Best Grants for Charities in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those in Maryland, can seek support for new or unaddressed social issues. Creag Foundation considers invited proposals from smaller or evolving organizations across areas like health, community development, literacy, safety, and more, beginning with a letter of inquiry.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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 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.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

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.

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities supporting rural community vitality and education programs in Maryland can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Land O'Lakes Foundation help charities strengthen resources like ag education, schools, city improvements, first responders, and local economic development in member-owner communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities serving low-income communities with programs in affordable housing, economic development, financial health, or workforce readiness can receive US $1,000,000 in unrestricted support from Citi Foundation. Focused on community and economic development, Citi Foundation invites eligible Maryland organizations, including those in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, to apply when the next Community Progress Makers Fund RFP opens.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities in Maryland working with underserved youth, families, or environmental initiatives can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community programs. Funding supports youth education and leadership, housing and family services, hunger and food insecurity, and environmental stewardship projects.

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.