Best Hagerstown Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

About the Community Foundation of Washington County

The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. Artist of Change Scholarship

Provides scholarships to deserving students in Washington County, MD whose art, charitable work, or intended career path promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, and/or justice for communities that have faced historical oppression.

Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Boomer Harsh Memorial Fund

This fund aims to provide scholarships to Washington County students graduating from public school. Ideal recipients should participate in school golf and/or tennis teams and be pursuing a post-secondary education in veterinary medicine/science, hoping to become a vet tech or work in an animal-studies related program.

Nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges supporting rural development, agriculture, broadband, energy, youth, or community and economic development in Hagerstown, Maryland can apply for the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF). Grants from Rural Maryland Council help build capacity for rural-serving programs and encourage new public–private partnerships across eligible Maryland counties, including Washington County.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing health, human services, or civic programs within 100 miles of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, including Hagerstown, Maryland, can apply for the Secular Distribution Grant to support community needs. Grants from Stewart Huston Charitable Trust may fund specific projects, operations, capital, equipment, or last-resort support that address demonstrated local needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations in Hagerstown, Maryland focused on domestic animals and pets may be eligible for funding to support capacity building, capital improvements, and program or spay/neuter efforts. Grants from Nestlé Purina help U.S. pet shelters and related groups, especially those near its facilities, strengthen services for pets and their communities.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Marion I & Henry J Knott Foundation provides Hagerstown, Maryland nonprofits with project funding in arts and humanities, Catholic activities, education, health care, and human services. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Archdiocese of Baltimore can request US $10,000 - US $45,000 through annual General Fund cycles using a single Letter of Inquiry.

Nonprofit and public entities pursuing multi-state economic and community development projects in Appalachia, including Hagerstown, Maryland, can seek planning or implementation support for regional initiatives. Appalachian Regional Commission supports economic development, workforce readiness, community revitalization, and tourism across eligible Appalachian counties; awards up to US $10,000,000 for large-scale collaborative efforts.

State and local agencies, governmental entities, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties, including Washington County, Maryland, can seek funding for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. With a mission to strengthen Appalachian communities, Appalachian Regional Commission provides support for water, wastewater, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, worker training, and related economic development initiatives.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to enhance the quality of life in rural Maryland by 2030 through strategic investments in economic and community development. The RMPIF MD Rural Agricultural Development Grant supports agriculture, which is vital to Maryland's economy, contributing $16.5 billion and over 73,000 jobs. This initiative fosters sustainable development while preserving the cultural heritage of rural areas, ensuring that local organizations can leverage additional resources for continued agricultural growth and agritourism.

About Us

The Rural Maryland Council

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) brings together citizens, community-based organizations, federal, state, county and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to collectively address the needs of Rural Maryland communities. We provide a venue for members of agriculture and natural resource-based industries, health care facilities, educational institutions, economic and community development organizations, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and government agencies to cross traditional boundaries, share information, and address in a more holistic way the special needs and opportunities in Rural Maryland.

Our goals are to:

• Encourage healthy, connected communities throughout Rural Maryland through convening of stakeholders, education, public relations, and advocacy.
• Support the development and growth of vibrant economies in Rural Maryland.
• Foster stewardship of Maryland’s natural resources.
• Maximize RMC outreach, resources and mission through financial and organizational development.

As a collaborative partnership, the RMC operates in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. Policy-makers and managers from stakeholder agencies and organizations at all levels of government and the private sector are valued participants. Where practical, the decision-making undertaken by the RMC is made by reaching consensus.

RMC’s vision is a future where all of Rural Maryland is prosperous with thriving resources, vibrant economies, and healthy, connected communities.

Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Purpose:

To support initiatives that improve access to healthy, locally sourced food across rural communities. The program will support projects that expand post-harvest infrastructure for small farms, enhance food distribution through food hubs and mobile markets, and increase procurement of local foods by institutions such as schools, hospitals, and community organizations. Additional priorities include advancing nutrition education and supporting regional coordination to address food insecurity in rural “hot spot” communities.

About the Community Foundation of Washington County

The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. 

About the Scholarship

This scholarship fund, established in memory of Robert Henry Kelsh, offers financial aid to a minority student (with preference to African American students) from any Washington County Public or private high school, or a student currently enrolled in 2 or 4 year college, whose intended career path is to pursue further education at a trade school, college, university, or other special-focused institution for Culinary Art, or for Specialized Instruction in Piano. This scholarship is a component of the Doleman Black Heritage Museum Agency Fund.

About the Community Foundation of Washington County The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. 

Patterson Graff Educational Fund

This scholarship fund will support females in furthering their education, in any field, to reach their educational goals.

Nonprofit and conservation organizations in Washington County, Maryland working on forest and freshwater habitat restoration can apply for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program. Grants of US $75,000 - US $500,000 support projects that improve forest management and stream health for priority bird, fish, and aquatic species in eligible counties, including Hagerstown’s area.

About the FoundationThe Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. The ScholarshipThis scholarship is awarded to non-traditional women of Washington County who demonstrate financial need but are committed to pursuing a post-secondary education or career training. Successful candidates will demonstrate resiliency and courage in overcoming a life-altering challenge. They will have graduated high school, have a General Education Development (GED), or has a non-traditional plan to attain a GED.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to enhance the quality of life in rural areas by 2030, focusing on economic and community development. It promotes investments in education and workforce initiatives, such as apprenticeships and STEM programs, to empower young adults to stay in their communities. The fund encourages collaboration among public and nonprofit organizations, ensuring sustainable development while preserving cultural heritage and rural lifestyles.

About the Foundation

The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. 

The ScholarshipThis scholarship is provided by the Washington County Maryland School Nutrition Association and is open to graduating high school seniors in Washington County, MD. Applicants must be planning to pursue a degree or certification in Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Dietetics, Hospitality Management, or a related field. 

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with local youth education, storytelling, or community engagement programs in Hagerstown, Maryland may be eligible for Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation’s Local Impact Grants. Focused on youth empowerment, emerging storytellers, and volunteerism, this program supports organizations located in designated NBC and Telemundo markets with revenues and expenses between $100,000 and $1,000,000.

Nonprofit organizations providing high-quality early childhood education and school-readiness programs can access funding through PNC Foundation, including those serving Hagerstown, Maryland. Grants support work with children from birth to age 5 in areas like vocabulary, social-emotional learning, math, science, and the arts within eligible U.S. counties.

Hagerstown, Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing community services or basic human needs can access funding through Shepherd University Foundation’s Women Investing in Shepherd program. Two grants of US $36,625 support high-impact projects serving Washington County, Maryland and other eligible tri-state counties, especially those responding to urgent needs, bold new ventures, or fresh approaches to ongoing challenges.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

Hagerstown, Maryland nonprofits and public entities focused on economic and workforce development can access funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative, with awards up to US $2,500,000. Projects must serve coal-impacted communities in Washington County and support activities like job creation, workforce training, entrepreneurial development, or broadband planning and implementation.

The Women’s Giving Circle Grant empowers women and families in Washington County, MD, by funding programs that enhance life skills, support young girls' development, and improve overall well-being. Since 2003, this initiative has supported various organizations, providing essential resources such as professional attire, educational classes, and transitional housing. With contributions starting at just a dollar a day, the grant fosters a collaborative philanthropic spirit among women, ensuring impactful support for the community.

Literary Arts Fund

Grants Overview

The Literary Arts Fund will award at least $50 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field over the next five years, concluding in 2031.

With a short timeline, the fund’s grantmaking has a strategic focus on the areas of the literary arts ecosystem where it determined it could have the greatest impact— that is: supporting independent U.S.-based literary arts nonprofits whose primary mission is directly serving adult writers of creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and hybrid works in making their artistic work and sharing it with readers outside of school and academic settings. Please review the fund’s full eligibility requirements to learn more.

General Operating Grants Applications 2026 Guide

Background

The Literary Arts Fund was established in 2025 to dramatically increase funding for and the visibility of the nonprofit literary arts field toward ensuring a healthy and more robust U.S. literary culture in support of creative writers. The fund will award at least $10 million in grants to the nonprofit literary arts field in each of the next five years, concluding in 2031. The first open call is for 2026 general operating grant applications.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

The Maralyn J. Stewart Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Available to Modesto City Schools high school seniors or graduates of Modesto City Schools who demonstrate financial need and participated in performing arts while in high school.

Award Amount:

• Ranges from $1,000 to $2,500  

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Virginia Welch Scholarship

Each year the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Auxiliary awards the Virginia Welch Scholarship to students planning to pursue a career in a medically-related field. The scholarship is named in honor of Virginia Welch, a head nurse who became Good Samaritan’s administrator in 1951 and served until 1967. To date, more than $320,000 has been awarded to students pursuing a career in health care.

High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in, or accepted to, a program to pursue a career in a medically-related field in a hospital setting are eligible to apply.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Matthew VanFleet Memorial Automotive Scholarship

Established by Matthew’s parents and his sister in memory of Matt who passed away in an automobile accident. The scholarship provides assistance to a student who will study automotive technology. The scholarship is available to students from all the school districts in Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

North Lincoln Hospital Foundation Medical Training Scholarship

The North Lincoln Hospital Foundation is committed to supporting the growth and development of healthcare professionals. Through the Medical Training Scholarship program, eligible applicants can receive up to $1,500 to help cover tuition costs for certification programs or degrees in nursing, diagnostic imaging, laboratory sciences, and other medical or technical fields.