Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Maryland

Fund for change provides Maryland community organizations with funding for systems change, community organizing, and advocacy efforts. Grants from US $10,000 - US $25,000 support work in housing and community development, behavioral health and healing, criminal justice reform, and environmental justice. Groups leading community service projects that organize underserved residents and influence policymakers may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running community service, family support, or public safety projects in Maryland and other serviced states can receive up to US $500 for specific programs. Grants from Baltimore Life Foundation help groups with strong volunteer bases fund home-grown initiatives like child safety education, community clean-ups, and neighborhood watch activities.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Maryland can access Community Investment Tax Credits to support community development and revitalization projects in designated Priority Funding Areas. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development provides up to US $10,000 in tax credit allocations to help nonprofits attract individual and business contributions for local community service initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations and local governments in Maryland can apply for Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Operating Assistance Grant, awarding up to US $50,000 for operating costs that support community and economic revitalization. Funding can cover salaries, professional services, technology, and other administrative expenses for Main Street and community development initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities running community development, education, or rural vitality projects in Maryland can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen local resources and opportunities. With a mission to serve rural communities, Land O'Lakes Foundation provides funding for programs like ag education, city improvements, economic development, and first responder support in its dairy member regions.

Tax-exempt nonprofits and local governments in Maryland can seek funding for collaborative projects that improve community safety through lighting, camera surveillance, and related services. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development supports community development and public safety with grants ranging from US $35,000 to US $100,000 for efforts that address illegal and dangerous activities.

Businesses and nonprofits rehabilitating eligible former state or federal facilities in Maryland can access a Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit to support community development projects with an emphasis on affordable housing. Grants from Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development help Maryland community development and revitalization efforts transform unused colleges, schools, hospitals, mental health, or military facilities into community assets.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or empowered communities in Maryland can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Stable Housing and Empowering Communities grants. Funding supports economic mobility and community development for vulnerable populations in eligible local markets across the state, including low- and moderate-income communities.

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects in Maryland focused on community development and related services can receive up to US $10,000 for Baltimore City programs, including seed funding, operations, and capital needs. With a mission to strengthen Baltimore communities, Abell Foundation provides flexible small grants across seven core program areas on a rolling basis.

M&T Charitable Foundation 

Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve. During our 165-year history, we evolved with the needs of our locations, and are guided by a leadership team that holds us accountable.

Adapting to the needs of our neighbors means finding new solutions and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community.

M&T Charitable Foundation Community Sponsorship Program

At M&T Bank we are building a stronger community - together. Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve.

Community Sponsorships enable us to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in the regions we operate.

Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations we support beyond a financial commitment. At M&T Bank, we consider supporting sponsorship opportunities that result in a mutually beneficial partnership.

Maryland Facade Improvement Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​The Maryland Facade Improvement Program provides funding to improve the exteriors of businesses located in Maryland Sustainable Communities.

The Maryland Facade Improvement Program (MFIP) provides funds to local governments and community development organizations for programs to improve the exteriors of commercial properties located within Maryland’s Sustainable Communities. The program supports communities seeking to create consistent, attractive designs for their commercial corridors in order to bolster economic vitality and stimulate new private investments. Local facade improvement programs should support the goals identified in the area’s Sustainable Communities Action Plan. 

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and public or charter schools with community service or development projects near the Norfolk Southern network can seek funding for sustainability, workforce development, and resiliency initiatives. Grants from Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Thriving Communities Program range from US $1,000 - US $50,000 for specific projects, not general operating support.

Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to assisting Maryland's local governments and nonprofit organizations build capacity to achieve their community revitalization and economic development goals.

Operating Assistance Grants include funding for Technical Assistance and Main Street Improvement Program Grant.

The Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program assists local governments and nonprofits with operating costs associated with local housing and community revitalization efforts.

The General Assembly must approve these amounts during the 2027 legislative session before they are final.

Grants funds can be used for operating costs related to administering the Technical Assistance Grant program, including:

• Salaries
• Professional services contracts
• Technology costs
• Other related administrative expenses

Funding details

• The maximum grant request is $50,000.
• A funding match is not required.
• All projects or activities should be completed within one year.
• Capital project costs are not supported through TAG. Other DHCD programs do support capital costs, such as State Revitalization Programs​.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with three years of history and $100,000+ budgets in Maryland communities served by RBC Wealth Management can seek funding for workforce skills, inclusive prosperity, or environmental sustainability programs. RBC Foundation USA supports efforts like job readiness and youth development that may strengthen local community service and development projects.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with established education or health programs can receive US $10,000 - US $75,000 for research-informed initiatives that close opportunity gaps, especially for underserved groups, from L B Research and Education Foundation. Maryland organizations offering adolescent, post-secondary, adult vocational education, or innovative physical and mental health services may be eligible; concept papers are accepted year-round.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Greenpoint Foundation Grant aims to enhance community life by supporting organizations that focus on agriculture, food security, education, and community enhancement. Established in 2022, the Foundation accepts grant applications year-round for both general operating budgets and specific projects. Priority is given to 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities, while faith-based programs are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grant recipients must submit impact reports to ensure continued support.

The EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental program provides critical funding to support communities recovering from severe economic distress caused by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. With no submission deadlines for Readiness and Implementation Paths, and a specific deadline for Industry Transformation applications, this initiative aims to enhance community resilience and improve economic trajectories through strategic projects that engage local stakeholders and private industries.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

About Us

In 2015, Baltimore adopted the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan, a sweeping plan to improve neighborhoods across South and Southwest Baltimore that are close to the Horseshoe Casino. The City then began to implement this plan, with the advice of the Local Development Council and funding provided by local impact grants (community grants) generated by area casino revenues.

It soon became clear that another organization was also needed to help spend these funds -– something that could be more flexible, nimble, and entrepreneurial. So, in 2016, the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership was established, governed by a Board of Directors comprised principally of residents and business owners. Now, the City and the Partnership split Baltimore’s share of the local impact grant funds.

In order to successfully implement this ambitious agenda, the SBGP created its own Strategic Plan to narrow its focus to three crucial elements of the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan:

• Environmental Sustainability
• Health and Wellness
• Community Development and Revitalization

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.