Best Grants for Children in Maryland

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) 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Emerging Climate Champions Award supports youth-led climate initiatives by providing funding for organizations with at least two years of community-led operation. This award aims to empower young leaders aged 15-35, particularly from under-represented groups, to tackle climate challenges. With global funding for youth-driven climate solutions being scarce, the award encourages innovative approaches across various climate issues, including education, advocacy, and sustainable agriculture, thereby promoting resilience and social justice.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

Youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in Maryland can receive in-kind flag belts and footballs to support youth services and children’s sports. Grants from USA Football help enrolled, nonprofit, tax-exempt programs access USA Football-branded equipment, with quantities determined by application responses and fulfillment handled through warehouse partners.

Maryland youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs can access funding through USA Football to obtain AED equipment for practices and games. Eligible applicants must be enrolled with USA Football for the current year, be nonprofit or tax-exempt, and will receive Defibtech AEDs plus certification and training.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland seeking support for arts, education, health care, or at-risk youth programs may be eligible for grants that improve children’s lives. Hays Foundation supports youth services and related initiatives nationwide; Maryland programs that fit its mission to foster discipline, ambition, and economic achievement can apply after submitting a required LOI.

Maryland organizations serving children through healthcare, patient care, advocacy, or youth services may be eligible for BioMarin’s donations and grants. Maryland youth programs can access funding through BioMarin to support rare disease education, patient support, community health projects, disaster relief, and access-to-care initiatives, including work with conditions like MPS, PKU, Batten disease, achondroplasia, and hemophilia.

The Youth Unplanned Pregnancy Prevention Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland, aims to address the significant issue of teen pregnancy in the area, which ranks fifth highest in Maryland. With a focus on empowering parents and providing educational resources, this fund supports programs that target youth and unplanned pregnancies. Grants of $600 are suggested, but flexibility exists to accommodate varying needs, ensuring impactful community engagement in preventing teen pregnancy.

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 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 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.