Best Grants for Preschools in Maryland

The Puffin Foundation's Environmental Artistic Activism Grant Program supports artists addressing environmental issues through diverse artistic genres such as film, music, and theater. Grants, typically around $1,750, fund projects that prioritize sustainability and innovative solutions to the climate crisis. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and current DACA recipients. The foundation emphasizes projects that avoid contributing to environmental harm while fostering artistic expression and community engagement.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant - Books for Ownership program supports local literacy initiatives by providing funding for diverse books and literacy resources. Established in 1966, RIF aims to foster a culture of literacy among children in under-resourced communities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to double their impact through matched funds, ensuring children have access to high-quality books that reflect their experiences and broaden their perspectives.

The Greater Cincinnati African American Scholarship Fund, administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, offers scholarships for high school seniors in the Greater Cincinnati area. With awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, the program aims to support students pursuing higher education. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded over $170,000 in scholarships, empowering local youth to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Russell Sage Foundation is launching the Causal Research on the Criminal Justice System Grant to support early-career scholars in conducting causal research related to the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and probation. This initiative aims to build a pipeline of researchers and enhance collaboration through a capstone conference. Eligible applicants must be tenure-track assistant professors in the U.S. The next deadline is expected in April 2026, with a budget limit of $100,000 for one-year projects.

The RFP for the Rural Rental Housing Preservation Academy offers no-cost training sessions aimed at empowering rural housing providers to acquire and preserve affordable housing financed by USDA, HUD, and LIHTC. Participants will engage in peer learning, receive targeted technical assistance, and access expert guidance tailored to their needs. This initiative seeks to enhance the preservation of affordable housing opportunities, particularly those with rental assistance, in rural communities across the region.

The Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship Program invites young individuals aged 14-24 to engage in community projects, bridging divides and tackling pressing issues nationwide. In 2025, 500 changemakers will form 100 teams, enhancing their civic skills through collaboration and discussions. Participants will receive stipends and reimbursement funding, while committing to regular meetings and project work. This initiative aims to empower diverse youth populations, providing equitable access to civic education and leadership opportunities as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

The Paul Purcell "Kids Win!" Annual Baird Education Grant honors the legacy of former Baird CEO Paul E. Purcell, who dedicated his life to educational causes. Established in 2020, this grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations that ensure all children, regardless of circumstances, have access to quality education. Funded by Baird and its associates, it prioritizes programs serving diverse and underserved populations, embodying Purcell's belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

The Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty supports early career investigators in aging research, focusing on -omics studies related to biological aging and age-related diseases. Research areas include genomics, proteomics, and interventions targeting aging. Eligible applicants are independent researchers at U.S. not-for-profit institutions, with 10 years or fewer since their postdoctoral training. The award may cover overhead costs, promoting innovative research in the vital field of gerontology.

The Professional & Technical Training Scholarships-Mission San Rafael Scholarship, offered by 10,000 Degrees, aims to support Marin County students with financial need pursuing vocational programs that lead to a license or certificate. Eligible applicants include Marin residents or San Rafael Unified School District graduates, attending accredited training institutions. This initiative provides not only financial aid but also essential resources to ensure students' success in their educational journeys.

The Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowship supports emerging writers focusing on music criticism. This fellowship encourages applicants to submit writing samples that critically analyze live or recorded music. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or residents, 18 or older, and have less than two years of publication experience. The award includes unrestricted funds to advance their careers, alongside opportunities for publication and public speaking at the Democracy Center.

The Joseph James Scholarship, managed by 10,000 Degrees, offers support to students from Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy who graduated between 2013 and 2019. Eligible candidates can receive funding for up to two years, depending on their attendance duration. This scholarship aims to combat educational segregation and provides recipients with access to vital internship opportunities, enhancing their career readiness and skill development in various fields.

The STEM Action Grants, offered by the Society for Science, support innovative nonprofit organizations with grants up to $5,000. Launched in 2016, this program has awarded $1.15 million to enhance public understanding of science and increase participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits focused on STEM education and outreach. Renewals for funding are allowed for up to three years, with additional capacity-building grants available to long-term recipients.

The Teaching Credential Scholarship, administered by 10,000 Degrees, offers two opportunities for aspiring educators. The Marin Retired Teachers Association Scholarship supports Marin County high school graduates pursuing fifth-year teaching credentials or master's degrees in education. Meanwhile, the Building Better Teachers Scholarship aids early care and education teachers in advancing their studies towards a bachelor's or master's degree. Both scholarships encourage applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and are aimed at fostering the next generation of educators.

The Health Careers Scholarship of Sonoma County, administered by 10,000 Degrees, supports students pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, or allied health fields. Established in 2001, it is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Sonoma County or graduated from its high schools. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA and provide two letters of recommendation, excluding relatives. This scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring healthcare professionals in the community.

The IEEE Oceanic Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, supports up to $5,000 for initiatives focusing on ocean engineering, including ocean protection and renewable energy. This grant aims to empower educators and professionals to engage pre-university students in STEM fields. With multiple funding levels available, this program encourages community outreach and aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators through hands-on learning and collaboration.

The IEEE Computer Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, provides funding up to $10,000 to support STEM outreach efforts. This program encourages IEEE members to engage pre-university students in engineering and computing through various initiatives. With multiple funding levels, it aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators and promote awareness of the engineering profession, ensuring that engineering is accessible and exciting for all.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The Civic Experiment Grant by the Trust for Civic Life supports innovative, community-driven projects aimed at enhancing civic engagement. It focuses on rural areas, empowering local leaders to tackle challenges collaboratively. Grants up to $25,000 are available for organizations that are non-partisan and primarily serve rural communities, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable impact. The next nomination period begins in early 2026, following a closed cycle for 2025. This initiative fosters long-term civic infrastructure and community resilience.

The HRE USA 2025 Edmonds Summer Fellowship honors the legacy of Kirby Edmonds by offering young leaders hands-on experience in human rights education. This fellowship provides mentorship and learning opportunities to engage youth in creating human rights-friendly schools and communities. Supported by the Dorothy Cotton Institute, it aims to nurture future leaders committed to human rights advocacy. Eligible candidates must be 18 or older, reside in the U.S., and commit to 100 hours of work between June and August 2025.

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships for non-Tribal college students, providing financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Applications open annually on February 1st, with a priority deadline of May 31st. Award amounts typically range from $2,000 to $3,000. Students are encouraged to apply early to ensure priority review for available scholarships, fostering educational opportunities and success for Indigenous youth.

The National Leaders of Color Fellowship (LoCF) is an eight-month online program designed to foster multicultural leadership within the creative and cultural sectors. Participants receive expert guidance, engage in strategic learning focused on anti-racist practices, and build national networks. This fellowship is open to early to mid-career leaders who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color, and encourages diversity across various dimensions. Alumni can collaborate with regional arts organizations post-fellowship.

Local Data for Equitable Communities CFP

This call for proposals (CFP) invites eligible nonprofit organizations in the U.S. to apply for a grant to collect, analyze, and use data to address inequities in the physical, economic, and social conditions of a place. Improving these conditions is key to achieving health equity where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. Structural racism is one of the leading barriers that results in inequities in conditions within and across communities. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) expects to award up to 30 grants of $50,000 each, with a period of performance of nine months. The Urban Institute, as the national coordinating center for this program, is collaborating with RWJF on program design, grantee support, and communications.

Local data can be valuable tools to make progress on building places that offer everyone the chance to be as healthy as possible. Community organizations and residents can use data to understand challenges, set priorities, advocate for what is important to them, and hold others accountable for promised changes.

The goals of the Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program are to:

• Inform public policy and improve the physical, social, and economic conditions of places
• Build local capacity to use data for action
• Strengthen the use of equitable data practices
• Document successful practices for more communities to learn from and adapt

Funding

• Type of Award: Awards funded under this opportunity will be structured as grants.
• Number of Awards: Up to 30 awards will be funded.
• Amount of Award: Each award will be up to and including $50,000.
• Award Duration: Awards will be nine months.

The Pilcrow Foundation offers the Disaster Relief Grant to support libraries in rural areas of the United States affected by natural disasters. This grant provides $800 worth of quality, hardcover children's books to aid in rebuilding children's departments. Libraries must demonstrate a commitment to serving their communities and possess a limited operating budget. This initiative ensures that children in disaster-stricken regions have access to new books, enhancing literacy and fostering a love for reading.

The Teaching the Bible Grant, offered by the Presbyterian Mission Agency, supports Presbyterian-related schools, colleges, and universities in enhancing biblical education. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for initiatives such as lecture series, Bible studies, and new curriculum development. This funding not only encourages academic engagement but also fosters community learning experiences, allowing students to explore and reflect on their faith collectively. Applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines on the first Friday of March, June, and September.

The Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries Grants and Scholarships, supported by the Presbyterian Mission Agency, aim to empower leaders, congregations, and organizations that promote racial equity and women's rights. This initiative reflects the Presbyterian Church's commitment to justice and inclusivity, fostering an environment where diverse voices can thrive and contribute to the community. By providing these resources, the program seeks to uplift marginalized groups and promote social equity within faith-based settings.

The Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activists Grant Program, initiated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), empowers college students to pursue anti-racism and anti-poverty initiatives on their campuses. This innovative program connects participants with mentorship and financial resources to develop justice and spirituality projects. With support from the 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative, students will receive coaching and guidance throughout the academic year, culminating in a retreat to share experiences and insights.

The Native American Church Property Grants, administered by the Presbyterian Foundation, support essential repairs and improvements to Native American church properties. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the infrastructure of churches and chapels, ensuring their safety and functionality for congregations and visitors. The program reflects the Presbyterian Church's commitment to serving Native American communities, fostering faith and ministry. Through these grants, urgent needs are addressed, strengthening the presence and mission of Native American congregations within the PC(USA).