Best Agriculture Grants in Maryland

Private forest landowners conserving working forests in Maryland can receive funding for perpetual conservation easements that prevent conversion to non-forest uses. Focused on land and habitat conservation, Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites eligible properties in designated Forest Legacy Areas to apply for federal-state partnership support, which may complement agriculture operations on up to 25% of the land.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation to expand programs for low- and moderate-income families. Grants may support early learning, affordable housing, small business assistance, community services, arts and culture, or neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Maryland nonprofits and community organizations focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable populations. Programs may include healthcare access, pediatric and women’s health, food and housing insecurity, disaster relief, literacy, and other human and social services benefiting at-risk communities locally and globally.

Nonprofit organizations with established 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) status can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Focused on environmental impact, Green Mountain Energy invites Maryland agriculture and conservation nonprofits in eligible ZIP codes to propose measurable, community-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, or related initiatives can seek sponsorship support for programs and events. Bank of America Charitable Foundation supports efforts such as preserving neighborhoods, addressing hunger and shelter, arts and culture, environmental projects, and diversity and inclusion, which may benefit agriculture-related community programs.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in agriculture, food access, environment, education, health, poverty relief, or public safety can receive up to US $1,000 for community-benefit programs. Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation provides these small corporate giving awards in areas where Perdue operates; an endorsement letter from a Perdue associate is required.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government or quasi-government agencies, religious organizations with non-sectarian activities, and civic groups in Maryland can apply for Community Foundation of Frederick County Impact Grants, awarding more than US $500 for programs including agriculture. Organizations in Frederick County working on farming, food systems, or related rural initiatives may benefit.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on agriculture, environment, education, hunger, health, poverty, or public safety can apply for the Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving program, with awards of more than US $1,000. Eligible organizations must operate in Perdue communities and secure endorsement from a Perdue associate before submitting a request.

Universities, organizations, and individuals in Maryland can seek funding for projects that boost grain farm profitability and public understanding of agriculture. Grants from Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board help agriculture initiatives focused on education, promotion, and research tied to corn, wheat, barley, sorghum, and rapeseed/canola production.

Land trusts and community-based environmental organizations in Maryland can apply for funding to build capacity, foster public support for conservation, and steward permanently protected lands. Grants from Maryland Environmental Trust, through the Keep Maryland Beautiful Track 2: Land Trust Assistance program, offer up to US $10,000 for education, outreach, and stewardship projects that engage residents.

Maryland agricultural landowners and managers seeking funding for tree planting and reforestation projects in Maryland can access funding through Maryland Environmental Trust, with awards up to US $50,000. Projects may include tree planting on agricultural lands, establishing or enhancing riparian buffers, and creating or preserving larger contiguous forest tracts.

Maryland nonprofit organizations and government agencies hosting young adults for full-time environmental service can apply for Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps support. Funding helps place 18–25-year-olds in one-year, stipend-supported positions in environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, climate and energy conservation, forestry, education, and community engagement 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.

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.

Maryland students pursuing agriculture or related degrees at two- or four-year colleges can receive up to US $1,000 to support their academic studies. Maryland agriculture students can access funding through Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board, which offers two scholarships for non-members to advance agricultural education and careers benefiting the grain industry.

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 quality and sustainable agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maryland supports projects on cropland, rangeland, pastureland, and other eligible farm or ranch lands.

Maryland-based commercial, industrial, agricultural, data center, and nonprofit facility owners planning energy-efficiency improvements can apply for the Maryland Energy Administration’s Commercial & Industrial Grant Program. Funding supports new construction or upgrades that exceed current energy codes, with up to 100% of project costs covered for non-governmental facilities serving predominantly low-income populations in Maryland.

Nonprofits, farmers, researchers, and other agriculture stakeholders working on sustainable farming and food systems in Maryland and the broader Northeast can seek $50,000 - $250,000 for social science research and education projects. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education supports community-based, farmer-informed initiatives addressing marketing, production, livestock, aquaculture, climate, and economic or social sustainability challenges.

Nonprofits, producer groups, agencies, universities, and other agriculture organizations in Maryland can apply for Maryland Department of Agriculture’s competitive grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $140,000 for projects enhancing specialty crop competitiveness. Funding supports fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, hops, grapes, maple syrup, Christmas trees, and nursery crops, including multi-state projects benefiting Maryland producers.

Maryland nonprofits, food banks, and charitable emergency food providers can apply for Maryland Department of Agriculture’s MFARM grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $40,000 to purchase local agricultural and seafood products and cover related transportation. Funding supports food access and hunger relief using products from Certified Local Farm and Fish and Chesapeake Invasive Species providers.

High school seniors in Howard County, Maryland pursuing pre-law, agriculture, animal husbandry, or farming-related studies can apply for the C. Merritt Pumphrey Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 for college tuition. Offered by the Community Foundation of Howard County, this opportunity supports agricultural education pathways at two- or four-year institutions.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations improving food access and rural health in Maryland can seek support to expand post-harvest infrastructure, food hubs, and mobile markets. Rural Maryland Council supports agriculture and food security by funding projects that boost local food procurement by institutions and advance nutrition education in rural communities facing food insecurity.

Rural-serving nonprofit organizations and community colleges in Maryland can access agriculture and rural development funding through the Rural Maryland Council to support planning, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education. Grants help expand training, technical assistance, and organizational capacity, and encourage new public-private partnerships that strengthen rural communities and small businesses.

Rural-serving nonprofit organizations and community colleges in Maryland can receive funding to support agricultural education, rural development, and related community initiatives. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Rural Maryland Council provides agriculture-focused groups with support for economic development, youth programs, broadband expansion, energy efficiency, and other projects that build capacity and foster public–private partnerships.

Nonprofit and public organizations running rural workforce, apprenticeship, STEM, or agriculture education programs in Maryland can seek funding to expand training and career pathways. With a mission to strengthen rural prosperity, Rural Maryland Council provides support for agricultural apprenticeships, community college partnerships, and summer enrichment that build the state’s agricultural workforce pipeline.

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.