of their membership and over 65 years of financial knowledge, UNFCU founded the UNFCU Foundation in 2015.

Grant Opportunities

We support projects that align with our mission to sustain the path out of poverty for women and youth. These projects must also help to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To be eligible for funding, over 50% of the proposed project’s beneficiaries must be women or girls.

Areas of Focus

Our goal is to empower women and youth with fundamental human rights. To accomplish this, we accept grant applications for projects focused on education, livelihood training, and health care. Each year, we also select an additional strategic focus to deepen our philanthropic impact. This year, particular consideration will be given to projects who provide digital upskilling to economically vulnerable women and youth. Note: projects funding humanitarian relief efforts are by invitation only.

Education

Our education projects work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper. We look to empower girls and women through education so they can unleash their full potential within their community. We also educate boys on the critical role girls and women play in families and societies, to break down antiquated norms around gender.

We fund education projects that focus on the following:

• Reading, writing, and math programs
• Financial education, from budgeting to business planning
• GED training
• Child educational TV programming
• Digital advancements for remote learning

Livelihood Training

Our livelihood training projects create economic opportunities and job prospects for women so they can earn their own incomes.

Livelihood training equips women with the skills and experience they need to rise out of poverty permanently, and bring their families and communities along with them.

We fund livelihood training that focuses on the following:

• Computer skills training
• Customer service training
• Entrepreneurial strategies
• Seed money for new businesses
• Training in specific sectors, like farming

Health Care

We fund projects that ensure proper access to health care for women and girls, including reproductive care.

When women are at their healthiest, physically and emotionally, they can also succeed economically. No one should fear losing their job in order to take care of their physical or mental health.

We fund health care projects that focus on the following:

• Protecting reproductive rights
• Providing healthcare to homeless populations
• Providing access to free or low-cost care
• Providing mental health assistance
• Supporting emotional health and building self-esteem

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.

Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations based in and primarily serving Washington County that run youth pregnancy prevention and sexual health education programs can access funding through Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland. Grants of US $600 support programming for youth under 20, with preference for initiatives educating parents and caregivers to help teens avoid unplanned pregnancies and unsafe sexual practices.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations in Maryland can seek funding for cultural arts, education, health, human services, historical preservation, and spiritual enrichment projects. Focused on strengthening communities, Delaplaine Foundation invites Maryland organizations, including those with physics-related educational or community programming, to apply year-round, with a primary emphasis on impactful work in Frederick County.

Early-career physicists and planetary scientists interested in space science can apply for approximately €60,000 postdoctoral fellowships to conduct independent research with the European Space Agency at ESAC, ESTEC, or STScI in Maryland. Focused on heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics, these three-year positions may benefit Maryland-based researchers in relevant fields.