Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Maryland

The FY26 Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) supports innovative research aimed at enhancing patient care and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries. This award encourages collaboration, allowing an Early-Career Partnership Option for two Principal Investigators, where one must be an early-career investigator. Focused on impactful research from basic to translational science, this opportunity is crucial for advancing SCI knowledge and interventions.

The Wharton Nursing Leaders Program Scholarship, offered by the Oncology Nursing Foundation, supports nurse-managers aspiring to become chief nursing officers. This program, taking place from December 15-19, 2025, in Philadelphia, focuses on enhancing leadership skills through interactive sessions. Applicants must first be accepted into the program and meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring that the scholarship aids those committed to advancing their careers in oncology nursing.

The Elks National Foundation's Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of Elks members. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors and can apply online. The program supports educational pursuits at accredited U.S. institutions, ensuring that the legacy of community service and support continues. With criteria focusing on family connections to the Elks and a commitment to education, these awards promote opportunities for future generations to thrive and contribute to society.

The Adult Learn-to-Swim Grants, offered by the USA Swimming Foundation in collaboration with U.S. Masters Swimming, aim to enhance swimming safety for adults aged 18 and over. This initiative provides funding to programs that promote swim education, targeting underserved communities. Grants can be used for expenses like pool rentals and scholarships, with a maximum award of $5,000. The goal is to reduce drowning risks and encourage ongoing participation in swimming activities.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Collier Scholarship

The Collier Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by Dr. Wayne Collier to honor the memory of his parents, Herbert & Freida Collier. He is an optometrist and noted community philanthropist in Bucyrus, Ohio, having been named the community’s 2015 Citizen of the Year.

The Collier Scholarship supports promising students and graduates of high schools in Crawford County—Bucyrus, Wynford, Colonel Crawford, and Buckeye Central—where he now lives, as well as his alma mater, Bellevue Senior High in Bellevue, Ohio. Special consideration is given to applicants who participated in music programs in high school or college.

The Barbara and Frank Quadrato Veterinary Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students pursuing veterinary medicine, prioritizing those from Woodbury or Bethlehem. Founded in 1923, the Foundation addresses critical community issues and provides scholarships to help students achieve their educational aspirations. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills area, it has a long history of generosity from donors committed to fostering educational opportunities.

The Dr. and Mrs. Arthur F. Sullivan Scholarship, established in 1923 by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students entering or currently enrolled in accredited medical schools. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, this scholarship is available only in even years (2026, 2028, 2030), helping students achieve their educational aspirations through the generosity of local donors.

The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business Scholarship, offered by the Connecticut Community Foundation, provides a one-time award to first-year or transfer students pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at Post University in Waterbury, CT. Established in 1923, the Foundation supports local residents through scholarships, aiming to help students achieve their educational dreams. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the region, it reflects the commitment of numerous donors dedicated to fostering academic success.

The Harris Family Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation in 1923, supports local students pursuing post-secondary degrees in agriculture-related fields. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, the Foundation aims to address community needs and enhance educational opportunities. This scholarship reflects the generosity of many donors dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals and contribute to the community.

The Flavorful Futures Scholarship, established by Talking Rain Beverage Company, offers a $5,000 award to high school seniors pursuing higher education. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum GPA of 2.5, graduating between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about contributing to their communities while pursuing vocational or academic programs.

The Sidney Awards, presented by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, celebrate outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Established to honor Sidney Hillman’s legacy, these monthly awards recognize investigative work and commentary that promote social justice. Nominations for the awards can be submitted for any medium, with a winner announced each month, receiving a $500 honorarium and a certificate. This initiative has been a prestigious platform for impactful storytelling for over 65 years.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an esteemed, achievement-based scholarship aimed at high school seniors committed to leadership and community service. Annually, 150 scholars receive $20,000 to support their college education. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $87 million in educational funding to more than 7,000 students. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, planning to attend an accredited college, and demonstrate strong community leadership and service.

The Chaim Schwartz Foundation Grant supports initiatives that preserve and enrich Yiddish language, culture, theater, and art. Established in memory of Sandra Schwartz Tangri, the foundation aims to continue the rich social justice heritage of Yiddishkeit. Proposals can be project-specific or for general support, with grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, and the application process is designed to be straightforward for non-profit organizations.

Grassroots Voices, led by Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc, empowers young women aged 18-25 in the U.S. engaged in grassroots justice work. This program offers a unique opportunity to join a supportive cohort, travel to Washington, D.C., and engage with influential women leaders. Participants will enhance their skills and amplify their impact on critical issues like social inequity and reproductive justice, fostering a community of changemakers dedicated to transforming their lives and the world.

The Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, offers $1,600 to two quartets to attend the 2026 A Cappella Academy or the Sweet Adelines International Convention. To qualify, quartet members must be active Sweet Adelines members and submit three recommendations, demonstrating their commitment. This initiative celebrates barbershop harmony and empowers quartets to enhance their skills through structured educational events, fostering a vibrant community of singers.

Trinity Grants: Capacity - Mission Real Estate Development empowers Episcopal Church parishes and Anglican Communion organizations to enhance community impact through innovative church property development. With a focus on sustainability, the initiative addresses pressing community needs by generating revenue streams, providing affordable housing, and improving education in underserved neighborhoods. Grants support real estate feasibility studies, pre-development expenses, and construction of income-generating projects, fostering strategic advisory and training for faith leaders.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is inviting research applications focusing on mind and body interventions like mindfulness meditation and yoga that promote emotional well-being and whole person health. This initiative supports innovative studies that validate mechanisms of emotional well-being, utilizing a phased funding approach (R61/R33) to ensure rigorous clinical trials. Preliminary data comparable to R01 applications are required, emphasizing the importance of research quality.

The Wayne Yohe Memorial Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, provides financial assistance to students graduating from career or technology centers in Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry counties. This scholarship aims to support those pursuing post-secondary education in technical fields, particularly in the Building and Construction Industry. Annually, 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 are awarded based on academic performance and career goals, encouraging youth to prepare for future careers.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Community’s Memorial Scholarship

Memorial scholarships are one of the top categories of funds created at Marion Community Foundation, but not all donors who wish to memorialize a loved one in this distinctive and perpetual way start their own fund. The Community’s Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to memorialize a number of individuals collectively. All of the persons memorialized are recognized during Marion Community Foundation’s annual Scholarship Program.

The Mary H. Hollaway Trust provided seed money for this special purpose. Mary was well known in Marion, due to her long career with Fahey Bank. Upon her passing, she had arranged for several funds to be created from her estate, this scholarship among them. Other organizations she chose to support include the Marion Area Humane Society, Marion Palace Theatre, and the Marion Family YMCA.

The Community’s Memorial Scholarship is available to graduates and seniors from any Marion County high school who rank in the upper 50 percent of their class.

ExtremeTerrain's Clean Trail Grant Program offers $250 for trail improvement projects, encouraging responsible off-roading. Eligible participants include Wrangler and 4x4 clubs, environmental organizations, and trail managers. The program aims to enhance trails through clean-ups, restorations, and expansions. Grants can be used for tools, food for volunteers, and promotional materials. Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as having a website and providing project photos. This initiative promotes stewardship of the natural landscapes we cherish.

The DustinLenker Memorial Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, offers $2000 scholarships to graduates from Dauphin County Technical School or The Millersburg School District. This scholarship prioritizes students entering Visual Arts or Construction fields, particularly those with ties to Lenkerville Elementary. The program recognizes academic excellence and career aspirations, supporting youth in the Building Industry as they prepare for future workforce opportunities.

The NIOSH Centers of Excellence for Total Worker Health® (U19) aims to enhance worker well-being by funding research and translation activities that address harmful exposures and improve working conditions. Priority areas include high-risk occupations, young workers, and chronic diseases. The initiative emphasizes strong project coordination, scientific rigor, and economic evaluations. Projects must utilize the NIOSH Worker Well-Being Questionnaire and share findings with the HERO Clearinghouse, fostering innovative solutions for employers and workers.

The Most Valuable Student Award, offered by the Elks National Foundation, provides scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 annually for U.S. high school seniors pursuing a four-year degree at accredited colleges or universities. This initiative aims to support students who demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement, ensuring they have access to education that fosters personal and professional growth. For more information, please visit the Elks Foundation website.

The Putting Patients First Grant Program, supported by Canon Medical and managed by AHRA, aims to enhance patient care and safety in medical imaging. In 2024, five grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to hospitals developing training or programs in categories such as Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Safety. Recipients are also required to publish their findings in an AHRA publication, promoting shared best practices across institutions.

The Franque and Phillip Curtis Scholarship, provided by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to graduating high school seniors from Bexar or Kendall County who demonstrate a need for aid to pursue higher education. This renewable scholarship supports full-time students in various fields of study at accredited institutions within the USA. Established to enhance community impact, it has been empowering students since 1964, ensuring they can achieve their educational goals and improve their quality of life.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Community Partner Scholarships

In addition to Community Foundation scholarships, college-going and college-bound students may be eligible for scholarship opportunities available across the region from our community partners.

Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship

Community Partner: Cone Drive, Traverse City, Michigan

The Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship celebrates the vision and dedication of our recently retired President, Kurt Gamelin. Throughout his career, Kurt championed STEM education and believed strongly in investing in the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. At Cone Drive, STEM is at the core of what we do every day, driving the engineering, innovation, and precision manufacturing that have defined our company for over 100 years.

Each year, one student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to pursue a college degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, continuing Kurt’s commitment to opportunity, growth, and excellence.

The Northern California DX Foundation Grant supports amateur radio projects that promote education and international goodwill. It provides financial assistance for well-designed DXpeditions to rare locations, especially those generating global interest. Grants are typically awarded to expeditions that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring participants have a financial stake in their initiatives. The foundation emphasizes thorough review of operator qualifications, equipment appropriateness, and operational plans before granting support.