Best Grants for Capital Funding in Maryland

Grant Guidelines

To advance its mission to build a responsible and equitable technology ecosystem, the Kapor Foundation makes strategic grants across three focus areas: (1) Computing Education, (2) Innovation, and (3) Governance.

Within each focus area, we fund research on critical topics at the intersection of racial equity and tech, capacity-building that strengthens coalitions and movement-building infrastructure, and policy advocacy that drives systemic change.

Funding Priorities

We fund organizations and initiatives aligned with our core focus areas:

Given advances in Al, a new vision of education is urgently needed — one that ensures students are equipped with the technical skills to build emerging technologies and the critical skills to navigate their socio-technical implications. We fund computing education initiatives across K-12, postsecondary, and alternative pathways that expand computing participation at scale, shift policy to ensure equitable access, and expand the pipeline of educators prepared to teach computing.

2. 

Al is being designed, developed, and deployed rapidly, yet the communities most affected by its impacts are largely excluded from its creation and subsequent economic benefits. We support organizations and individuals that build responsible Al technologies, leverage technology to close gaps in access and opportunity, and invest in initiatives and coalitions that advance responsible Al in the entrepreneurship and venture capital ecosystems.

3.

As Al adoption accelerates, bolder approaches to regulation are necessary to protect marginalized communities from technological harm, expand economic opportunity, and ensure the benefits of technology reach everyone. We support efforts that build awareness of key policy issues, develop policy agendas, and mobilize coalitions.

For 2026, our priority advocacy areas are: 1) computing education, 2) algorithmic bias, 3) Al safeguards for children, 4) data center development, and 5) surveillance and civil rights.

The Fred J. Brunner Foundation Grant supports organizations that aid vulnerable populations, particularly the young and elderly, through education, shelter, and hunger initiatives. Established in 1956 by Fred J., the foundation distributes grants annually in the fall, focusing primarily on recipients in the greater Chicago area, although exceptions are made. The foundation operates without regard to race, creed, or ethnicity, allowing all recipients to reapply each year.

The Skoll Awards for Social Innovation, presented by the Skoll Foundation, recognize social innovators addressing root societal problems. Each awardee receives $2 million in unrestricted funding and joins a global community of leaders dedicated to significant social change. The foundation focuses on key areas such as health systems, effective governance, inclusive economies, racial justice, and climate action. Nominations are made through a multi-year sourcing process, ensuring that candidates align closely with the foundation's mission.

The Zone VI Fellowship in Urban Forestry, funded by the Garden Club of America, aims to promote urban forestry education among U.S. graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Established in 2006, this fellowship awards $7,500 annually to support students studying urban forestry and related fields. Recipients can reapply for additional funding, fostering ongoing research and engagement with the urban forest ecosystem. This initiative highlights the importance of healthy urban forests and their impact on communities.

About All Points North Foundation

All Points North Foundation is dedicated to navigating communities upward.

All Points North Foundation was founded in 2011 by a family who believes passionately that everyone has a “true North” – a place of achievement – and that everyone should have equal opportunity and access to realize their goals.

Our Vision

We envision a nation where the middle school years are seen as an important, vital time in the lives of youth, and where the public middle school education experience in underserved communities measurably improves

We also envision a nation where the integration of solar benefits families, local economies and the environment.

Our Priorities

All Points North Foundation funds grantees in two areas – public middle school education (grades 6-8) and solar – that have the power to help communities nationwide navigate upward.

Grant Making

All Points North Foundation seeks collaborative partnerships with grantees in our two priority areas.

Solar Energy

All Points North Foundation is focused on finding ways to significantly advance the penetration of solar through education, job training and use of solar electric technologies in the United States.

All Points North Foundation has three priority areas:

Providing solar and workforce development training for Tribal communities to expand and diversify the solar job pipeline.

Working with small- to medium-sized science centers to engage students, families and local communities on the benefits and science behind solar.

Providing solar installations to nonprofit organizations that build high-quality, safe and affordable residential housing, offsetting energy costs and enabling cost savings for households.

The cost of solar has dropped dramatically over the last decade, however the upfront cost of going solar remains a hurdle for most families, communities and nonprofits.

All Points North Foundation does consider funding solar projects outside of these focal areas, but the programs must demonstrate how solar will have a broader impact on local communities (e.g., economic, social or environmental), as well as showcase the potential for replication across the nation.

The Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation Grant aims to support projects that promote environmental restoration, preservation, and education, with a focus on sustainable resource use and community development. This grant encourages innovative approaches that connect urban and rural settings, enhance biodiversity, and foster creativity in addressing societal challenges. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated non-profits that align with the foundation's vision. The foundation also supports small presses and periodicals that creatively address sustainability issues.

The Goodyear Community Support Grant aims to empower nonprofit organizations that align with Goodyear's community engagement focus areas. With a strong commitment to safe, smart, and sustainable initiatives, Goodyear supports programs fostering safe mobility, inspiring students through education, and addressing environmental and societal needs. This grant serves as a catalyst for positive change, helping communities thrive by focusing on volunteerism and impactful partnerships.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Handid Braille Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to an individual studying social science, international relations, or governmental affairs. Handid’s mission is to provide Braille and other forms of accessible media to organizations and individuals. The nonprofit specializes in Braille production in languages other than English, especially languages that do not use the Latin alphabet, and wishes to support a student with unique perspectives.

The Marion Maccarrell Scott Scholarship, established by Gertrude F. Straub in memory of her father, supports students from Hawai'i public high schools planning to attend college on the mainland. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess good character, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. This scholarship encourages studies in fields related to history, government, and international relations, promoting an understanding of world cooperation and peace.

Levine Impact Lab

The Levine Impact Lab powers equitable transformation by investing in nonprofit leadership, building community organizations’ capacities, and building their capacity to accelerate positive social and environmental change.

We combine venture-capital expertise and inspired philanthropic thinking to radically amplify the value of giving.

Levine Impact Lab Operational Support Program

The Levine Impact Lab’s Operational Support Program is an 18-month, high-engagement operational partnership designed to help environmental organizations move strategic and financial priorities forward.

At the core of the program is hands-on operational support: our team works side-by-side with your leaders to drive progress on a critical project, whether it’s strengthening your financial infrastructure, increasing earned revenue, or planning for growth.

This is a working partnership. The grant funding and peer-learning community are designed to support and accelerate your momentum.

We are the best fit for organizations that:

• Operate at the intersection of environmental impact and social enterprise
• Are past the startup phase but still in a critical growth stage
• See LIL as a thought partner in unlocking strategy, scale, and sustainability
• Show up with clear goals and a commitment to moving the work forward

More information about participation commitments here.

What is Operational Support?

To get the most out of this program, organizations must come prepared with a specific project, workstream, or organizational challenge they want to tackle over the 18 months with operational support. 

Potential Area(s) of Support: 

• Financial strategy and planning
• Fundraising, development and donor engagement strategy
• Cost structure analysis
• Program development or expansion
• Corporate partnership strategy 
• New location or geographic expansion
• RFP support/capital planning
• Strategic planning
• Board engagement

Find examples of what past cohorts have worked on here.

People

The success of this program relies on having the right organizational leaders at the table. Each organization must commit two senior staff members who are equipped to make key decisions, drive implementation, and stay closely involved throughout the 18-month engagement. These leaders must:

• Have clear decision-making authority and/or strong backing from the Executive Director or CEO
• Be directly involved in the project or challenge the organization is addressing
• Be able to commit time, energy, and focus to move the work forward

There will also be opportunities to include additional staff members in operational projects, as needed, to ensure the right voices and expertise are present. 

Who this might include: Executive Director and Finance Director, Business Development Manager and Operations Lead, or Marketing Manager and Development Director, depending on the nature of your project.

What We Offer

• Tailored 1:1 operational support and strategic advising
• A national cohort of up to 10 organizations
• Peer network of strategic thought partners
• Virtual and in-person workshops and events
• Private Slack channel
• Exclusive alumni programming
• Grant funds over two years
• Supportive peer-learning community
• Accelerated organizational growth and momentum through strategic partnership with LIL

View Program Flyer here.

The NIAID aims to support four Clinical Trials Networks (CTNs) by funding Statistical and Data Management Centers (SDMCs) to enhance HIV research. These SDMCs will oversee study designs, data collection, and compliance with regulatory standards while ensuring data quality and integration. This initiative is a crucial step toward ending the HIV epidemic, fostering innovative methods, and adhering to NIH data sharing policies. Applications for the SDMCs are now being solicited.

About Us

The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) is the leading professional membership organization for ob-gyns. ACOG champions ob-gyns in providing equitable, evidence-based care for patients today and into the future.

ACOG comprises more than 62,000 members across 12 Districts, representing regions in the United States, Canada, and Central and South America. These members maintain the highest professional standards and are united in their delivery of exceptional, respectful, science-backed care for patients. ACOG members include medical students, residents, practicing and retired physicians, and health professionals in related fields.

For nearly 75 years, ACOG has strengthened members with comprehensive, expert-reviewed practice guidelines; management tools; career development resources; and lifelong learning opportunities.

Pete and Weesie Hollis Community Service Award

The Pete and Weesie Hollis Community Service Award (formerly the President’s Community Service Award) was established by then President Richard “Pete” Hollis. The award was an outgrowth of Dr. Hollis’ presidential theme of caring for patients. Dr. Hollis felt strongly that many of the Fellows of ACOG gave hours of care and support within their community to underserved or poorly served patient populations, often with little or no remuneration or recognition.

The award is not to be given as a recognition of activities related to service to ACOG or activities that are based on support of the specialty in legislative or regulatory decisions. Recipients of the award will receive a $1,000 honorarium plus complimentary registration to the Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting where the award is presented.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is issuing this announcement for various research and development topic areas. The ERDC consists of the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), the Environmental Laboratory (EL) and the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire, the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in Champaign, Illinois, and the Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) in Alexandria, Virginia.

The ERDC is responsible for conducting research in the broad fields of hydraulics, dredging, coastal engineering, instrumentation, oceanography, remote sensing, geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, soil effects, vehicle mobility, self-contained munitions, military engineering, geophysics, pavements, protective structures, aquatic plants, water quality, dredged material, treatment of hazardous waste, wetlands, physical/mechanical/ chemical properties of snow and other frozen precipitation, infrastructure and environmental issues for installations, computer science, telecommunications management, energy, facilities maintenance, materials and structures, engineering processes, environmental processes, land and heritage conservation, and ecological processes.

The Heistand Family Foundation Grant aims to empower children in poverty through impactful programs and partnerships. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance human health, community well-being, and education, focusing on practical applications. Nonprofit organizations and governmental entities are encouraged to apply, particularly those located in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area or western Iowa. This grant supports initiatives that foster job skills and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged children.

The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports female and LGBTQIA+ students pursuing social sciences and public service careers. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for diverse talents in Erie County's social services sector, requiring applicants to submit an essay on their public service aspirations and challenges in the Erie region.

The Petit Family Foundation offers General Project Support Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to support local communities. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate programmatic capacity and leadership. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and sustainability, focusing on projects that have a clear impact. Preference is given to local New England-based non-profits, while ineligible requests include funding for individuals, endowments, and political organizations. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and community alignment.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Dissertation Mini-Grant

The Mensa Foundation empowers the next generation of researchers through its Dissertation Mini-Grant program.

Designed to support advanced doctoral students, this grant funds innovative studies that broaden our understanding of intelligence, creativity, gifted education, and related fields.

Details

The Mensa Foundation Dissertation Mini-Grant provides $2,500 to advanced doctoral students conducting research on intelligence and gifted education. By funding innovative studies, the grant promotes research that addresses the complexities of intelligence, creativity, and related fields.

Grant Components

The Stark County Dairy Promoters Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to students from Stark County, Ohio. Eligible applicants must be pursuing college-level studies in dairy science, large animal veterinary medicine, human nutrition, or food science, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship aims to support the next generation of leaders in these essential fields, fostering educational growth and community development.

The Rosenstiel Scholarship, part of the New Mexico Press Women Scholarship Fund, aims to support graduate students in journalism, communications, or law. Established in 2023, it encourages recipients to engage in investigative journalism and uphold First Amendment rights. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit relevant publications, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. This scholarship not only fosters academic excellence but also promotes ethical standards among future media professionals.

The Professional Formation of Engineers: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) program aims to foster research in the Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) while expanding the community of researchers in this field. It targets early-career Principal Investigators (PIs) with limited experience in social science or education research, enabling them to develop expertise in engineering education research and address critical challenges in engineering formation.

The Special Wildlife Funds - Duck Stamp Grants program in Canada focuses on the development of waterfowl propagation areas specifically for the Mississippi Flyway. It supports projects in Manitoba and Saskatchewan aimed at enhancing breeding populations of migratory waterfowl. This initiative is funded through the sale of State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps and is targeted at not-for-profit organizations dedicated to the conservation and promotion of wild waterfowl, ensuring sustainable habitats and effective management practices.

The Sociedad Amigos de Colombia de Indiana (SADCO) Scholarship, managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Latinx and Hispanic students pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must be Indiana residents with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrating financial need and community service. Preference is given to first, second, or third generation Latinx and/or Hispanic students. Scholarship funds assist with tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, reinforcing the foundation's mission to build inclusive opportunities.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Virginia Valk Fehsenfeld Scholarship

Open to full time undergraduate students who are Kent County residents studying education, dietetics, nutrition, or human services and have a minimum 3.4 GPA.

The Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant (LPG) supports Native artists and organizations in staging live performances, fostering cultural expression. With a $30,000 grant for one year, this initiative prioritizes projects that actively engage Native performers, enhancing their artistic skills and community connections. By addressing the unique needs of Native creators, the program aims to empower them with resources, mentorship, and equitable opportunities in the performing arts landscape.

The Bob Skiera Memorial Fund Building Bridges Initiative Grant Program supports urban forestry research and collaboration. With a maximum award of $30,000, it aims to enhance communication between arborists, urban foresters, and various professionals. The program welcomes proposals that explore the benefits of urban forests, policy implementation, and ecosystem services. This initiative honors Bob Skiera's legacy, fostering trust and cooperation within the urban planning community for sustainable urban forestry practices.

The CDC's Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program for States aims to enhance public health approaches to suicide prevention across the U.S. By targeting high-risk groups, such as veterans and rural populations, the program utilizes data to identify prevention areas, assess existing programs, and implement evidence-based strategies. Key outcomes include improved partner engagement and a measurable reduction in suicide rates. This initiative allows potential applicants to prepare by reviewing relevant data and forming strategic partnerships ahead of future opportunities.

The Syringe Service Program Grant, offered by The Comer Family Foundation, aims to enhance harm reduction initiatives by funding syringe access programs across the U.S. These programs provide sterile syringes, education, and support services to mitigate the risks associated with drug use, including HIV and hepatitis transmission. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by marginalized communities. Grants are available for operational costs, program development, and staff training, with a focus on sustainability and local partnerships.