Best Grants for Science Teachers in Maryland

Maryland schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, and community groups can receive funding to deliver environmental education and literacy programs for students. Focused on environmental education, Chesapeake Bay Trust invites Maryland education partners to implement Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences and build district or statewide environmental literacy capacity, with awards up to US $120,000.

Nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Maryland that host young adults for a year of full-time environmental service can receive support for positions in restoration, education, and climate-related work. With a mission to engage residents in natural resource protection, Chesapeake Bay Trust provides host sites with Corps members to advance environmental education and related STEM programming.

Public, private, and charter schools offering or planning STEM and biomedical science programs in Maryland can receive up to US $14,000 to launch a new PLTW Biomedical Science program. Project Lead The Way covers participation fees for two years and four teacher core training registrations in this three-year grant, with national eligibility across all U.S. states and territories.

Maryland land trusts and community-based organizations can apply for funding to build organizational capacity, foster conservation support, and steward permanently protected lands through environmental education and outreach projects. Grants from Maryland Environmental Trust, via the Keep Maryland Beautiful program, offer up to US $10,000 for Maryland projects that engage residents in stewardship and address local environmental problems.

Nonprofits, community-based partners, and higher education institutions in Maryland can seek funding to improve early intervention and special education services for children and youth with disabilities. Focused on equitable, evidence-based practices and growing teacher capacity, the Maryland State Department of Education supports innovative strategies that may benefit STEM and science educators serving students with special needs.

Public charities and government units in Maryland can seek funding to support education, environmental stewardship, and STEM initiatives that strengthen local communities. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation supports programs with public schools and higher education institutions, especially those enhancing science and engineering education and linking math and science learning to real-world industry and environmental applications.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, especially in Greater Baltimore, can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants over More than US $50,000 to support one-time, project-based work in education and related areas. K–12 and higher education projects, including literacy, STEM-related preparation, school facilities, and college and career readiness initiatives, may be eligible if they demonstrate strong financial and administrative capacity.

K–12 schools, LEAs, nonprofits, government agencies, higher education institutions, community and faith-based organizations, and for-profit corporations in Maryland can access funding to run out-of-school academic enrichment and STEM programs. Grants from Maryland State Department of Education range from US $50,000 - US $400,000 and also support youth development, arts, and family literacy activities that complement regular instruction.

Schools, community-based organizations, and agencies in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay watershed can apply for Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Youth Environmental Education Grant Program, with awards up to US $10,000 for youth environmental investigations, outdoor classrooms, and educator professional development. Science teachers can use funds for field trips, fieldwork, transportation, substitutes, and project supplies.

Schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in Maryland can receive up to US $5,000 for environmental education, litter prevention, and community stewardship projects. The Maryland Environmental Trust’s Keep Maryland Beautiful Community Stewardship Grants back hands-on, project-based learning, especially for children and youth, and may benefit science teachers incorporating local environmental issues into their curriculum.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in STEM and broader education, youth, health care, veterans, or human services can seek funding for programs, capital projects, or operations. Grants from Kahlert Foundation help Maryland organizations, including those supporting science teachers and STEM initiatives, expand capacity and measurably improve quality of life in Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, and Howard counties.

Maryland environmental education and conservation nonprofits, especially smaller 501(c)(3) organizations, can seek funding for programs, projects, or general operations, with awards up to US $10,000. Focused on arts, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, the Joseph Robert Foundation invites Mid-Atlantic groups to propose community-based initiatives that protect natural resources or provide environmental education, including STEM-related outdoor learning.

Maryland local education agencies operating P-TECH high schools can apply for supplemental funding to expand STEM-focused early college pathways and wrap-around services for economically disadvantaged students. This Maryland State Department of Education grant supports high school and associate degree completion, plus career preparation with partner companies, and requires a 100% match, which may be in-kind.

Faculty, researchers, nonprofits, and other professional organizations in Maryland can seek funding for small coastal and marine science research, education, or outreach projects that support environmental education and related fields. Grants from Maryland Sea Grant help Maryland science educators and partners develop innovative projects, workshops, and programs that connect marine and coastal science to diverse audiences, with awards up to US $10,000.

Maryland high school seniors pursuing STEM degrees at four-year colleges can access funding through the HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America. Eligible students must reside in the mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and may receive up to US $5,000 for undergraduate study.

Maryland schools and community organizations doing environmental education and urban forestry projects on public land in Maryland can receive up to US $1,000 for community tree planting and education initiatives. Maryland Department of Natural Resources supports projects that expand urban tree canopy, engage citizens, and build long-term environmental stewardship, which may benefit science teachers incorporating outdoor learning.

Middle schools in Maryland offering public, private, or charter programs can access funding to launch the PLTW Gateway STEM curriculum through grants from Project Lead The Way. Eligible U.S. schools receive US $9,100 in non-cash support covering PLTW Gateway participation fees and six core teacher training registrations for new program implementation.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Environmental Education and Stewardship (Outcome 4)

Improve student and community ability to take action benefiting Chesapeake ecosystems through professional development and training, curriculum expansion, outdoor learning and stewardship.

What kind of projects are supported by Environmental Education and Stewardship?

Funding will be offered as available to support learning experiences and educational opportunities focused on environmental issue exploration and investigation leading to stewardship action. Funding supports two tracks for this funding program:

• Track One will focus on projects serving formal K-12 education systems, and
• Track Two will focus on projects serving communities or public education. Both tracks include proposals focused on local watershed and land-use issues, and should be based on sound environmental education principles.

Applicants should collaborate with the student or community that they will be working with to build capacity, engagement and stewardship. The project should address the needs of the community and include the voices of the community.

All projects should be located within Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

Nonprofit and NGO STEM and youth leadership programs in Maryland and other eligible regions can apply for US $10,000 - US $25,000 to expand equitable science and STEM learning. H.B. Fuller Company Foundation supports initiatives serving students facing systemic educational disadvantages, emphasizing long-term impact, mentorship, and career pathways in STEM 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 Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.

Maryland science and STEM education organizations can access funding through Stealth Biotherapeutics for programs that educate health care providers and patient communities about disease awareness, therapeutic management, and scientific advances. Accredited institutions offering innovative, cost-effective education on rare genetic, neurodegenerative, or ophthalmic disorders may be eligible for these charitable contributions.

The Change Happens Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable initiatives aligned with environmental science, education, and human services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, while advocating for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Grants aim to foster systemic change, empower underrepresented communities, and bridge gaps in access to nutrition and healthcare. The foundation operates nationally and internationally, seeking to create significant impact through strategic investments.

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 SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, managed by the Department of War, aims to enhance the U.S. military's technical workforce by offering competitive scholarships for STEM degrees. With a funding cap of $1.3 billion over ten years, the program prepares scholars for critical roles in national defense, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals. Since its inception in 2005, over 8,000 scholarships have been awarded, fostering a strong connection between education and service in defense-related fields.

The NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports individuals pursuing higher education who have engaged in equestrian activities. Open to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, the scholarship aims to assist those attending various educational institutions in the United States. Applications for NCCF scholarships will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. Be sure to check specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship.