Best Maryland Grants for Nonprofits

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Housing Justice Program Fellowship, offered by Equal Justice Works, addresses the urgent need for legal assistance among low-income individuals facing housing instability in Virginia, South Carolina, and Maryland. This two-year fellowship provides legal and organizational training, networking opportunities, and essential support for fellows dedicated to combating eviction and promoting housing justice. Ideal candidates possess strong communication skills and a commitment to community advocacy, making a significant impact in the lives of those at risk of displacement.

The Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Host Organization Grant, offered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, aims to enhance public engagement in environmental restoration through a structured program. This initiative places young adults (ages 18-25) with various nonprofit organizations or government agencies for a year of stipend-supported service. Participants gain valuable experience and training in areas such as environmental education and sustainable practices, fostering the next generation of environmental leaders.

The Aileen Hughes Award Program, managed by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, recognizes exemplary leadership in land conservation by individuals associated with Maryland land trusts. This prestigious grant honors the legacy of Aileen Hughes, a notable conservationist and advocate for civil rights. By encouraging nominations from Maryland land trusts, the program aims to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and excellence in the field, thereby fostering community involvement in protecting natural resources essential to the Chesapeake Bay.

The Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.

The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program, led by the Maryland Environmental Trust and partners, offers Community Stewardship Grants of up to $5,000. These grants focus on empowering schools and nonprofits to engage community members, particularly youth, in environmental education and stewardship. By fostering citizen involvement and innovative solutions, the program aims to address local environmental issues, promote awareness, and enhance community well-being through hands-on projects.

The Janice Hollmann Grant offers up to $10,000 to land trusts in Maryland, requiring a 100% match of in-kind services and private funds. Established in 1990, the grant honors Janice Hollmann's legacy in conservation. With support from the Maryland Environmental Trust, it aims to enhance organizational capacity and foster collaboration among land trusts. This initiative has awarded over $465,000 in grants, promoting sustainable practices and protecting natural resources for future generations.

Maryland's Rural Legacy Grant Program aims to protect large, contiguous tracts of land with rich natural and cultural resources from sprawl development. By fostering collaboration between state and local governments and land trusts, the program enhances farms and forests through the acquisition of easements and fee simple estates from willing landowners. Annual applications from local sponsors are reviewed by the Rural Legacy Advisory Committee, which makes funding recommendations to the Rural Legacy Board and ultimately to the Governor.

The MD Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural practices. NRCS prioritizes applications that support habitat for migratory birds and wildlife. Eligible landowners receive technical and financial assistance for restoration, with options for permanent, 30-year, and term easements. This initiative enhances biodiversity, improves water quality, and supports various ecological benefits, making it essential for environmental conservation in Maryland.

The MD Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers financial assistance to protect agricultural land and its conservation values by limiting nonagricultural uses. NRCS prioritizes applications from eligible partners that enhance agricultural viability and conserve resources like grasslands and wetlands. With potential contributions up to 75% of market value, this program supports farmers and ranchers in maintaining their land for agricultural use, ensuring sustainability and environmental protection.

The Maryland Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) supports farmers in managing financial risks through conservation practices. Eligible producers can receive up to 75% of installation costs for practices that enhance water management and quality, and soil conservation. With a funding cap of $50,000 per fiscal year, the AMA also offers higher cost-share rates for historically underserved producers, ensuring equitable access to resources for sustainable agricultural development.

The Maryland Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) provides essential technical and financial support to agricultural and forest producers, encouraging them to enhance conservation practices over a five-year period. Participants can receive annual payments for implementing new conservation strategies, while maintaining existing efforts. The program is open year-round, with no minimum acreage requirement, making it accessible for all eligible landowners. CSP aims to foster sustainable land management by evaluating stewardship thresholds and offering tailored conservation practices.

The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee Grants Program provides funding for community-driven tree planting and educational projects on public lands throughout Maryland. Aimed at enhancing urban forests, the program prioritizes projects that engage organizations rather than individuals, and encourages initiatives that raise public awareness about the benefits of trees. Projects with matching funds are given preference, supporting the overall quality and quantity of the urban tree canopy.

The MD Animal Waste Technology Grants, established by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, support innovative technologies for managing animal waste. These grants aim to reduce nutrient runoff into local waterways and promote sustainable farming practices. By funding projects that transform waste into valuable products or energy, the program not only aids farmers in meeting environmental goals but also enhances their economic viability. This initiative is part of Maryland's commitment to restoring the Chesapeake Bay's health by 2025.

The MD Cover Crop Program Grants, offered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, aim to support farmers in utilizing cover crops to combat erosion, enhance soil health, and improve environmental sustainability. This year, increased incentive payments are available, allowing farmers to earn up to $105 per acre for implementing valuable planting practices. Aerially seeded cover crops can qualify for up to $90 per acre, promoting effective agricultural practices while benefiting the ecosystem.

Maryland Historical Trust

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) supports historic preservation and revitalization by providing funding and resources to care for historic sites. MHT serves as the State Historic Preservation Office and operates Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum.

Museum Assistance Program Grants

The Museum Assistance Program (MAP), administered by the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), offers funding to support Maryland museums and institutional collections. The program helps historical and cultural museums strengthen operations, build professional capacity, and improve long-term sustainability. 

A museum is defined as an organization that collects, preserves, and interprets objects and materials for the public.

Applicant museums must interpret Maryland’s cultural heritage, history, natural history, or history of science and technology. Museums operated in whole or in part by the state or federal government are not eligible. 

The Maryland Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, provides approximately $400,000 in competitive grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Maryland. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions. Grants range from $15,000 to $140,000 for projects lasting up to two years, with a focus on benefiting a broader group of producers. Proposals must align with industry priorities and demonstrate collaborative support.

The MD Spay and Neuter Grant Program, initiated by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, aims to decrease the number of pets surrendered and euthanized in shelters. By providing grants to local governments and non-profits, the program facilitates free spay and neuter services for low-income families, unowned community cats, and supports capital projects for clinics. This initiative is vital for improving animal welfare and reducing shelter populations across Maryland.

The Maryland Horse Board Grants Program aims to enhance the state's horse industry through funding for projects that increase awareness, education, and participation in equestrian activities. Grants, typically around $1,000, support diverse initiatives, particularly those aligning with the Maryland Horse Forum Report. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government programs, and educational institutions in Maryland. Funding requests should not exceed $3,000, fostering sustainable growth and inclusivity within the horse community.

The CBT Youth Environmental Education Grant Program aims to enhance youth engagement in environmental education in Maryland and surrounding areas. This program funds projects that allow students to explore local environmental issues through hands-on research, leading to actionable solutions. Grants support various initiatives, including outdoor investigations and educator training, with funds available up to $10,000 for selected projects. This initiative seeks to foster sustainable practices and environmental stewardship among young learners.

The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, funded by the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports innovative green infrastructure projects enhancing community livability. With funding opportunities ranging from conceptual plans to full project implementation, this program aims to reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban green spaces, and boost local water health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible locations include parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as New York.

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) is an independent unit of government that operates in the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) and is chaired by the MDP Secretary. MHAA oversees the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, which is housed administratively within the Maryland Historical Trust.  

Maryland Heritage Areas Program Project Grants

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program awards approximately $3 million towards capital and non-capital project grants within one or more of Maryland’s 13 heritage areas. These projects highlight Maryland's diverse heritage, enhance local communities, and promote tourism, sustainability, and economic development. 

Non Capital Project Grants

Capital projects funds support and create heritage tourism resources and experiences within the 13 heritage areas. Includes: Planning; Interpretation; and Programming (preference is given to new or pilot programs rather than ongoing activities.

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) is an independent unit of government that operates in the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) and is chaired by the MDP Secretary. MHAA oversees the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, which is housed administratively within the Maryland Historical Trust.  

Maryland Heritage Areas Program Project Grants

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program awards approximately $3 million towards capital and non-capital project grants within one or more of Maryland’s 13 heritage areas. These projects highlight Maryland's diverse heritage, enhance local communities, and promote tourism, sustainability, and economic development. 

Capital Project Grants

Capital projects funds support and create heritage tourism infrastructure within the 13 heritage areas.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Mission Statement​: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources leads the state toward a resilient future by using data, partnerships, and an innovative spirit to improve ecological, social, and economic outcomes for all communities.

​​​Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) supports projects to improve outdoor recreation through the acquisition of land and development or renovation of recreation amenities. 

LWCF funding must be matched 1:1 with non-federal funds. Acceptable federal funding sources for matching:

• Recreational Trails Fund
• Community Development Block Grants
• Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration

Funding: Reimbursement-based. Funds will be issued after the project has been completed.

Recreation Use: The entire park must be permanently protected and dedicated exclusively to recreational use.

Project Completion Timeline:​ Projects must be completed within 3 years of award date (with possibility of 2-year extension)

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh Scholarship

The Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 by the Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.