Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Maryland

501(c)(3) nonprofits improving educational outcomes for children and youth in Maryland can seek US $5,000 - US $75,000 to pilot programs, build capacity, or support innovative operations. The Comis Foundation prioritizes work that helps children explore, learn, and thrive, including community-based and whole-child initiatives, and also considers organizations with national reach.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Small 501(c)(3) public charities in Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore can access free strategic consulting, executive coaching, and training to strengthen their operations. Maryland small nonprofits in Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties may benefit from Mission Possible’s expert support in finance, planning, governance, fundraising, IT, marketing, evaluation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, plus grant research and professional memberships.

Eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for environmental sustainability projects from Green Mountain Energy. Focused on renewable energy, efficiency, and conservation, it invites Maryland small nonprofits in eligible ZIP codes to propose impactful, measurable initiatives.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Small and mid-size Maryland nonprofit organizations conducting work in the humanities can apply for Maryland Humanities’ SHINE Grants, which provide US $5,000 in general operating support. Funding prioritizes humanities, cultural, and educational nonprofits statewide, with an emphasis on equity, accessibility, and building networks that strengthen organizations and communities.

Cultural 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying fiscal agents in the greater Baltimore area can apply for Baltimore Community Foundation’s William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund awards of approximately US $10,000 to strengthen arts and culture. Funding supports organizational capacity, professional development, innovative inclusive programming, and cultural sector collaborations, which may benefit smaller Maryland nonprofits focused on arts and culture.

Maryland 501(c)(3) public charities serving rural communities with community vitality, education, or economic development projects can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support local programs. Grants from Land O'Lakes Foundation help small nonprofits strengthen resources such as ag education, schools, city improvements, fire/ambulance departments, and local United Way or economic development initiatives.

Nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microentrepreneurs in Maryland can access loans and grants to run a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund and provide training and technical assistance. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awards up to US $500,000 for working capital, debt refinancing, equipment, supplies, and real estate improvements in eligible rural areas.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in Maryland planning historic preservation projects can receive US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning, education, and outreach activities. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports local preservation work such as feasibility studies, design guidelines, community forums, and innovative public education reaching new audiences.

Local governments and partner nonprofits in Maryland can apply for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant, offering up to US $800,000 for community development. Funding supports affordable housing, job creation, neighborhood stabilization, and related projects that improve quality of life, which may benefit small nonprofits collaborating on local initiatives.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) music performance, presenting, and education organizations in parts of Maryland can apply for Presser Foundation’s Special Projects funding. The program offers US $5,000 - US $25,000 for general operating support for newer groups and resilience grants for small organizations facing government funding or policy changes, including collaborative stability efforts.

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.

Maryland small nonprofits and other property owners planning tree planting or reforestation on agricultural lands in Maryland can access funding through Maryland Environmental Trust and partners. Awards up to US $50,000 support native tree planting, riparian buffers, and creating or enhancing forested acreage to improve habitat, water quality, and climate resilience.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local residents with education, health and human services, arts, or community development programs can seek US $30,000 - US $75,000 for primarily one-time projects and capital needs. With a mission to strengthen the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, Philip L. Graham Fund supports organizations in Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties through a two-step LOI and full proposal process.

Nonprofits and community organizations improving rural food access and health in Maryland can seek support to expand post-harvest farm infrastructure, food hubs, and mobile markets. Rural Maryland Council also backs projects boosting local food procurement by institutions, nutrition education, and regional coordination to address food insecurity in rural hot spot communities.

Rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges in Maryland can seek funding to support agricultural and forestry education, economic and community development, and regional planning. Rural Maryland Council provides these grants to build organizational capacity, expand training and technical assistance for agricultural and small businesses, and foster new public-private partnerships in rural communities.

Rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges in Maryland can seek funding to expand agricultural education, rural development, and related community programs. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Rural Maryland Council provides support for projects in areas like agriculture and forestry, rural broadband, youth leadership, economic development, and community development across eligible Maryland counties.

Public and nonprofit organizations in rural Maryland counties can seek funding for regional infrastructure projects, including broadband, water, wastewater, transportation, workforce housing, and commercial or industrial facilities. Rural Maryland Council provides Maryland small nonprofits with matching grants that cover up to 25% of multi-jurisdictional project costs and may also support GIS and renewable energy facilities.

Maryland small 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on hunger relief and food access can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation’s Region Grants Open Grant Round, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Eligible organizations must serve rural communities in Cecil, Kent, or Washington counties through food banks, pantries, meal programs, community gardens, or similar efforts.

Eligible rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Maryland can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $500,000 for technical assistance, training, and infrastructure that benefit small rural businesses. Small nonprofits supporting rural business development, incubators, or community economic development may be especially well positioned.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in Priority Funding Areas can apply for Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Investment Tax Credits, awarding up to US $10,000 in state tax credit allocations to attract donations. Funding can support education, youth services, housing, community revitalization, workforce training, arts, tourism, and services for at-risk residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland focused on workforce development, career navigation, and small business support can access funding through Truist Foundation, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000. Eligible U.S.-headquartered organizations must serve within the Truist footprint and provide adult workers with upskilling, AI literacy, and related wraparound services.