Best Grants for Rare Diseases in Maryland

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland focused on children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support for community programs. Costco Foundation provides Maryland health and human service nonprofits with grants that emphasize measurable outcomes, demonstrated community need, collaboration, and diversified funding, which may benefit organizations addressing rare or chronic disease impacts in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social services programs may be eligible for support in Maryland and beyond. Creag Foundation supports new approaches to social problems, including health care access, diseases and conditions, and community services, and considers proposals from organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage, independent social impact organizations addressing urgent social or environmental problems can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable, impact-first solutions. Organizations in priority regions, including the U.S., may benefit if they serve underserved communities and can demonstrate measurable impact, which can include Maryland programs working on rare or respiratory diseases.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help Maryland and worldwide organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities develop innovative, tech-enabled solutions that improve reach, efficiency, and long-term community resilience.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Maryland can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that build stronger communities. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, and K-12 or higher education programs, which may benefit rare disease populations indirectly.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including those serving Maryland, can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and science programs. Support may cover program, capital, or limited general and endowment needs, including arts education and STEAM initiatives that could benefit rare disease communities.

Maryland health and community nonprofits can seek funding for healthcare access, education, and local support programs that fit Labcorp Charitable Foundation’s priorities. Focused on health and welfare, education, and community, the foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for initiatives such as patient services, preventative care, and STEM education that may benefit people with rare or respiratory diseases.

Organizations working on education, child health, or family economic stability projects in Maryland may be eligible for more than US $50,000 to support or scale programs for urban low-income children and youth. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds qualified entities with a U.S. TIN whose work aligns with its mission and values.

PNC Foundation provides Maryland nonprofits with funding for early childhood education and community economic development initiatives. 501(c)(3) organizations serving low- and moderate-income residents in PNC service communities may be eligible for programs in education, affordable housing, community services, arts and culture, and neighborhood revitalization, including projects that intersect with health or rare disease support needs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations funding charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work in Maryland may be eligible for national support. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help U.S.-based projects that are well-managed, broadly serve their target populations, and materially advance general welfare, which can include rare or respiratory disease initiatives.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce training, housing, or related programs can apply for sponsorship funding that supports economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports U.S. initiatives such as preserving neighborhoods, addressing hunger and emergency shelter, arts and culture, environmental projects, and diversity and inclusion, which may benefit rare disease–serving organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Maryland can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This broad-based foundation supports charitable projects that respect people, life, and the environment, which may include programs serving those affected by rare or respiratory diseases.

Focused on education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites Maryland nonprofits, public schools, and eligible government entities to apply for community-focused project support. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) or qualified public entities located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serving that community’s long-term well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland supporting basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence may be eligible for funding if located within 15 miles of a TJX site. The TJX Foundation supports vulnerable families and children; rare disease organizations with qualifying community services may fit their current priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries can apply for Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted program or operating grants, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help Maryland organizations, including those addressing community services or environmental issues alongside rare disease or respiratory health work, support their eligible programs worldwide.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community-based programs, cultural institutions, education, health facilities, or environmental and wildlife initiatives can apply for funding from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Maryland organizations working on rare disease care or related services may be eligible if they fit these priorities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and related services. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving clients nationally, including Maryland, and aligning with these focus areas may be eligible, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise volunteers.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Maryland health and social service nonprofits can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for programs in education, health care, human and social services, civic and cultural work, and environmental initiatives. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project-focused support, which may include rare disease-related efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Maryland can seek storytelling funding to showcase their impact in preservation, education, or wellness. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects such as environmental conservation, early childhood education, mental health, and outdoor recreation, offering more than US $50,000 to help share powerful community stories.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on youth development, education, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs serving underserved young people and their families, including those facing serious or rare health challenges, may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborative efforts that address significant social issues. U.S.-based nonprofits working on rare or respiratory diseases as part of broader community initiatives can showcase impactful, scalable partnerships through this annual competition.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help Maryland and other eligible locations address poverty, disability, social exclusion, or disaster relief, with a preference for smaller, non-sectarian organizations where at least 90% of funds reach beneficiaries.