Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

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.

The Wawa Foundation offers Financial Grants through its Local Connection Grants program, providing funding under $2,500 to support local non-profit organizations. This initiative emphasizes health, hunger, and community heroes, ensuring that support is directed toward registered 501(c)(3) organizations within Wawa's operational areas. Applicants can expect feedback within four weeks after submission, with ongoing inquiries accepted until budget limits are reached, encouraging re-application for future funding.

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.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development 

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development transforms communities into places people want to call home. Through investments in community-led placemaking, housing and small business development, infrastructure and broadband deployment, we partner with local government, nonprofits, and private sector stakeholders to make great places.

NourishMD Grant Program

The Nouri​shMD Grant Program is a targeted investment designed to expand access to healthy and fresh foods in Maryland communities experiencing food insecurity by providing direct grants to eligible retailers. 

The Venison Donation Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, provides funding to organizations for butchering and processing donated deer, aiding those in need. With a maximum grant of $25,000, eligible grantees include county governments and 501(c)(3) organizations. Funds can cover up to $60 per deer processed, requiring quarterly reports detailing processing activities and distributions to recipient organizations. This initiative supports nutritional needs for vulnerable populations in Maryland.

The Wawa Foundation offers in-kind support to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within its six-state area, focusing on health, hunger, and everyday heroes. Organizations can request product donations, such as Wawa brand beverages, or gift baskets for fundraising events. Requests must be made at least four weeks in advance, and support is subject to availability. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and enhance local philanthropy through meaningful contributions.

The Wolpoff Family Foundation Grant seeks to support established organizations in Montgomery County, Maryland, that have been operational for at least five years. This foundation aims to foster community development, education, and medical research, and invites re-applications from previously funded organizations. Grants are available for specific initiatives, with a maximum award of $15,000 for first-time grantees, focusing on measurable impacts and community needs.

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 France-Merrick Foundation Grant, focusing on Maryland's Greater Baltimore area, supports one-time, project-oriented requests exceeding $50,000. Prioritizing financial sustainability, the Foundation funds projects across civic, cultural, community, economic development, education, health, and environmental sectors. It emphasizes innovative collaborations to enhance community vitality and resilience while ensuring adherence to sustainable practices. Organizations must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status and financial stability, with a commitment to improving lives and strengthening neighborhoods through targeted initiatives.

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.

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.

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.