Best Community Development Grants in Maryland

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

M&T Charitable Foundation 

Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve. During our 165-year history, we evolved with the needs of our locations, and are guided by a leadership team that holds us accountable.

Adapting to the needs of our neighbors means finding new solutions and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community.

M&T Charitable Foundation Community Sponsorship Program

At M&T Bank we are building a stronger community - together. Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve.

Community Sponsorships enable us to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in the regions we operate.

Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations we support beyond a financial commitment. At M&T Bank, we consider supporting sponsorship opportunities that result in a mutually beneficial partnership.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers grants ranging from $35,000 to $100,000 aimed at enhancing community safety through lighting, camera surveillance, and related services. These grants are intended for tax-exempt nonprofits or local governments in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. By investing in these safety measures, the program seeks to address illegal activities and improve the livability of communities across Maryland.

The Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit, offered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, provides up to $15 million to rehabilitate eligible properties previously owned by government entities. This initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and community development, particularly emphasizing affordable housing. To qualify, businesses must be in good standing with Maryland and engage in projects that align with these goals, focusing on former educational and health facilities.

Nonprofit organizations and local governments in Maryland can receive operating support for community and economic revitalization efforts, including Main Street and technical assistance activities. Focused on community development, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development invites applicants to use up to US $50,000 for eligible operating expenses tied to locally driven revitalization work plans.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in Priority Funding Areas can apply for Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Investment Tax Credits, awarding up to US $10,000 in state tax credit allocations to leverage donations. Funding can support community development, housing, education, youth services, workforce training, arts, tourism, and services for at-risk residents.

Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to assisting Maryland's local governments and nonprofit organizations build capacity to achieve their community revitalization and economic development goals.

Operating Assistance Grants include funding for Technical Assistance and Main Street Improvement Program Grant.

The Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program assists local governments and nonprofits with operating costs associated with local housing and community revitalization efforts.

The General Assembly must approve these amounts during the 2027 legislative session before they are final.

Grants funds can be used for operating costs related to administering the Technical Assistance Grant program, including:

• Salaries
• Professional services contracts
• Technology costs
• Other related administrative expenses

Funding details

• The maximum grant request is $50,000.
• A funding match is not required.
• All projects or activities should be completed within one year.
• Capital project costs are not supported through TAG. Other DHCD programs do support capital costs, such as State Revitalization Programs​.

The Abell Foundation offers Community Development Grants to support nonprofit organizations improving Baltimore's quality of life. These small grants, typically under $10,000, fund innovative projects, ongoing services, and capital initiatives aimed at addressing systemic challenges. Focused on fostering equity, the Foundation targets organizations with 501c3 status that serve Baltimore City and align with its core program areas, including health, education, and community development.

The Fund for Change Grants support organizations advocating for social change, focusing on underserved communities. With an average grant size of $10,000-25,000, it funds initiatives in housing, behavioral health, criminal justice reform, and environmental justice. Eligible organizations can apply annually, but multi-year commitments are not available. The fund does not support capital campaigns, indirect costs, endowments, or individual scholarships, ensuring that funds are directed towards direct program expenses.

Maryland Facade Improvement Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​The Maryland Facade Improvement Program provides funding to improve the exteriors of businesses located in Maryland Sustainable Communities.

The Maryland Facade Improvement Program (MFIP) provides funds to local governments and community development organizations for programs to improve the exteriors of commercial properties located within Maryland’s Sustainable Communities. The program supports communities seeking to create consistent, attractive designs for their commercial corridors in order to bolster economic vitality and stimulate new private investments. Local facade improvement programs should support the goals identified in the area’s Sustainable Communities Action Plan. 

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities supporting rural community development, education, or local services can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants support community vitality projects such as ag education, schools, city improvements, fire and ambulance departments, United Way chapters, and economic development in eligible rural areas.