Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Maryland public agencies, local governments, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties can seek funding for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. These Area Development grants from Appalachian Regional Commission may benefit organizations whose food access or hunger initiatives intersect with water, wastewater, transportation, broadband, or related public infrastructure needs.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Frederick County, Maryland can apply for Ausherman Family Foundation’s capacity building grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for organizational planning, leadership development, technology, and internal operations. Organizations addressing food access, hunger, nutrition, or related human services may be eligible when seeking to strengthen their management and infrastructure.

Charitable organizations in Maryland and worldwide working on humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts initiatives can seek philanthropic support for high-quality projects that promote sustainable development. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities, including those with food access or hunger-related programming, engage local partners and employees while leveraging the company’s expertise and logistics capabilities.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on food access, hunger, education, science, or health can apply for funding to support charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help U.S.-based organizations deliver broad, effective services, which may include Maryland initiatives addressing food insecurity and related community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing food, basic needs, or related human services in Maryland, especially those based in or active in Harford County, can seek support for programs improving quality of life and community well-being. Drescher Foundation also funds health, education, and civic and cultural initiatives that may complement food access and hunger efforts.

About

Who We Are

The Charles County Charitable Trust manages the grant application and award process for nonprofits located in Charles County, Maryland. Funding for grants is provided to the Trust by the Charles County Board of Commissioners. The Trust monitors the grants awarded, performing site visits to grantees, and tracking the impact of grant dollars on the community. The organization provides opportunities for representatives of nonprofit organizations to participate in comprehensive learning experiences, including fundraising plans, nonprofit networking and collaboration, and marketing and communications to increase overall support and assure sustainability.

ARPA Community Impact Grant

Grant Information

The Charles County Charitable Trust is pleased to offer the ARPA Community Impact Grant to eligible nonprofit organizations serving Charles County residents.

This grant opportunity is supported through funding made available under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is intended to support eligible projects that address qualifying public health and/or negative economic impacts associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency while strengthening the capacity of local nonprofit organizations to serve Charles County residents.

Local nonprofits have played an essential role in helping Charles County residents navigate the challenges created or intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, many organizations continue to experience increased demand for services, workforce challenges, increased operating costs, technology needs, facility needs, and other impacts.

The ARPA Community Impact Grant provides an opportunity to make a strategic investment in the organizations serving our community.

Grant funding will prioritize projects that strengthen nonprofit organizations, expand services, improve organizational capacity, and address the continuing needs of Charles County residents.

Nonprofits and community partners working on sustainable farming and food systems in Maryland and the broader Northeast can seek US $50,000 - US $250,000 for social science research and education projects. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education supports community-based initiatives that improve agricultural sustainability, food access, and farmer livelihoods through collaborative, scalable solutions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access and hunger in Maryland can seek grants of more than US $2,500 to expand hunger relief and related services. Wawa Foundation supports programs within its six-state market that improve access to food, alongside initiatives in health and support for everyday heroes like first responders and veterans.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community programs in food access, public safety, health, education, or environmental stewardship can receive up to US $1,000 for local initiatives. The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations in its operating states, with preference for communities near major facilities and those endorsed by Perdue associates.

501(c)(3) public charities serving Maryland residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s competitive grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000 for community services, including food access and hunger programs. Nonprofits providing comprehensive, culturally competent services and pursuing systemic change may be especially strong candidates.

The Help Our Neighbors Grant Program, initiated by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, provides vital emergency assistance to individuals and families in need. Grants range from $500 to $1,000, aimed at covering essential expenses like rent, utilities, and food. To qualify, organizations must operate in Anne Arundel County and possess a 501(c)(3) designation. The program emphasizes addressing urgent financial needs to help maintain independence.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Philip L. Graham Fund provides Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities with US $30,000 - US $75,000 for food access, basic human needs, and related services. Nonprofits serving residents of Charles, Montgomery, or Prince George's counties may request primarily one-time needs like equipment or capital supporting Food Access & Hunger work.

Existing food banks, pantries, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and civic groups in Maryland serving Frederick County residents can apply for the Frederick FEED Grant, with awards of more than US $5,000 to expand food distribution and purchase equipment. Administered by the Community Foundation of Frederick County, this program supports food insecurity services and related operating costs.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $1,000 for community programs can apply for support from the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. Funding may back initiatives in food access and hunger, agriculture, environment, education, health, poverty alleviation, human services, public safety, and cultural heritage, with priority for communities near Perdue facilities and associate-endorsed projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland counties where Penn National Gaming operates can apply for Penn National Gaming Foundation grants to support community development, education, human services, cultural programs, health, and veteran and military support. Maryland nonprofits addressing food access and hunger within these broader areas may be eligible if they are located in an eligible county.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)/509(a) organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City can apply for the Abell Foundation’s community development grants over More than US $10,000 to support food access and hunger initiatives. Funding can cover seed projects, ongoing programs, general operations, capital needs, research, and related community development efforts in Maryland.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food access and hunger relief can apply for Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation grants to purchase food for their hunger-relief programs. Eligible organizations must operate within 20 miles of a Food Lion store in designated states and may apply once every 12 months during bi-annual grant cycles.

Maryland food banks, charitable emergency food providers, and nonprofits can apply for Maryland Department of Agriculture’s MFARM grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $40,000 to purchase local agricultural and seafood products for food-insecure residents. Funding can also cover transportation of these products, helping strengthen Maryland’s food access and hunger relief efforts.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and families in Anne Arundel County can receive US $25,000 - US $50,000 for programs that prioritize children’s physical, mental, and behavioral health. Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County supports initiatives such as nutrition education, healthy food access, and related services that improve overall child and family well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on youth-focused food access, hunger relief, housing, or community and environmental programs can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. U.S.-based nonprofits and equivalent charities in select countries are eligible for these annual community impact grants.

Nonprofits and community organizations improving food access and rural health in Maryland can seek support for projects expanding post-harvest infrastructure, food hubs, and mobile markets. Rural Maryland Council funding may also back local food procurement by schools and hospitals, nutrition education, and regional coordination to address food insecurity in rural communities.

Rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges in Maryland can seek funding to expand agricultural education, rural broadband, energy efficiency, youth enrichment, and broader rural community and economic development efforts. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Rural Maryland Council provides support to build capacity and foster new public-private partnerships that may benefit food system and regional food access work.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food access and hunger relief can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants Hunger Relief round, with awards from US $1,000 - US $20,000. Eligible organizations primarily serve rural communities in Cecil, Kent, or Washington Counties through food banks, pantries, meal programs, community gardens, or local food systems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access and hunger in Maryland, especially those serving the Washington, D.C. metro region, can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 for general operating support. The Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Foundation focuses on human services that ensure food security and other basic needs for vulnerable communities.