Best Grants for Charities in Maryland

The Ausherman Family Foundation offers General Grants for organizations seeking to fund operating, program, or project costs that align with their mission. Eligible applicants must serve Frederick County, MD residents and request a minimum of $2,500. Grants can include a challenge matching funds component, encouraging community support and engagement. However, in-kind and government funding cannot be counted as matching funds. This grant is an excellent opportunity for local organizations to enhance their services and impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Maryland can seek funding for mental health, health care access, chronic disease management, and aging-in-community initiatives. Focused on these core areas, the Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Charitable Foundation invites Maryland charities to propose sustainable programs, with most support directed to greater Baltimore and the wider state.

Focused on financial education, Mecu Foundation invites Maryland 501(c)(3) charities to seek small grants for financial literacy and related educational programs. Eligible organizations must be based in Baltimore City or County, registered and in good standing with Maryland, operating for at least two years, and aligned with the foundation’s mission to improve community financial education.

Small 501(c)(3) charities in Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore can access free strategic consulting, executive coaching, and training to strengthen their operations. Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset County nonprofits meeting budget and registration criteria may be eligible for Mission Possible support from Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore to improve governance, fundraising, HR, IT, evaluation, and more.

Middendorf Foundation Education Grants

The Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.

A well-educated population is critical to the vitality of our state. We seek to foster innovation, creativity, and equity through education. The Foundation has long been interested and involved in funding educational institutions which demonstrate uncommon success in preparing students to thrive in a global society. The Foundation funds innovative models for early childhood, K-12 education, higher education and professional development.

The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.

Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

Middendorf Foundation Environment GrantsThe Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.Since the 1970’s, the Foundation has been aware of emerging environmental issues regarding air and water pollution, loss of wilderness and the extinction of wildlife. Over the decades, the Foundation has supported a broad array of environmental interests.  Supporting the urgent need to resolve environmental issues including addressing pollution and the extinction of wildlife.The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

Middendorf Foundation Inc

The Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture. During their lifetimes, Mr. & Mrs. Middendorf provided inspirational leadership to the Foundation. Upon their deaths, the Foundation received generous bequests, which allowed it to begin making more sizable grants on a regular basis. Current assets are valued at $60 million.

In 2018, upon the death of their last surviving child, Alice Carter Middendorf, the Foundation received another large bequest which has further strengthened its ability to support causes of interest to the Middendorfs. Today the Foundation is governed by trustees who are honored to safeguard the legacy of the Middendorfs. 

Middendorf Foundation Historic Preservation Grants

The Middendorf Foundation has long recognized the importance of preserving historic buildings and sites and has supported those who believe in the preservation of Maryland’s cultural heritage. The Foundation is committed to preserving sites of historical significance so that they will continue to be enjoyed by a broad public well into the future.

The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years. 

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving Prince George’s or Montgomery County, Maryland residents can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s competitive grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000 for community services, education, health, environment, and arts programs. Charities supporting vulnerable or underserved local residents may be especially strong candidates.

Maryland 501(c)(3) charities providing direct services in health, human services, education, arts, or community development can request US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time projects or expenses. With a mission to strengthen the Washington, D.C. metro area, Philip L. Graham Fund supports nonprofits serving Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George's County residents.

Existing food banks, pantries, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and civic groups serving Frederick County residents can apply for the Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Frederick FEED Grant, with awards of more than US $5,000 to expand food distribution and purchase equipment. Maryland charities addressing food insecurity and meal programs may be especially well positioned.

Cultural 501(c)(3) organizations and their fiscal agents in the greater Baltimore area can apply for approximately US $10,000 to strengthen arts and culture programming and organizational capacity. Administered by the Baltimore Community Foundation, this fund supports Maryland charities with inclusive arts initiatives, professional development, innovative programs, and collaborations that enrich metropolitan Baltimore’s cultural ecosystem.

Maryland 501(c)(3) charities with budgets between $100,000 and $4 million can access capacity-building visibility and donor connections through Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington. Organizations headquartered in eligible Greater Washington counties, especially those serving immigrants and refugees, the formerly incarcerated, LGBTQ communities, or girls and women, may benefit from a four-year partnership, marketing support, and free professional development resources.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible K–12 schools, colleges, and universities can seek support for water and environment projects that improve or protect watersheds, promote water conservation, or expand equitable access to water-based recreation. Focused on water resource management, American Water Charitable Foundation funds projects completed within 12 months and located in its Maryland service areas.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland seeking up to US $10,000 for tangible items to support arts, education, environment, health, human services, religion, or community programs may be eligible. Grants from Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation help charities, including those in northern Maryland counties, fund concrete needs that serve broad community impact.

Maryland charities and other nonprofits addressing food access can apply for Maryland Department of Agriculture’s MFARM grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $40,000 to purchase local agricultural and seafood products. Funding can also cover transportation, helping organizations supply Maryland food banks and emergency food providers with Certified Local Farm and Fish products for families in need.

Nonprofits, government and quasi-government agencies, religious organizations, and civic groups serving Frederick County residents can seek flexible funding for health, workforce readiness, and human services projects in Maryland. Grants from Community Foundation of Frederick County help charities support individuals through a wide range of field-of-interest and special purpose funds, with awards of more than US $500 on a rolling basis.

Nonprofits, private sector, and other qualified organizations in Maryland can seek funding to lead a coordinated network supporting immigrant stabilization, integration, and self-sufficiency in Montgomery County. Focused on immigrant services and basic human needs, Montgomery County Government invites a lead umbrella organization to manage centralized intake, navigation to critical services, and community-based partnerships.

Maryland 501(c)(3) charities focused on hunger relief and food access can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Eligible nonprofits must serve rural communities in Cecil, Kent, or Washington Counties through food banks, pantries, meal programs, or local food systems.

Maryland charities with 501(c)(3) status running youth pregnancy prevention or sexual health education programs in Washington County can access funding through the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland. Grants around US $600 support programming for youth under 20, with preference for initiatives that educate and equip parents of pre-teens and teens.

Maryland 501(c)(3) charities serving young children and at-risk families can seek funding for programs that support early childhood development and family stability. The Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland backs services in Washington County addressing basic needs, mental health, education, transportation, work-related child care, and connection supports for caregivers and children.

Focused on community-serving programs, Delaplaine Foundation invites Maryland 501(c)(3) charities and 509(a) public institutions to seek support for cultural arts, education, health, human services, historical preservation, and spiritual enrichment. Organizations, especially those impacting Frederick County, may request funding for programs, tuition assistance, operations, or preservation projects with measurable, long-term benefits.

Eligible Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government or quasi-government agencies, religious organizations with non-sectarian activities, and civic groups can apply for Community Foundation of Frederick County Impact Grants of more than US $500 to support programs. Funding may benefit charities in areas such as health and human services, education, youth services, arts, agriculture, animal welfare, civic causes, and historic preservation.