Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Maryland

Steve Wagner Scholarship

Steve Wagner retired as executive director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) in 2003 after 34 years of service. As a member of the Capitol Club and Michigan Society of Association Executives, Steve was well respected by his peers and colleagues and is known for his honesty and integrity.

Steve and his wife, Lana, were married in 1965 and have two daughters, Shelley and Whitney. Throughout his career, Steve has been a proponent of community service and has given many hours himself to church and community programs. Steve also has been a strong proponent of education. ACEC/M has established this scholarship in honor of Steve Wagner to award engineering and surveying students who, like Steve, are active in the community and find it important and necessary to give something back.

The NIH Common Fund is planning to issue a NOFO to continue the Bridge2AI program, which aims to develop AI-ready datasets and best practices for biomedical research. This next stage will leverage these datasets to address significant health challenges and foster multidisciplinary collaboration. The initiative will support 3-5 Centers focused on trustworthy AI in biomedical research, creating frameworks for reproducibility, transparency, and advancing the AI workforce in health sciences.

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Research Fund Grant supports projects that enhance legal information services and law librarianship. With a funding cap of $5,000 per round, the grant encourages diverse scholarship in legal research. Eligibility includes individuals with relevant research experience, while preference is given to AALL members. Applications are reviewed biannually by a jury, ensuring that the most impactful projects receive support. This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the legal information community.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion, in partnership with Lockheed Martin, aims to enhance STEM education in schools across the United States. With a total grant of $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year, this initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Gateway programs, allowing schools to introduce new units and train additional teachers. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin's support has enabled over 300 programs, providing critical skills to more than 77,000 students nationwide.

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I program invites proposals for groundbreaking aerospace concepts, aiming to transform potential in aeronautics. This initiative supports innovative research through multiple award phases, focusing on Phase I requirements and evaluation criteria. A virtual forum will be held on October 7, 2026, to discuss the Appendix’s details and clarify submission guidelines. Additional information will be available on the NSPIRES page, ensuring participants are well-informed about the process.

The RTK Scholars Program, funded by RTK Environmental Group, provides a $1,500 scholarship to support students pursuing careers in science, particularly in environmental studies, biology, and engineering. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in environmental testing and technology. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an accredited institution. The application deadline is May 31 each year, promoting academic excellence and dedication to environmental sciences.

The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship empowers women postdoctoral scientists by providing annual grants to support their research in STEM fields. This initiative not only recognizes their contributions but also encourages them to serve as role models for future generations. With a long-standing partnership with the AAAS, the program has awarded over $5 million to 105 scientists, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing women's roles in science and technology.

The Foundations of Trusted Systems initiative seeks innovative research to develop secure, resilient, and affordable technologies for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber systems. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aims to establish trusted foundations for hardware and software, building on previous work to enhance information processing systems. Researchers are encouraged to submit white papers for evaluation and potential funding.

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Postdoctoral Research Training Grant supports institutions in developing clinical and translational science training programs. This program aims to enhance the research training of postdoctoral individuals holding doctoral degrees, ensuring a diverse pool of scientists equipped to tackle critical health challenges. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, and non-U.S. entities are not eligible.

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) offers predoctoral training grants aimed at enhancing clinical and translational science. Administered by the NCATS, this program supports institutions in training aspiring researchers for a PhD or equivalent, ensuring a diverse cohort of scientists equipped to tackle pressing health challenges. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of advancing biomedical research and addressing community health needs effectively.

The Hamer Foundation

Our Mission:

The mission of The Hamer Foundation is to provide support to nonprofit organizations within a 100-mile radius of State College PA in the following areas: 

• Environmental Support – 50% of donations 
• Community Support – 35% of donations 
• Educational Support – 15% of donations 

The RSA–Virginia Fox Stern Center Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars to conduct intensive research at the Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries. This one-month fellowship focuses on pre-1800 rare book and manuscript collections, particularly the Women of the Book Collection and the Bibliotheca Fictiva Collection. It encourages innovative research that contributes to Renaissance studies, supporting scholars across all disciplines and career levels.

About the Hertz Foundation

Empowering the Nation’s Most EXCEPTIONAL Innovators

The Hertz Foundation identifies and empowers the nation’s most exceptional innovators in science and technology, fueling a lifelong community dedicated to solving our most pressing problems.

Hertz Community

Awards & Recognition

We’ve established several awards to recognize and support Hertz community members who are accelerating solutions to significant real-world challenges, either through their individual careers or volunteering to strengthen the Hertz Foundation’s work. In addition to providing financial and professional support at a critical time, we also hope to generate more awareness within the Hertz community and inspire collaborations that build on the momentum.

Hertz Thesis Prize

The Hertz Thesis Prize recognizes fellows who publish exemplary doctoral theses with applications to real-world problems. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium.

Exemplary Graduate Work

Since 1981, more than 60 fellows have been recognized with the Hertz Thesis Prize. Much of their work has led to successful patents, the formation of influential companies and contributed solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.

The Japanese-Language Education Project Grant supports initiatives that enhance Japanese language education across various regions. Offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, this grant targets workshops, seminars, and original projects that connect language learning with Japan Studies. Eligible applicants include non-profit educational organizations in the U.S. Projects should benefit multiple programs, ensuring a broad impact on Japanese language education. The deadline for applications is two months before the project start date, which must be between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

The NIH Director's New Innovator Award supports creative early-stage investigators pursuing innovative research with transformative potential for science relevant to the NIH mission. Applications are encouraged across all NIH-related fields, enhancing support for emerging talent. This award is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, which aims to cultivate groundbreaking research and foster the next generation of scientists.

The FY 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) aims to fund U.S. academic teams conducting innovative research to tackle complex challenges for the Department of War. Established in 1985, MURI promotes collaboration among diverse scientific disciplines, enhancing the defense workforce and addressing critical areas of interest through multidisciplinary research efforts at U.S. universities.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the academic research community. It provides funding of $250,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance for early-career researchers committed to fostering an inclusive scientific culture. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD or MD, commit to at least 75% research effort, and have no more than 24 months of postdoctoral experience. This initiative empowers fellows to become leaders in science.

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the scientific community by supporting early-career researchers. The program provides funding for postdoctoral training and early faculty years, promoting an inclusive academic culture. Fellows receive an initial salary of $80,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance. This initiative helps develop future leaders in biological and biomedical sciences, ensuring equitable opportunities for all backgrounds.

The NSF Core Research in Biological Sciences (BIO Core) program supports innovative research that enhances our understanding of biological systems, from molecular to biome scales. This funding opportunity encourages interdisciplinary proposals and can fund both single and multi-investigator projects. The awards will vary in scope and duration, accommodating exploratory projects and long-term commitments, depending on available funding and alignment with the program's objectives.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering funding through the Engineering (ENG) program, focusing on foundational research in civil, mechanical, and manufacturing innovation. Key areas include advanced manufacturing systems, civil infrastructure, and intelligent dynamic systems. The NSF ENG encourages innovative and transformative proposals that may not require immediate commercial outcomes. Award sizes and durations will vary based on budget availability, aiming to support long-term research advancements.

The NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13) grant aims to facilitate high-quality conferences that contribute to public health and the scientific missions of NIH Institutes and Centers. Key application deadlines range from April 2024 to January 2027, providing vital opportunities for researchers to gather and share knowledge. This grant is particularly focused on enhancing the impact of scientific dialogue in critical health areas.