Best Grants for Teachers in Maryland

Maryland 501(c)(3) organizations, including those supporting teachers and STEM education, can seek funding for workforce development, environmental programs, community vitality, and arts access. With a mission to improve quality of life, Baltimore Gas and Electric provides Central Maryland nonprofits with grants for STEM/STEAM education, energy empowerment, local economic development, and equal access to arts and culture.

The IAC Mission

The mission of the Interagency Commission on School Construction is to achieve a safe, healthy, and educationally sufficient learning environment for every child attending a public school in Maryland. Our vision is a fiscally sustainable statewide portfolio of Pre-K-12 school facilities that will remain educationally sufficient for current and future generations of students and teachers.

Built to Learn Program

Purpose

Provides for up to $2.2 billion in school construction project funding through Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) issued special revenue bonds and provides for management of the projects by MSA.

Minimum Project Cost: $4,000,000

Funding Allocation Methods

• Calculated allocations based on estimated bond proceeds are set for Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.
• The other 17 LEAs share the remainder of the allocations, capped in proportion to their September 2019 enrollments.
• Maximum State Allocation is established for individual projects.
• Funding allocations must be used within 10 years of award.

State/Local Participation: State/Local cost share % applied

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Maryland may be eligible for support, including education-related initiatives that benefit teachers and students. Creag Foundation funds smaller or evolving organizations with new approaches to societal issues; applications are by invitation only, but interested groups can submit a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children’s health, education, and welfare can seek up to US $15,000 for youth-focused programs, including teacher and parent training, from the Dan Paul Foundation. Maryland educators and education nonprofits may be eligible for projects in early childhood development, child advocacy, poverty and homelessness services, environmental education, and refugee enrichment.

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.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland can seek funding for K–12 and higher education, STEM, and college and career readiness programs, as well as safety and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support academic performance, job training, financial literacy, affordable housing, disaster preparedness, and related community services across the U.S.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Focused on strengthening public education, the Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation invites Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the Baltimore area to improve school leadership, teaching quality, and school climate. Teacher-focused organizations, including those offering alternative pathways and professional development in arts, literacy, progressive practices, or STEM, may be eligible for program or operating support.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Nonprofit music performance, presenting, and pre-collegiate music education organizations near Maryland can receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for general operating support or resilience projects. Presser Foundation provides Maryland-area music groups with funding for workforce programming, organizational development, professional guidance, and collaborative efforts to sustain their core mission amid changing arts funding.

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 nonprofits, schools, and government entities in Maryland can receive matching funds for arts education programs led by approved Teaching Artists. Maryland State Arts Council provides Maryland teachers and community educators with support for educational arts engagements, with awards up to US $6,000 paid directly to Teaching Artists and matched dollar for dollar by the host site.

501(c)(3) and 509(a) nonprofits, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City can apply for the Abell Foundation’s community development grants over More than US $10,000 to support education and related initiatives. Maryland teachers and school-focused programs may be eligible for PreK–12 instruction, after-school, summer learning, literacy, and teacher development projects.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based organizations addressing hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, community development, or cultural enrichment may be eligible, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit music performance, presenting, and education organizations in Maryland can apply for Presser Foundation capital grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $100,000 for facilities and equipment. Eligible projects include construction, renovation, and technology upgrades, which may benefit school-based or after-school music programs serving teachers and students.

Local school systems in Maryland can use this grant to recruit and prepare school-based employees to become licensed teachers while they continue working. The Maryland State Department of Education funds collaboratives with employee organizations and Maryland higher education partners to cover tuition, books, fees, and mentor support in exchange for a three-year teaching service pledge in high-needs areas.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Maryland nonprofits, community-based partners, and institutions of higher education supporting infants, children, and youth with disabilities in Maryland can access funding through the Maryland Elevates Grant Program to improve early intervention and special education services. Projects should use evidence-based practices, promote equitable outcomes, and develop innovative approaches to grow teacher capacity and instructional leadership.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Focused on early childhood mental health, Maryland State Department of Education invites Maryland education and child care providers to build capacity for positive mental and behavioral health practices. Eligible projects can receive US $150,000 - US $500,000 to support young children and their families through referrals, services, and caregiver support.

Maryland teachers, schools, and education organizations supporting young students with disabilities can access funding to provide joint family-educator training and aligned behavioral supports. Maryland State Department of Education’s grant offers US $150,000 for research-based training, coordinated family engagement, and sustainable tools that strengthen IEP team collaboration and reduce exclusionary discipline in Pre-K through Grade 2.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.