Best Grants for Historic Buildings in Maryland

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Frederick County, Maryland can apply for Ausherman Family Foundation’s capacity building grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for planning, leadership development, technology, and internal operations. Organizations working in areas like history, museums, and cultural institutions may strengthen stewardship of historic buildings and related community programs.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports community initiatives that help vulnerable families and children build better futures, which may include services based in historic buildings.

Grants to support environmental and human services work are available to 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries in Maryland and beyond, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help organizations with general operating or project needs, which may include programs connected to community-based historic preservation efforts.

Middendorf Foundation Arts and Culture GrantsThe Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.The Foundation believes that arts and cultural institutions help define and create vibrant communities and foster sustainable economic development. We view investing in this sector as an integral component of supporting well-rounded, inclusive and dynamic community growth.The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.

Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

Middendorf Foundation Education Grants

The Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.

A well-educated population is critical to the vitality of our state. We seek to foster innovation, creativity, and equity through education. The Foundation has long been interested and involved in funding educational institutions which demonstrate uncommon success in preparing students to thrive in a global society. The Foundation funds innovative models for early childhood, K-12 education, higher education and professional development.

The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.

Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

Middendorf Foundation Environment GrantsThe Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.Since the 1970’s, the Foundation has been aware of emerging environmental issues regarding air and water pollution, loss of wilderness and the extinction of wildlife. Over the decades, the Foundation has supported a broad array of environmental interests.  Supporting the urgent need to resolve environmental issues including addressing pollution and the extinction of wildlife.The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

The Middendorf Foundation HealthCare Grants support healthcare initiatives essential for the thriving of individuals and communities. By focusing on one-time costs for capital projects, equipment, and technology with a lifespan of over seven years, the foundation aims to improve access to quality healthcare for all Marylanders. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits serving Baltimore City or County that hold a valid 501(c)(3) status. This initiative fosters a healthier future by ensuring effective use of funds within a year of the award.

Middendorf Foundation Inc

The Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture. During their lifetimes, Mr. & Mrs. Middendorf provided inspirational leadership to the Foundation. Upon their deaths, the Foundation received generous bequests, which allowed it to begin making more sizable grants on a regular basis. Current assets are valued at $60 million.

In 2018, upon the death of their last surviving child, Alice Carter Middendorf, the Foundation received another large bequest which has further strengthened its ability to support causes of interest to the Middendorfs. Today the Foundation is governed by trustees who are honored to safeguard the legacy of the Middendorfs. 

Middendorf Foundation Historic Preservation Grants

The Middendorf Foundation has long recognized the importance of preserving historic buildings and sites and has supported those who believe in the preservation of Maryland’s cultural heritage. The Foundation is committed to preserving sites of historical significance so that they will continue to be enjoyed by a broad public well into the future.

The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years. 

IRS-registered 501(c)(3) public charities serving Prince George’s and Montgomery County residents in Maryland can apply for the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation’s grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $250,000 for community services, education, environment, arts, and health programs. Maryland organizations improving local neighborhoods or cultural assets, including historic community spaces, may be competitive.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning one-time capital or capacity-building projects can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants over More than US $50,000 to support work in historic preservation and related community priorities. Projects in the greater Baltimore area that enhance civic vitality, neighborhoods, or cultural and educational assets may be especially competitive.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits planning or educating around historic preservation in Maryland (Annapolis only) can apply for US $2,500 - US $5,000 to support local preservation projects. National Trust for Historic Preservation funds planning, capacity building, and outreach efforts that advance preservation of historic buildings and sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and public agencies in Maryland and other Appalachian states can seek grants for fee and easement land acquisition projects that deliver community benefits. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy provides up to US $100,000 for resilient, connected habitat protection and related project costs.

The Community Trust Foundation Inc.

The inception of a Western Maryland community foundation for building economic prosperity and for enhancing the quality of life for its people came from caring community leaders of The Greater Cumberland Committee. The primary question was whether the dream for this foundation could be realized. Together, they worked with Casper R. Taylor Jr., Maryland Speaker of the House, 1994-2003 and promoted the benefits of a community foundation for “ leaving behind a legacy to solve local problems by people who know and care about local problems” to the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce & Rotary of Cumberland, MD.

CTF was fortunate to operate with dedicated board members and a small part-time staff in a rent-free office space. Working tirelessly, the board worked to grow funds, secured operating capital, and submitted a 500-page policy and procedure manual to earn accreditation from the Council of Foundations. They also established advisory councils for each county (Allegany, Garrett, and Mineral), sponsored an annual Humanitarian Award Banquet for community outreach, and gained respect from community members and organizations seeking their leadership.

The Community Trust Foundation Grant

CTF serves as a community leader in philanthropy by raising, managing and distributing funds to address identified needs in Allegany and Garrett Counties, Maryland and in Mineral County, West Virginia. We partner with area non-profits and donors to make effective grants and enable local citizens to generate local solutions in their communities. We make grants to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to building better, stronger, more vital communities in the region.

Since our inception in 2006, CTF has awarded over $7 million in grants, building stronger more vibrant communities. CTF grants support; the arts, education, historical preservation, health and wellness and building a thriving environment. We are committed to identifying high-priority needs and opportunities to make a significant positive impact on the community. CTF grants are typically used to provide start-up or short-term funding to innovative projects designed to meet emerging needs or with creative solutions to longer-term issues.

Maryland public school systems and partners can receive funding to recruit and prepare school-based employees to become licensed teachers while they continue working in Maryland schools. The Maryland State Department of Education supports collaboratives covering tuition, books, fees, and mentor support for candidates who commit to three years of service in high‑needs teaching roles.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Maryland and other Southern states can seek funding for programs in education, poverty relief, disaster response, health, families, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, and spiritual initiatives. Robinson Foundation supports projects with clear, tangible impact and direct results, offering single-year support that may benefit groups preserving or activating historic properties through eligible services.

Early childhood programs and family-serving organizations in Maryland can seek funding to strengthen infant and early childhood mental health support services. Focused on building the capacity of early care and education providers and families, the Maryland State Department of Education offers US $150,000 - US $500,000 for services, referrals, and positive behavioral health practices that may benefit community facilities, including historic buildings used for child care.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits preserving historic sites on Maryland’s Eastern Shore can apply for $5,000 - $25,000 to acquire, maintain, and restore historic landmarks and memorials. With a mission to protect historic places, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides funding for bricks-and-mortar work, easements, technical assistance, and related educational or interpretive projects.

Maryland historic preservation nonprofits and public agencies can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 to plan and promote preservation of battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures. Maryland historic preservation groups can access funding through National Trust for Historic Preservation for planning, capacity-building, and public education initiatives that launch or strengthen battlefield preservation efforts.

Nonprofits, public entities, and other stewards of historic sites can seek funding to preserve buildings, sites, and communities significant to African American history and culture in Maryland. The African American Heritage Preservation Program from Maryland Historical Trust offers up to US $250,000 for capital preservation projects that protect and interpret this heritage.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborations that measurably improve lives. U.S. nonprofits working on historic preservation or related community initiatives may be eligible if they demonstrate exemplary, scalable partnership models addressing significant social issues.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in Priority Funding Areas can apply for Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Investment Tax Credits; awards up to US $10,000 in state tax credit allocations to leverage charitable contributions. Historic preservation and community revitalization projects, including work on historic buildings, may be eligible.

Maryland museums interpreting the state’s cultural heritage, history, natural history, or history of science and technology can seek funding to strengthen operations and sustainability, which may benefit historic buildings and sites. The Maryland Historical Trust’s Museum Assistance Program Grants offer up to US $20,000 to support institutional collections and build professional capacity; state- and federally operated museums are ineligible.