Best Grants for Capital Funding in Maryland

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

Maryl​and Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC)

The Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) was created by the Maryland General Assembly through the Community Health Care Access and Safety Net Act of 2005 to expand access to health care for low-income Marylanders and underserved communities in the state and support the delivery of affordable, high-quality health services by bolstering the capacity of the State’s health care safety net infrastructure. The CHRC is an independent commission, within the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), whose 11 members are appointed by the Governor. Since its inception, the CHRC has awarded 985 grants totaling $396 million, supporting programs in every jurisdiction of the state. These programs have collectively served more than 912,000 Marylanders. CHRC grantees have used initial grant funds to leverage more than $59 million in additional federal, private, and local funding. Approximately 75% of Commission programs have been sustained at least one year or more after the initial grant funding has been expended.

The Maryland General Assembly created the CHRC because it recognized the need to have an independent commission focused solely on supporting projects that serve the unique health needs of vulnerable populations, strengthen the state’s network of community health resources, and address delivery gaps in Maryland’s dynamic health care marketplace. Health insurance coverage is not always sufficient for at-risk communities and vulnerable populations looking to receive affordable, high quality health care services. The fundamental policy objective of the CHRC’s authorizing statute is to expand capacity and resources to community health providers that can close these health gaps.

The CHRC’s annual Requests for Applications (RFA) have long reflected the Commission’s commitment to promote health equity, reduce health disparities, improve health outcomes, address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), foster partnerships, and support state health priorities. 

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) Launch Program aims to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies that leverage human stem cells or their derivatives. This initiative encourages collaboration between public and private sectors, promoting partnerships between research institutions and businesses in Maryland. By providing supplementary funding, the program seeks to enhance technology development, ensuring a pathway from research to market, thereby fostering significant advancements in healthcare.

The NRA Foundation: Maryland Grants support charitable purposes as defined by the IRS. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and state-recognized nonprofits. The Foundation promotes firearms safety, education, and research, while aiming to enhance public benefit through community engagement in shooting sports and hunting. Ineligible entities include private businesses and individuals. Grant requests must align with the Foundation's mission to foster educational and charitable initiatives related to firearms and safety.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund's Discovery Grant Program aims to support innovative research in stem cell and regenerative medicine. Its mission is to develop new strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and treating human diseases through the use of human stem cells. This program encourages collaboration among academic institutions and fosters groundbreaking research that can lead to significant advancements in medical therapies, ultimately enhancing our understanding and treatment of various health conditions.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The Meyer Foundation provides Rapid Response Grants to support nonprofit organizations addressing urgent challenges related to racial and economic justice in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. These grants are available to core grantee partners and focus on community organizing, advocacy, and direct actions. Eligible organizations must have received funding from the foundation since January 2024. Applications are open from February to November 2026, allowing partners to apply for up to two grants within the year.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Maryland Horse Board Grants Program aims to enhance the state's horse industry through funding for projects that increase awareness, education, and participation in equestrian activities. Grants, typically around $1,000, support diverse initiatives, particularly those aligning with the Maryland Horse Forum Report. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government programs, and educational institutions in Maryland. Funding requests should not exceed $3,000, fostering sustainable growth and inclusivity within the horse community.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The Louis H. Shaman Charitable Foundation, established by Louis H. Shaman, offers grants to support organizations aiding senior residents in Maryland. With an average of five grants awarded annually, the foundation prioritizes 501(c)(3) exempt organizations that benefit the elderly, disadvantaged, and disabled. Organizations that have exceeded 15% in fundraising expenses over two years are ineligible. Applications are reviewed during the foundation's annual grant meeting.

The Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute (UHI) offers Strategic Consultation Grants aimed at enhancing health and health equity in Baltimore City. These grants support faculty collaborations with city government on projects that improve community health. Up to $10,000 is available for each proposal, which can be used for various activities justified in the budget. This initiative emphasizes community engagement and aims to mobilize resources effectively to address local health challenges.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is inviting proposals aimed at enhancing the profitability of grain production in Maryland. Established in 1991, MGPUB manages a voluntary checkoff program funded by grain producers. The board supports projects related to corn, wheat, barley, sorghum, and rapeseed/canola, focusing on education, promotion, and research to improve public understanding of agriculture. This initiative seeks to provide financial backing for impactful agricultural endeavors.

The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust and other local agencies, offers funding for tree planting projects on agricultural lands in Maryland. With approximately $230,000 available, applicants can request up to $10,000 for small-scale projects or $50,000 for larger initiatives. This program aims to enhance environmental stewardship, improve water quality, and increase native tree populations, contributing to Maryland's goal of planting 5 million sustainable trees by 2031.

State capital funding for the creation and enhancement of accessible arts facilities.

This grant can support capital projects that include the expansion of, production of, renovation of, or major repairs to a facility operated by an eligible organization. 

Projects that prioritize energy-efficient building methods and technologies, increase facility accessibility for people with disabilities, or expand an organization’s programming and ability to serve a broader audience are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program, a collaboration between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Maryland Environmental Trust, supports land trusts and organizations in Maryland. With funding up to $10,000, this initiative aims to enhance civic engagement and stewardship practices. Projects should focus on education, outreach, and local environmental solutions. Inspired by Janice Hollmann, the grant fosters organizational capacity and promotes the long-term stewardship of protected lands.

The MSDE Home Visiting - Healthy Families Grant Program for FY 26 aims to enhance community-based services for children and families in Maryland. With funding between $55,000 and $350,000, the program focuses on improving childhood well-being, addressing trauma, and promoting economic self-sufficiency through evidence-based home visiting initiatives. This grant supports efforts to bridge racial disparities and foster positive parent-child relationships, ultimately contributing to better maternal health and school readiness outcomes.

The Driver Education in Public High Schools Grant Program, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, aims to provide funding for public high schools and nonprofit organizations to deliver driver education courses. Priority is given to schools with at least 40% of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, ensuring equitable access to essential driving education. A total funding amount of $2,000,000 is available to support this initiative.