Best Food Safety Grants in Maryland

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community, education, health, hunger, or public safety programs can apply for more than US $1,000 to strengthen local communities. Focused on agriculture, environment, education, and fighting hunger and poverty, the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports initiatives in areas where its associates live and work, which may include food safety-related efforts.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on agriculture, food access, health, environment, or community services can apply for the Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving program; awards up to US $1,000 for community-benefit programs. Organizations with food safety, hunger relief, or related initiatives near Perdue facilities and endorsed by a Perdue associate may be especially competitive.

The MPPEP Phase 3 program aims to enhance processing capabilities for invasive, wild-caught catfish, benefiting both processors and fishers. By increasing processing capacity and volume, the initiative seeks to create fair wages and stable job opportunities, fostering economic growth in rural areas. This grant will support innovative strategies that ensure sustainable practices and elevate incomes within the community, thus contributing to the overall development of the meat and poultry sector.

Educational institutions and organizations in Maryland working on food and agricultural education, workforce training, and food safety can apply for US $10,000 - US $650,000 through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Education and Workforce Development program. With a mission to develop future food and agricultural professionals, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture supports K–14 development, college training, and fellowships.

Research institutions and organizations working on food safety and livestock health can seek funding to study H5N1 risks to the U.S. swine herd, including diagnostic surveillance, transmission, biosecurity, and pork safety. Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research partners in this program, offering up to US $250,000 per project for work that may benefit Maryland stakeholders.

Research institutions and other organizations developing sustainable packaging for U.S. specialty crop exports can apply for $50,000 - $250,000 to advance solutions from lab stage through pilot-scale manufacturing. Grants from Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research help Maryland food safety and agricultural innovators pursue compliant, economically viable alternatives to single-use and plastic packaging for key international markets.

Nonprofit national organizations affiliated with higher education institutions that support state, local, tribal, and territorial retail food safety programs in Maryland and nationwide can apply for FDA’s Retail Food Safety Regulatory Association Collaboration, with awards of US $4,000,000. Funding supports research, intervention strategies, and activities that reduce food-borne illness risk factors and strengthen an integrated food safety system.

State human and animal food testing laboratories in Maryland and other U.S. jurisdictions can receive up to US $1,500,000 to expand food safety and food defense testing capacity. The FDA’s Laboratory Flexible Funding Model supports microbiology, chemistry, and radiochemistry sample testing, method development, and broader capacity and capability projects within an integrated food safety system.

Research institutions and clinical investigators in Maryland and other U.S. jurisdictions can seek up to US $1,750,000 to conduct early phase clinical trials of natural products, including botanicals, probiotics, and dietary supplements. With a mission to advance rigorous natural product research, National Institutes of Health provides phased funding to study pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, mechanisms of action, and clinical outcomes relevant to food and drug safety.

Research institutions and clinical trial teams in Maryland and across the U.S. can apply for up to US $1,050,000 from the National Institutes of Health to conduct early phase clinical trials of natural products. Projects must test botanicals, dietary supplements, probiotics, or standardized nutritional regimens with strong preliminary evidence, including food and drug safety-related outcomes.

Research institutions and clinical trial teams in Maryland and other U.S. locations can apply for US $350,000 from the National Institutes of Health to conduct mid-phase clinical trials of natural products, including standardized nutritional regimens. Projects must test botanicals, dietary supplements, or probiotics with strong preliminary data, which may include food safety–related compounds and mechanisms.

Maryland food safety and drug safety organizations can access funding through the US Department of Health & Human Services: Food and Drug Administration to disseminate clinical practice guidelines. This cooperative agreement offers US $1,000,000 to develop, evaluate, and distribute guideline materials nationwide, with a strong emphasis on equity and effective communication of FDA-supported guidance.

Nonprofit national organizations tied to higher education and representing state, local, tribal, or territorial retail food regulators can seek US $4,000,000 to advance retail food safety practices and research across the U.S. With a mission to reduce food-borne illness, the FDA provides support that may benefit Maryland-based regulatory associations and their members.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S., including those in Maryland, can seek US $1,500,000 to operate the Integrated Food Safety System Regulatory and Laboratory Training System National Coordination Center, supporting food safety training. The US Department of Health & Human Services: Food and Drug Administration funds coordination of high-quality human and animal food regulatory and laboratory training resources.

Early-career public health scientists interested in food safety and related laboratory science can receive fellowship training in Maryland and nationwide through the Association of Public Health Laboratories. This one- to two-year program places fellows in host labs, building competencies in areas like food safety, environmental health, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness that support public health laboratory careers.

The California Specialty Crop Multi-State Program, established by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through funding collaborative projects addressing key issues like food safety and marketing. Grants range from $250,000 to $1 million, supporting initiatives that span up to three years. This program emphasizes the importance of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, and horticulture, in California's agricultural landscape.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The AAAP Foundation: Poultry Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in poultry health and food safety in North America. Offered by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, the scholarship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and promote the well-being of poultry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited veterinary colleges or universities with relevant programs. Scholarships may reach up to $1,500, with undergraduate awards capped at $500, fostering the next generation of poultry medicine professionals.

The Torch Helps Grant provides $10,000 to non-profit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This funding aims to support local charities that deliver essential health and human services to underserved populations. Eligible organizations must operate in the communities where Torch Technologies employees reside and must ensure services are accessible to all, regardless of background. Grants are awarded quarterly, and applications are accepted anytime but must meet specific deadlines.

RedRover Relief Safe Housing Grants provide vital support for domestic violence survivors by enabling them to keep their pets safe during challenging times. With grants up to $60,000, nonprofit organizations can create or enhance programs that offer shelter for pets, foster care, and veterinary services. This initiative fosters collaboration between domestic violence and animal organizations, ensuring comprehensive community support. By addressing the unique needs of families, these grants promote safety and well-being for both humans and their beloved pets.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Abell Foundation's Community Development Grants support initiatives in Baltimore City that enhance quality of life and address urban poverty. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations tackling systemic issues in education, workforce development, health services, community development, criminal justice, environment, and the arts. Grants over $10,000 are awarded to nonprofits and government agencies that demonstrate measurable impact and innovation, focusing on underserved populations to foster community engagement and sustainable growth.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The W. R. Grace Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. that focus on STEM education and basic needs like food and healthcare. Since its inception in 1961, the Foundation has contributed financial and volunteer resources to enhance community wellbeing, particularly in areas where Grace employees reside. They also match employee donations to accredited educational institutions, promoting civic engagement and support for local charities.

Every Kindness is a Gift

Dollar Tree Gift Card Program 2026

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.