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.

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) 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

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.

St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation Community Support Grants aim to enhance community welfare by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With a commitment to 'people helping people' since 1908, the foundation focuses on areas like youth programming, homelessness, and civic support. In 2023 alone, they donated over $200,000 to 190 organizations, reflecting their dedication to improving lives in New Hampshire. They prioritize funding for nonprofits within their service areas, ensuring impactful contributions to local communities.

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 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 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 St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation 1908 Funds Grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire, focusing on community development and services. Established to uphold St. Mary’s Bank's commitment to social responsibility, these grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, aim to foster financial independence and address issues like homelessness, youth support, and civic engagement. The Foundation prioritizes projects that benefit local communities and promote long-term sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government programs in Maryland that run ongoing academic or life-skills programs for low-income youth can receive US $300 - US $500 in Ross gift cards for school or professional clothing. Grants from Ross Stores Foundation help youth services within 25 miles of a Ross Dress for Less or dd’s DISCOUNTS store support disadvantaged children and young adults.

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.