Best Grants for Capital Funding in Maryland

The NIAID SBIR Phase II Clinical Trial Implementation Cooperative Agreement (U44) invites small businesses to submit applications for investigator-initiated clinical trials. This program particularly supports high-risk, hypothesis-driven studies that may involve non-routine interventions or unlicensed products. Letters of Intent are encouraged and due 30 days prior to the full proposal deadline. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The AGA-Bern Schwartz Family Fund Research Scholar Award in Pancreatic Cancer provides $100,000 annually for three years to early-career faculty focused on independent research in pancreatic cancer. This award aims to protect at least 50% of the recipient's time for research activities. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be classified as early-career. The award encourages physician-scientists and underrepresented groups in biomedical research to apply, supporting innovative research that can lead to significant advancements in understanding pancreatic cancer.

The Lotte Lenya Competition, established in 1998 by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, honors the legacy of renowned actress Lotte Lenya. This unique contest blends acting and vocal skills, targeting performers aged 19-32 from diverse backgrounds. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the competition has increased its prize offerings, with over $1.6 million awarded to more than 800 singers. It's a prestigious platform that has propelled many winners to successful careers in musical theater and opera.

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.

The Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program aims to assist low to moderate-income individuals in financing household water wells and decentralized wastewater systems. This program provides grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to create a revolving fund for loans and sub-grants. Funds can be utilized for constructing, refurbishing, or replacing water well and wastewater systems, ensuring safe and efficient water management for rural communities.

The 1954 Project - Luminary Award seeks visionary nonprofit leaders dedicated to advancing educational equity for Black students. Awardees receive $1 million in funding, leadership development, and networking opportunities. The selection prioritizes leaders demonstrating strategic vision, community commitment, adaptability, and collaborative spirit. Applicants must align with one of three impact areas: Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Diversity in Education, or Pathways to Economic Mobility, ensuring their initiatives foster systemic change and uplift marginalized communities.

The Pediatric Visiting Professorship, funded by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, aims to recognize exceptional scientific abstracts from pediatric rheumatology fellows at ACR Convergence. This award facilitates knowledge sharing and promotes advancements in rheumatic disease care. The professorship spans two to three days and includes diverse teaching formats. Selected fellows receive a $1,000 honorarium for virtual visits or $1,500 for in-person engagements, along with reimbursement for travel expenses, enhancing the future of pediatric rheumatology education.

The Indigo Oak Fund's Education Grant Program supports educational initiatives in Colorado and the Bay Area, focusing on both traditional schools and alternative learning experiences. This program aims to empower individuals through education, fostering personal growth and lifelong learning. By funding resources for teachers and career advancement for adults, the Fund seeks to create equal opportunities, enhance community engagement, and contribute to a more equitable society.

The AHRF Discovery Grants support innovative research on hearing and balance disorders, offering up to $50,000 for one year. Targeting early-career investigators, these grants aim to generate preliminary data for larger funding applications. Special consideration is given to projects exploring Meniere's disease and sudden hearing loss. Grants cover direct research costs, excluding principal investigator salaries and indirect expenses. The initiative strives to fund promising studies that can advance our understanding of auditory and vestibular health.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B AIDS Drug Assistance Program Training and Technical Assistance aims to enhance the capacity of ADAPs. By providing essential tools and expert guidance, the program seeks to improve health outcomes for individuals living with HIV in an evolving healthcare landscape. This initiative is funded by the US HHS through the Health Resources & Services Administration, ensuring support and resources are effectively allocated to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part D provides supplemental funding aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and capacity of organizations to deliver high-quality, family-centered HIV care services. This initiative focuses on two key areas: HIV Care Innovation and Infrastructure Development, ensuring improved access to essential services for women, infants, children, and youth affected by HIV.

The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Capacity Program aims to enhance the capacity of state, territorial, and Tribal entities in the U.S. to implement and sustain AIM Patient Safety Bundles. By promoting evidence-based maternal safety practices, the program strives to improve the quality of maternity care, enhance maternal health outcomes, and significantly reduce preventable maternal mortality and severe morbidity.

The NINDS Exploratory Clinical Trials for Small Business (R41/R42) program supports Small Business Concerns in conducting investigator-initiated exploratory clinical trials. This funding opportunity emphasizes projects that align with the NINDS mission, evaluating diverse products including drugs, biologics, and devices. Only STTR Phase II and Fast-Track applications are eligible, fostering innovation in neurological disorder treatments. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to the deadline.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Irene & Marie Oberweis Nursing Scholarship Endowment Fund

This scholarship was created by Marie Oberweis as a loving tribute to her sister Irene.

Marie Oberweis (1921-2007) graduated from Madonna High School in 1939.

That year, she started her career with Oberweis Dairy where she later became a partner with her father Peter Oberweis and her brother Joseph Oberweis.

Irene Oberweis (1924-1996) attended Annunciation School in Aurora. She spent many years of her life in hospitals due to fragile health.

In gratitude for the exemplary care her sister received throughout her lifetime from those in the nursing profession, Marie Oberweis created a permanent scholarship fund to support area students entering the nursing field.

About NABT

Since its establishment in 1938, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) has been the recognized "leader in life science education." Thousands of educators have joined NABT to share experiences and expertise with colleagues from around the globe; keep up with trends and developments in the field; and grow professionally.

NABT Mission

The National Association of Biology Teachers empowers educators to provide the best possible biology and life science education for all students.

Climate Education Action Award

Sponsored by NCSE, this award recognizes excellence in classroom/community education that specifically supports and promotes the accurate and robust teaching of climate science and the impact of the changing climate on society beyond the classroom. This award is presented to K-12 teachers in odd-numbered years and undergraduate and/or informal educators in even-numbered years. NCSE’s sponsorship of this award includes a $1,000 honorarium. The recipient also receives a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference and one year of complimentary membership to NABT.

The ASTRO-LUNGevity Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant aims to enhance the research careers of residents and fellows focused on radiation oncology, specifically benefiting lung cancer patients. This initiative supports basic, translational, and clinical research endeavors. With a maximum award amount of $50,000 for one year, it provides essential funding to foster innovative projects that can lead to significant advancements in lung cancer treatment.

The Elizabeth Pastor Ashland University Music Education Scholarship supports music students at Ashland University, honoring the legacy of Elizabeth Pastor, a renowned pianist and educator. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing a music-related career, reflecting Pastor's belief in the transformative power of art. Established through her estate plan, it embodies her commitment to fostering musical talent and enriching the community through education and the arts.

The Allergic Respiratory Diseases Award, supported by the American Lung Association and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, aims to bolster research in allergic respiratory diseases. Designed for faculty in Clinical Allergy and Immunology at academic medical centers, this award offers $75,000 annually for up to two years. It seeks to empower researchers at pivotal points in their careers, enhancing understanding and treatment of these conditions while promoting lung health.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is calling for applications for four Leadership and Operations Centers (LOCs) as part of its HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network initiative. These LOCs will guide research on HIV therapeutics, prevention, and treatment strategies across diverse populations. The initiative aims to enhance evidence-based practices and improve health outcomes for individuals affected by HIV, ultimately contributing to the goal of ending the HIV epidemic.

The OREF/MTF Biologics Research Grant encourages innovative research in biologics, focusing on reconstruction, bone regeneration, and transplantation, including stem cells. It is open to licensed U.S. orthopaedic surgeons and PhD researchers with faculty appointments. The grant seeks clinically relevant projects that demonstrate practical applications and multidisciplinary collaboration, promoting excellence in research. New investigators are especially encouraged to apply, ensuring a commitment to advancing orthopaedic science.

The Alcohol Research-Related Resource Award (R24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) aims to support investigator-initiated resources that enhance biomedical research on a national level. Through this non-hypothesis-driven grant, essential data, materials, and services will be provided to facilitate progress in the alcohol research community. The resources must be available to qualified investigators and should not replicate existing commercial offerings, ensuring high-quality and cost-efficient support for diverse research activities.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is launching a funding opportunity for up to four Clinical Trials Network Laboratory Centers (LCs). These LCs will support HIV prevention and treatment strategies by providing necessary laboratory infrastructure and technologies for clinical trials. They will ensure rigorous laboratory testing and oversight, enhance sample integrity, and utilize advanced data management systems to meet evolving demands in HIV research and testing.

The Mastercard Strive USA 2025 Innovation Fund aims to enhance the financial health of small businesses across the U.S. by providing up to $250,000 in grants to organizations developing innovative solutions. This initiative focuses on addressing challenges such as limited access to financial resources and vulnerability to economic shocks, ultimately fostering resilience and growth within the small business sector.

Raptor Research Foundation

RRF Mission Statement: The Raptor Research Foundation advances the science, conservation, and understanding of birds of prey.

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Achievement Award

The Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Award is a non-monetary award that recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to the understanding of raptor ecology and natural history. The award has no restrictions, but membership in the RRF is encouraged. Nomination packets can be submitted in the spring. Recipients will be announced at the annual meeting. Recipients are invited to give a plenary lecture at the subsequent RRF annual meeting. 

About The Hamerstroms: The award was established in 1990 to recognize and honor the Hamerstrom’s contributions to our understanding of raptor natural history and ecology through their long-term ecological studies. Between them, during their lifetime of research they authored and co-authored over 240 scientific papers, books, and reviews. Fran and Hammie moved from Boston to the midwest, where Fran was Aldo Leopold’s only female graduate student. They settled down in Plainfield Wisconsin where a small army of young researchers got their start in the field helping out on studies of harriers and prairie chickens. 

Music Movement's Independent Living Initiatives grant supports individuals with Autism and developmental differences in the U.S. Grants, typically ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, aid in various areas including independent living, camps, and continued education. Applicants must be legal guardians of eligible individuals aged 18 and older. The grant portal will reopen for submissions on March 28, 2026, encouraging early review of guidelines to ensure complete applications.

The Instrument Donations Program by Music Movement supports children and young adults with Autism and learning differences by providing funding for musical instruments. This initiative fosters self-expression, personal growth, and emotional well-being through music. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500 and are available to applicants within the United States. The program encourages artistic development and enhances social skills, making a significant impact on the lives of those facing developmental challenges.