Best Grants for Public Health in Maryland

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Land Acquisition and Planning

Greenspace Equity Program​

The Greenspace Equity Program was established in 2023 through legislation (Chapter 487 of 2023) to provide grants to eligible applicants for enhancing the public health and livability of overburdened and underserved communities by implementing projects to preserve, create, and improve public greenspace in overburdened and underserved communities. Funding for the program is authorized to come from the state share of Program Open Space subject to annual budget actions.

Greenspace Equity Program Grants Proposal Guide

Purpose

The Greenspace Equity Program provides grant funding assistance to eligible applicants for enhancing the public health and livability of overburdened communities and underserved communities by implementing projects to preserve, create, and enhance community greenspace, which includes

• (i) community gardens;
• (ii) community gathering open space areas;
• (iii) community woodlands;
• (iv) green networks;
• (v) parks;
• (vi) trails;
• (vii) urban farms.

The France-Merrick Foundation Grant, focusing on Maryland's Greater Baltimore area, supports one-time, project-oriented requests exceeding $50,000. Prioritizing financial sustainability, the Foundation funds projects across civic, cultural, community, economic development, education, health, and environmental sectors. It emphasizes innovative collaborations to enhance community vitality and resilience while ensuring adherence to sustainable practices. Organizations must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status and financial stability, with a commitment to improving lives and strengthening neighborhoods through targeted initiatives.

Land Acquisition and Planning

Greenspace Equity Program​

The Greenspace Equity Program was established in 2023 through legislation (Chapter 487 of 2023) to provide grants to eligible applicants for enhancing the public health and livability of overburdened and underserved communities by implementing projects to preserve, create, and improve public greenspace in overburdened and underserved communities. Funding for the program is authorized to come from the state share of Program Open Space subject to annual budget actions.

Greenspace Equity Program Grants Proposal Guide - Appraisal Funding

Purpose

The Greenspace Equity Program provides grant funding assistance to eligible applicants for enhancing the public health and livability of overburdened communities and underserved communities by implementing projects to preserve, create, and enhance community greenspace, which includes

• (i) community gardens;
• (ii) community gathering open space areas;
• (iii) community woodlands;
• (iv) green networks;
• (v) parks;
• (vi) trails;
• (vii) urban farms.

This grant round is specifically to provide funds for obtaining independent appraisals in advance of the applicant’s submission of an acquisition application for the FY 2028 Greenspace Equity Program Grant Application.

Maryl​and Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC)

The Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) was created by the Maryland General Assembly through the Community Health Care Access and Safety Net Act of 2005 to expand access to health care for low-income Marylanders and underserved communities in the state and support the delivery of affordable, high-quality health services by bolstering the capacity of the State’s health care safety net infrastructure. The CHRC is an independent commission, within the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), whose 11 members are appointed by the Governor. Since its inception, the CHRC has awarded 985 grants totaling $396 million, supporting programs in every jurisdiction of the state. These programs have collectively served more than 912,000 Marylanders. CHRC grantees have used initial grant funds to leverage more than $59 million in additional federal, private, and local funding. Approximately 75% of Commission programs have been sustained at least one year or more after the initial grant funding has been expended.

The Maryland General Assembly created the CHRC because it recognized the need to have an independent commission focused solely on supporting projects that serve the unique health needs of vulnerable populations, strengthen the state’s network of community health resources, and address delivery gaps in Maryland’s dynamic health care marketplace. Health insurance coverage is not always sufficient for at-risk communities and vulnerable populations looking to receive affordable, high quality health care services. The fundamental policy objective of the CHRC’s authorizing statute is to expand capacity and resources to community health providers that can close these health gaps.

The CHRC’s annual Requests for Applications (RFA) have long reflected the Commission’s commitment to promote health equity, reduce health disparities, improve health outcomes, address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), foster partnerships, and support state health priorities. 

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Liesel M. Hiemenz Scholarship

This permanent scholarship was established in memory of Ms. Hiemenz, a nurse from Germany. Preference is given to applicants interested in public health.

This funding opportunity aims to bolster the cancer surveillance workforce through educational initiatives. By enhancing collaborations with cancer partners and developing tools for improved data quality, this program will expand the capacity of registrars. Efforts will focus on recruitment and retention, ultimately ensuring compliance with Public Law 102-515. Strengthening the cancer registrar workforce will lead to timely and accurate cancer data submission, supporting public health objectives.

The NIH is announcing a funding opportunity for competitive revisions of ongoing grants to tackle unforeseen public health crises. This Urgent Competitive Revision program aims to facilitate timely responses to emerging health challenges. Once the Notice of Funding Opportunity is published, eligible applications will be directly routed to the appropriate NIH awarding component. Only submissions in response to an Urgent Guide Notice published by an NIH Institute or Center will be accepted.

The CORE Funding: Lilly Research Grant aims to advance research on genetic hearing loss. It invites investigators to explore the genetic factors contributing to hearing loss, promoting innovative projects that enhance understanding in this critical area. Supported by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Foundation, the grant fosters significant research efforts to improve outcomes and strategies in otolaryngology, ensuring a comprehensive approach to hearing health.

The CORE Funding: AHNS Trainee Pilot Research Award supports innovative research in head and neck oncology, encouraging trainees to engage in clinical or translational studies. Since its inception, CORE has provided over $14 million in grants, facilitating significant advancements in otolaryngology. This initiative aims to enhance research efforts, reduce fragmentation, and promote collaboration among various stakeholders to improve outcomes for patients with head and neck neoplastic diseases.

The CORE Funding: AHNS Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association Award aims to support vital research projects focused on thyroid cancer, encompassing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. This initiative by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation promotes advancements in the field through funding opportunities that enhance research capabilities and foster collaboration among researchers. Through the support of this award, significant strides can be made in understanding and combating thyroid cancer.

The CORE Funding: AHNS Presidential Award supports innovative research that integrates emerging technologies in head and neck cancer studies. This initiative aims to address critical gaps in early detection and treatment, especially for patients with advanced disease. By leveraging tools such as AI and advanced imaging, the program seeks to enhance understanding of disease mechanisms and improve patient-centered intervention strategies, ultimately advancing the field of otolaryngology.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Grace Wall Barreda Memorial Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Grace Wall Barreda.

The purpose of the Grace Wall Barreda Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in Public Health or Environmental Science/Studies.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $49,999 to support community health initiatives. Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration and addressing social needs to foster well-being. Eligible organizations include non-profits, schools, and government agencies. The fund prioritizes projects that align with the Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on health equity, civic engagement, and neighborhood enhancement. This initiative aims to empower communities and improve health outcomes while fostering corporate social responsibility.

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 HEAL Initiative aims to address the significant overlap between chronic pain (CP) and opioid use disorder (OUD), with 40-75% of individuals affected by both. The IMPOWR project focuses on testing innovative interventions and implementation strategies to integrate care for CP and OUD across various health systems. The BEACON Center will enhance network coordination, build capacity, and develop resources to address barriers in service delivery, ultimately improving sustainability and scalability of evidence-based practices.

The CHEERS Open Period 1 invites white papers focused on enhancing operational medicine and support for Airmen and Guardians. Managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and USAFSAM, this opportunity aims to address future demands in Aerospace Medicine, Occupational Health, and Public Health. Proposals should align with the objectives outlined in the Continuing Human Enabling, Enhancing, Restoring and Sustaining announcement. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions to support the Department of Defense's mission.

The Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship, offered by SHAPE America, is a $1,000 annual award for master's level students enrolled in accredited health education programs in the U.S. Recipients can use the funds as they wish and receive a complimentary one-year student membership with SHAPE America. The scholarship aims to support future educators and enhance the quality of health education, promoting research and professional practice in the field.

The Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by SHAPE America, provides $1,000 annually to undergraduate students majoring in school-based health education at accredited institutions in the U.S. or territories. Eligible candidates must be full-time students with a GPA of at least 3.25. Alongside the scholarship, recipients receive a complimentary one-year membership with SHAPE America, promoting professional development in health and physical education.

The HEAL Initiative aims to address the complex interplay between chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD), affecting 40-60% of OUD patients. Through the IMPOWR initiative, this funding opportunity seeks to develop integrated care strategies that enhance treatment delivery at health systems levels. By identifying effective interventions and collaborative care models, the initiative strives to improve patient outcomes in managing both chronic pain and OUD, while emphasizing the roles of various healthcare professionals in this integrated approach.

The NARMS Cooperative Agreement Program aims to enhance antibiotic resistance surveillance in retail food specimens. Funded by the FDA, this initiative strengthens the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System established in 1996. By improving detection methods and expanding sampling sites, the program seeks to protect public health and align with NARMS objectives, ultimately combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in food commodities.

The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation Grant supports healthcare initiatives in the greater Cleveland area, focusing on medical research, public health promotion, and assistance to local hospitals. The foundation prioritizes grant requests from private sector organizations and favors projects with a duration of three years or less. It does not fund national campaigns, individual scholarships, or endowment contributions. Eligible projects must align with the foundation's commitment to enhancing health services for all, particularly low-income populations.

The Opioid Crisis Response Program Fellowship, offered by Equal Justice Works, addresses the opioid epidemic by mobilizing public interest lawyers to provide vital civil legal aid to underserved communities affected by Opioid Use Disorder. This two-year fellowship enables attorney fellows to advocate for clients' rights, reduce barriers to treatment, and enhance community education about legal impacts. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the program aims to improve health outcomes and foster systemic change in the fight against this public health crisis.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

This funding opportunity aims to address health disparities in non-communicable and chronic diseases in Latin America. The initiative encourages collaborative research that evaluates public health policies and improves health outcomes among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos. Applications are welcomed from multi-disciplinary teams, with a requirement for collaboration with Latin American institutions. Key deadlines for submission are outlined, with a focus on innovative approaches to tackling critical health issues across the region.

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in the field of human sexuality and sexual wellness. With a funding of $7,500, the program aims to attract emerging researchers and clinicians to sexual medicine. Applications are accepted from graduate students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows, with an emphasis on diverse backgrounds. The program promotes ethical research practices and requires mid-term and final progress reports to ensure accountability.