Best Grants for Children in Maryland

501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland serving children or advancing environmental stewardship can apply for Sprague’s charitable contribution program; awards US $250 - US $10,000 for impactful community programs. Eligible youth services and environmental nonprofits in Sprague’s operating areas may receive priority for modest grants that create significant results.

Maryland organizations providing early childhood, youth, and family services in Maryland can receive funding to expand evidence-based home visiting and related supports. Maryland State Department of Education provides US $55,000 - US $350,000 to strengthen community-based programs that improve child well-being, address trauma and ACES, reduce racial and ethnic disparities, and promote school readiness and family self-sufficiency.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Maryland can receive donated toys to distribute directly to the kids they serve. The Toy Foundation’s Toy Chest program partners with logistics facilities in Greater New York and other regions so approved member organizations can pick up toys quarterly and bring the benefits of play to children in need.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth through education, after-school, mentoring, health care, or human services programs can seek funding for capital, special projects, or general operations. Grants from Kahlert Foundation help Maryland youth services, especially in Baltimore City and surrounding counties, that demonstrate measurable impact, strong leadership, and Guidestar transparency.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation grants to support programs benefiting low- to moderate-income children and families. Funding may assist initiatives in youth services, education, human and social services, and related community programs, as long as requests are not for payroll, salaries, or stipends and only one application is submitted annually.

Child and youth care agencies serving children in Maryland can access funding that supports youth services and child welfare programs. Grants from Synod of the Mid-Atlantic help eligible agencies through the Thanksgiving Offering Fund, with distributions based on donor designations and a shared formula for undesignated contributions across participating child and youth care organizations.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in Priority Funding Areas can receive up to US $10,000 in Community Investment Tax Credits to attract individual and business donations for local services and projects. Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, eligible activities include youth services, education, housing, job training, and other community development initiatives benefiting children and families.

Maryland youth-serving and children’s organizations can access funding through Encova Foundation of West Virginia to support programs that improve communities and families, promote education, and encourage wellness. Eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities working with children, health, safety, or education in Maryland may be especially competitive, particularly where Encova associates are actively involved.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, literacy, arts, social justice, or the environment can seek program or project support, with typical awards up to US $5,000. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help youth-serving organizations, with a preference for groups in select Maryland counties and nearby regions, cover programming and related operating needs.

Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, youth, and families can seek program support for education, youth services, poverty relief, and related needs. Focused on humanitarian, spiritual, and community well-being, Robinson Foundation invites Southern-region nonprofits active for more than three years to request single-year funding that delivers tangible, meaningful impact for young people and their families.

Children’s charities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth in Maryland and the broader mid-Atlantic region can seek program funding for critical needs, medical care, and educational support. Grants from Speedway Children's Charities help organizations focused on homelessness, foster and orphan care, sex trafficking victims, healthcare, and after-school or tutoring programs for children.

Local education agencies, nonprofits, government agencies, community and faith-based groups, higher education institutions, and for-profit corporations in Maryland can apply for $50,000 to $400,000 to run out-of-school-time academic enrichment and youth development programs. Grants from the Maryland State Department of Education help Maryland youth services provide tutoring, STEM, arts, prevention, and family literacy activities for students, especially in low-performing schools.

Charitable and educational organizations in Maryland serving children, teens, or young adults can apply for Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Company’s Potomac Region Chapter support to enhance education enrichment and youth services. Programs that also address low-income communities or support veterans’ families in the broader Potomac region may be eligible.

Children’s and general hospitals with pediatric departments in Maryland can receive funding to host prom-like experiences for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. Joy in Childhood Foundation provides U.S. $20,000 - U.S. $50,000 grants to support event space, food, entertainment, formal wear, and related prom-night needs.

Company culture at Clark Associates emphasizes responsibility, sharing our success with others, and the importance of building strong communities. To help fulfill these goals, Clark Associates Charitable Foundation (CACF) was incorporated in 2001 and provides funding to organizations serving people in need and those delivering positive experiences for youth. CACF supports non-profits operating in and around its business locations and those where our employees volunteer and actively contribute. To date, CACF has distributed over $44 million in charitable contributions.

Organizations must be registered 501c3 charities serving three basic categories: people in need, innovative youth educational programs, and youth programs in music and the arts. People in need represents the largest giving category and includes homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, and people in recovery. Examples of other grant recipients include those assisting veterans, senior citizens, at-risk youth, academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and those focused on the performing and visual arts.CACF evaluates grant applications submitted by non-profit organizations every month of the year.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving children battling illness in Maryland can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 annually from Joy in Childhood Foundation to build or expand pediatric gaming programs. Funding may cover gaming specialists, systems, connectivity, and virtual programming, with a focus on engaging teen patients over up to three years.

The AE Foundation Community Grants aim to support US and Canadian non-profit organizations focused on enhancing the mental health and well-being of young people. By funding local programs, the AE Foundation empowers teens and young adults to embrace authenticity and build a brighter future. Eligible organizations must be certified 501(c)3 non-profits or registered charities, and grant funding should be utilized within 365 days of receipt. This initiative reinforces the importance of mental health in today's society.

The Women’s Giving Circle of Harford County (WGC) Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on women, children, and families in Harford County. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded for specific projects or activities that directly benefit these groups. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, and funds cannot be used for general operating expenses or sectarian purposes. Applications must include detailed project proposals and prior grant reports if applicable.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant - Books for Ownership program supports local literacy initiatives by providing funding for diverse books and literacy resources. Established in 1966, RIF aims to foster a culture of literacy among children in under-resourced communities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to double their impact through matched funds, ensuring children have access to high-quality books that reflect their experiences and broaden their perspectives.

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults facing mental and physical challenges. By supporting registered charitable organizations that align with its mission, the foundation seeks to ensure that 100% of grant funds directly benefit those in need within the US. Emphasizing immediate results and proven success, the foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of future generations.

The Hunger to Health Collaboratory (H2HC) 2025 Prizes for Innovation aim to enhance health equity for youth through innovative funding in three categories: Food and Nutrition Policy, Nutrition Education & School Food, and Indigenous Food Justice. Supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, these prizes include $100K grants for policy work and $25K grants for education and justice initiatives. Winners will participate in the H2HC Fall Summit in Boston, fostering collaborative solutions to food challenges.

The Grief Reach Grants: Community Education Cycle, funded by the National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG), aims to empower organizations that support grieving youth. With $10,000 grants available, the initiative enhances access to essential bereavement resources and education, addressing the needs of children coping with loss. This program is crucial as 1 in 12 children will experience the death of a loved one by age 18, highlighting the urgent need for support in diverse communities.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The CoreCivic Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations that help former offenders, victims of crime, and underserved youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charities with a commitment to measurable outcomes. Preference is given to those with a history of collaboration with CoreCivic and those operating in Tennessee. This grant provides essential resources to enhance the quality of services delivered to these vulnerable populations, fostering rehabilitation and community support.

The Earth Rising Foundation Grants provide financial support ranging from $200 to $20,000 for grassroots climate initiatives. The foundation emphasizes empowering Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing social justice issues linked to climate change. By fostering youth involvement and supporting innovative projects, the foundation aims to create a vision for a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet. Applications must be submitted through a US-based nonprofit organization.

The McMillen Foundation Grants Program supports research in cardiology, lipids, and organ transplant, along with educational initiatives and social services in Washington and Alaska. With a single grant cycle annually, nonprofits certified under 501(c)(3) can apply for funding, preferably those benefiting children and promoting equity. The foundation emphasizes programs that leverage the arts to foster social change, impacting youth and disadvantaged communities. Applications must be submitted by July 31 to be considered for the current cycle.