Best Grants for Children in Maryland

The Aaron Straus and Lillie Straus Foundation focuses on enhancing opportunities for Baltimore families through education, health services, and community engagement. Since its establishment in 1926, it has prioritized support for Jewish communities, immigration advocacy, and social innovation. The foundation aims to connect families to resources that foster resilience and growth, ensuring they can thrive in a supportive environment. By investing in local initiatives and emerging leaders, the foundation seeks to create lasting impact in the Baltimore region.

The Ausherman Family Foundation's Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofits in Frederick County, Maryland. This grant supports various activities including strategic planning, leadership development, and technology improvements, ultimately strengthening organizations' capabilities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities located in Frederick County with a commitment to expanding their operations. The foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives benefiting children, families, health services, arts, and community development.

The Comis Foundation Grant aims to provide equitable opportunities for children to thrive through education and community engagement. It supports innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes, focusing on areas such as capacity building and pilot projects. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, the foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that foster inclusive environments. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, Comis Foundation strives to create lasting impacts in the communities it serves.

The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation focuses on promoting health and mental health, as well as strengthening public education in Baltimore. Through its health initiatives, the foundation seeks to enhance access to mental health services and advocate for systemic changes. In education, it supports efforts to improve leadership and teaching quality in public schools, aiming to create equitable opportunities for Baltimore youth. This foundation prioritizes innovative programs that engage communities in meaningful ways.

The John Edward Fowler Memorial Foundation provides grants to organizations in the Washington DC area, focusing on underserved and at-risk populations. Grants typically do not exceed $10,000 for first-time applicants, with a preference for grassroots, direct service organizations. The Foundation emphasizes sound management and fiscal responsibility, and it avoids funding national organizations and medical research. It supports initiatives in areas such as adult literacy, childhood education, and homelessness, celebrating innovative approaches to community needs.

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation focuses on improving the lives of underserved individuals in the DC area through grants in five key areas: Arts and Humanities, Community Services, Education, Environment, and Health & Wellness. The Foundation supports organizations that demonstrate cultural competence and systemic change, aiming for self-sufficiency and holistic well-being for all community members. Grants emphasize access to resources and equitable opportunities to foster meaningful community engagement.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Philip L. Graham Fund Grant focuses on enhancing the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area through substantial annual grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. It supports diverse initiatives in health, education, arts, and community development, prioritizing innovative, one-time projects. Eligible organizations must serve local residents and align with the Fund's giving priorities. Notably, the Fund awarded $4.1 million in 2017 to 138 organizations, with a strong emphasis on health and education, reflecting its commitment to community enrichment.

The Community Investment Tax Credits Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations by providing state tax credits that incentivize donations for local projects. This program has facilitated nearly $27 million in contributions, supporting around 700 community initiatives. Eligible nonprofits can apply for these credits, which significantly enhance funding opportunities for various community services, including education, housing, and economic development.

The Drescher Foundation, established in 1989, is dedicated to enhancing community life in Harford County, Maryland. It provides support to nonprofit organizations focusing on health, education, and human services. The foundation prioritizes programs that improve quality of life through essential services, health initiatives, educational opportunities for youth, and cultural projects. Grants are available for tax-exempt organizations engaging in significant local activities, promoting community well-being and vibrancy.

The Abell Foundation's Community Development Grants support initiatives in Baltimore City that enhance quality of life and address urban poverty. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations tackling systemic issues in education, workforce development, health services, community development, criminal justice, environment, and the arts. Grants over $10,000 are awarded to nonprofits and government agencies that demonstrate measurable impact and innovation, focusing on underserved populations to foster community engagement and sustainable growth.

The Richard E. & Nancy P. Marriott Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities in Washington, D.C. by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on education, human services, and employment opportunities. With an emphasis on early childhood education, mentoring, and relief from hunger and homelessness, the Foundation awards approximately 150 grants annually, totaling around $1.8 million. They prioritize partnerships that foster community strength and individual dignity, especially for vulnerable populations, ensuring access to essential resources and job training.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company empowers employees to make a significant impact through pooled donations. Established over 60 years ago, this employee-managed fund supports charitable organizations in communities where Boeing operates. The Potomac Region Chapter, formed in 2000, focuses on education, veterans, and low-income communities, with over 130 members contributing to the cause. Grants are available to nonprofits that align with these focus areas, fostering community engagement and support.

The Delaplaine Foundation Grant is a private family foundation based in Frederick, Maryland, dedicated to enriching communities through support for non-profit organizations focused on cultural arts, education, health, historical preservation, and spiritual enlightenment. With a commitment to local impact, it primarily awards funding in Frederick County, while also considering applications from nearby states and beyond. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt public charities under IRS regulations.

The Presser Foundation's Special Projects Grant supports innovative music organizations with funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Established in 1939, the Foundation aims to promote music education and philanthropy. The grant focuses on newly formed organizations and those impacted by funding changes, encouraging applications for projects enhancing artistic development, financial stability, and collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, ensuring a broad reach in supporting diverse musical initiatives.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The Kahlert Foundation Maryland Grant aims to enhance community well-being by supporting non-profit organizations focused on health care, education, youth programs, veteran services, and human services primarily in Maryland and Utah. Eligible organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) status and a strong Guidestar rating. The foundation encourages innovative proposals that demonstrate measurable impact and community benefit, with a preference for those that address multiple areas of focus.

The Lockhart Vaughan Foundation, established in 1990, provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore, focusing on education, environment, and community development. New applicants must submit a Letter of Intent to outline their goals. The Foundation emphasizes childhood literacy, environmental improvements, and vibrant neighborhoods while prioritizing programs that foster high expectations and prevent summer learning loss. Eligible organizations should align with these strategic goals to secure funding.

The Lockhart Vaughan Foundation focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore, Maryland, with a commitment to education, environment, and community development. Established in 1990, the foundation aims to enhance public education access, promote environmental sustainability, and foster vibrant neighborhoods through strategic grant-making. Applicants must submit a contact information form before applying, with an upcoming deadline for summer learning grants on February 20. The foundation prioritizes impactful initiatives that align with its goals.

The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program, led by the Maryland Environmental Trust and partners, offers Community Stewardship Grants of up to $5,000. These grants focus on empowering schools and nonprofits to engage community members, particularly youth, in environmental education and stewardship. By fostering citizen involvement and innovative solutions, the program aims to address local environmental issues, promote awareness, and enhance community well-being through hands-on projects.

The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, supports music education and philanthropy through capital support grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Eligible organizations include non-profit, 501(c)(3) music education and performance entities located within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. Projects funded may include construction, renovation, or equipment purchases. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance music education while excluding non-music related venues and general operating expenses.

The BCYF: Grassroots Fund aims to provide $50,000 annual grants for five years to twelve eligible Baltimore-based nonprofit organizations serving youth under 24. This initiative not only offers financial support but also focuses on enhancing organizational capacity to ensure sustainability and growth. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $350,000, and prioritize organizations led by Black and Brown individuals, fostering community engagement and empowerment.

The Thomas Wilson Foundation, established in 1875, is dedicated to enhancing the health and welfare of children in Baltimore City. It provides funding for medical research, medical services, and social and community programs aimed at supporting youth. The Foundation specifically targets initiatives that benefit children and youth aged 18 and under, ensuring that resources are directed towards improving their overall well-being and access to essential services.

The Fund for Anne Arundel Grant, administered by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents in Anne Arundel County. With a focus on supporting children and families, the fund allocates grants for programs that provide equitable access to health care, promote social-emotional development, and ensure children receive necessary screenings and support. This initiative responds to the declining funding for nonprofits, reinforcing the commitment to community well-being.

The Maryland Elevates Grant Program aims to improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities within a comprehensive early intervention and special education system. Targeting disparities, it supports non-profits, community-based partners, and higher education institutions committed to implementing evidence-based practices and equitable solutions. The program emphasizes accelerated learning in inclusive environments, fostering teacher capacity and instructional leadership to enhance educational experiences for families across Maryland.

The Wolpoff Family Foundation Grant seeks to support established organizations in Montgomery County, Maryland, that have been operational for at least five years. This foundation aims to foster community development, education, and medical research, and invites re-applications from previously funded organizations. Grants are available for specific initiatives, with a maximum award of $15,000 for first-time grantees, focusing on measurable impacts and community needs.