Best STEM Education Grants in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Maryland offering STEM education, workforce development, environmental, community vitality, or arts access programs can seek support from Baltimore Gas and Electric Company. With a mission to strengthen local communities, BGE provides grants to eligible groups that promote education, equity, sustainability, and cultural enrichment across its service area.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those in Maryland, can seek support for new or unaddressed social issues. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations across diverse fields; interested groups may submit a letter of inquiry, though full applications are by invitation only.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth with education, health, development, or welfare programs in Maryland and beyond can seek funding for projects including STEM-related learning, scholarships, and enrichment. The Dan Paul Foundation offers up to US $15,000 for initiatives such as early childhood development, scientific endeavors, environmental education, and services for vulnerable children and refugee youth.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Maryland tackling social or environmental challenges, including STEM and education initiatives, can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Focused on scalable solutions for underserved communities, the funder supports organizations post-pilot and pre-scale with capital, intensive capacity-building, and a global peer community.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology-driven programs in STEM education, crisis response, or economic empowerment in Maryland can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help early-stage, innovative solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural and science nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s culture grants, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and STEM/STEAM education programs. Maryland organizations offering arts education or science programs that build skills in STEM, environment, arts and math may be eligible for program or capital support.

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 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore focused on public education improvement can seek funding to strengthen school leadership, teaching quality, and STEM-related professional development. Focused on education system reform, Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation invites Maryland education organizations to pursue program or operating support that benefits clusters of Baltimore City public schools and advances equitable school funding policies.

Maryland STEM and education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for health, education, or community initiatives, including STEM programming and related services. Focused on education and community impact, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based organizations to apply for support such as STEM education, healthcare access for underserved populations, and food or wellness programs.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood or youth STEM/STEAM education can access funding via PNC Foundation to expand programs for low- and moderate-income children. Grants may support classroom services, educator professional development, or family engagement in math, science, reading, arts, financial education, and social-emotional learning in PNC-served communities.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Maryland nonprofits and community organizations serving marginalized people through health, education, or humanitarian programs can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation, which supports work in the U.S. and globally. Projects may include healthcare access, child and women’s health, disaster relief, literacy, and related human and social services for vulnerable communities.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland seeking support for STEM or broader educational, scientific, or medical programs that serve U.S. communities can apply for grants from the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help Maryland education groups fund charitable projects that significantly benefit their target populations and advance general welfare within the U.S.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering education or youth services, including STEM programs in Maryland, can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to support life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the foundation also considers projects in children’s welfare, humanitarian aid, animals, environment, and arts and culture, prioritizing smaller-budget organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits working on education initiatives in Maryland can use this grant to fund storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports STEM and broader education programs by helping them share their work through media and other narrative tools; awards are more than US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services in Maryland can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships to support their service and fundraising goals. Insperity supports community-focused programs where employees live and work, including eligible charities in Howard County, and requires that organizations apply for either a grant or sponsorship only once per year.

Focused on STEM and related education, this grant invites Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek funding for K-12 and higher education, youth programs, and scholarships. Organizations serving areas like Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, or Howard counties may request support for capital projects, programs, or general operations that measurably improve community quality of life.

Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with flexible funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. Organizations offering STEM or STEAM education within these broader missions may be eligible to apply to support their educational programming and related projects.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for programs like hunger relief, shelter, financial literacy, and job readiness. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations that match these focus areas and can demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability may be eligible.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland that improve quality of life for underserved people through community programs can seek project, general operating, or capital support addressing economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports organizations near its business locations, which may include Maryland communities working on STEM-related workforce readiness or literacy initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland serving youth through education, food security, housing, or environmental programs can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. STEM and STEAM education initiatives that foster academic success, leadership, or outdoor learning for underserved youth may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit and public organizations offering STEM, apprenticeship, or summer enrichment programs in rural Maryland can seek funding for workforce development initiatives. With a mission to strengthen rural prosperity, Rural Maryland Council provides Maryland STEM education and training programs with support to expand apprenticeships, agricultural career pathways, and technology-focused education for adults and students in eligible rural counties.

Local education agencies and nonprofits partnering with Maryland public K–12 schools can secure US $5,000 - US $15,000 to start or expand robotics and STEM programs. Grants from Maryland State Department of Education help Maryland STEM / STEAM education providers offer standards-aligned robotics activities during the school day or as extracurricular programs.

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.