Best Grants for the Arts in Maryland

The Ausherman Family Foundation's Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofits in Frederick County, Maryland. This grant supports various activities including strategic planning, leadership development, and technology improvements, ultimately strengthening organizations' capabilities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities located in Frederick County with a commitment to expanding their operations. The foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives benefiting children, families, health services, arts, and community development.

The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation focuses on promoting health and mental health, as well as strengthening public education in Baltimore. Through its health initiatives, the foundation seeks to enhance access to mental health services and advocate for systemic changes. In education, it supports efforts to improve leadership and teaching quality in public schools, aiming to create equitable opportunities for Baltimore youth. This foundation prioritizes innovative programs that engage communities in meaningful ways.

The John Edward Fowler Memorial Foundation provides grants to organizations in the Washington DC area, focusing on underserved and at-risk populations. Grants typically do not exceed $10,000 for first-time applicants, with a preference for grassroots, direct service organizations. The Foundation emphasizes sound management and fiscal responsibility, and it avoids funding national organizations and medical research. It supports initiatives in areas such as adult literacy, childhood education, and homelessness, celebrating innovative approaches to community needs.

The John J. Leidy Foundation, established in 1957, has a rich history of supporting Maryland’s nonprofits, focusing on social welfare, arts, health, education, and services for disabled individuals. With a preference for organizations serving the Baltimore Metropolitan area, the foundation offers grants for operating support, programs, and equipment. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities, with reapplication permitted after one year for denied requests, ensuring continued community support and development.

The National Home Library Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in distributing books and reading materials to libraries and community groups with limited resources. This initiative aims to promote literacy and combat illiteracy among all ages through various programs. Grants are available only to tax-exempt organizations that adhere to non-discrimination policies. Preference is given to requests from the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, with applications considered on a rolling basis.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund Grant, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, aims to enrich the cultural landscape of metropolitan Baltimore. Established in 1964, the fund supports various arts and culture initiatives, focusing on organizational effectiveness and community engagement. Grants range from $1,500 to $45,000, prioritizing inclusive and innovative programming that fosters collaboration among cultural organizations, supports local artists, and enhances the community's sense of identity.

The Wolpoff Family Foundation Grant seeks to support established organizations in Montgomery County, Maryland, that have been operational for at least five years. This foundation aims to foster community development, education, and medical research, and invites re-applications from previously funded organizations. Grants are available for specific initiatives, with a maximum award of $15,000 for first-time grantees, focusing on measurable impacts and community needs.

The Philip L. Graham Fund Grant focuses on enhancing the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area through substantial annual grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. It supports diverse initiatives in health, education, arts, and community development, prioritizing innovative, one-time projects. Eligible organizations must serve local residents and align with the Fund's giving priorities. Notably, the Fund awarded $4.1 million in 2017 to 138 organizations, with a strong emphasis on health and education, reflecting its commitment to community enrichment.

The Drescher Foundation, established in 1989, is dedicated to enhancing community life in Harford County, Maryland. It provides support to nonprofit organizations focusing on health, education, and human services. The foundation prioritizes programs that improve quality of life through essential services, health initiatives, educational opportunities for youth, and cultural projects. Grants are available for tax-exempt organizations engaging in significant local activities, promoting community well-being and vibrancy.

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.

The Community Investment Tax Credits Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations by providing state tax credits that incentivize donations for local projects. This program has facilitated nearly $27 million in contributions, supporting around 700 community initiatives. Eligible nonprofits can apply for these credits, which significantly enhance funding opportunities for various community services, including education, housing, and economic development.

The Abell Foundation's Community Development Grants support initiatives in Baltimore City that enhance quality of life and address urban poverty. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations tackling systemic issues in education, workforce development, health services, community development, criminal justice, environment, and the arts. Grants over $10,000 are awarded to nonprofits and government agencies that demonstrate measurable impact and innovation, focusing on underserved populations to foster community engagement and sustainable growth.

The Marion I. and Henry J. Knott Foundation offers grants to support various program areas, including Arts & Humanities, Catholic Activities, Education, Health Care, and Human Services. With a commitment to enhancing community well-being, the foundation provides funding opportunities primarily for organizations serving the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Typical grant amounts are under $100,000, with discretionary grants available on a rolling basis. The foundation is dedicated to fostering education and supporting those in need, reflecting the legacy of its founders.

The Nora Roberts Foundation, established in 2001 by best-selling author Nora Roberts, prioritizes literacy as a fundamental human right. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to literacy, the arts, children, social justice, and environmental initiatives. Grants typically average $5,000, with recommendations for first-time applicants to request between $3,000 and $5,000. Preference is given to local groups in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington DC, particularly those with 501(c)(3) status.

The Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation Grant offers approximately $35,000 annually to support wellness, education, and visual arts programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The foundation prioritizes year-round programming, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations. However, it does not fund general operating costs, new programs, or for-profit entities. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record of service and demonstrate financial accountability.

The Delaplaine Foundation Grant is a private family foundation based in Frederick, Maryland, dedicated to enriching communities through support for non-profit organizations focused on cultural arts, education, health, historical preservation, and spiritual enlightenment. With a commitment to local impact, it primarily awards funding in Frederick County, while also considering applications from nearby states and beyond. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt public charities under IRS regulations.

The Presser Foundation's Special Projects Grant supports innovative music organizations with funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Established in 1939, the Foundation aims to promote music education and philanthropy. The grant focuses on newly formed organizations and those impacted by funding changes, encouraging applications for projects enhancing artistic development, financial stability, and collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, ensuring a broad reach in supporting diverse musical initiatives.

The MSAC Grants for Organizations program offers annual operating grants to organizations in Maryland that present or produce arts programs for the public. It aims to enhance the sustainability and vitality of Maryland's cultural landscape. New applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry, while established organizations can apply for funding in specific artistic categories. The program supports both arts-focused and non-arts organizations that engage in public arts activities.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County is inviting applications for its Impact Grants, aimed at nonprofits engaged in health, education, arts, and more. Eligible applicants include established 501c3 organizations, government agencies for non-tax funded projects, and civic groups. Grants support diverse initiatives that benefit the community, fostering civic engagement and improving quality of life. Interested parties should ensure they meet eligibility requirements and are in good standing with relevant authorities.

The MSAC Heritage Awards, presented by the Maryland State Arts Council, honor excellence in traditional arts, recognizing individuals, places, and practices that embody cultural heritage. These awards target long-term achievements in community leadership, artistry, and the preservation of folklife. By celebrating diverse contributions, the program aims to strengthen community ties and promote the arts as vital components of Maryland's cultural landscape.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

The MSAC Creativity Grants for General Operating Support are available on a rolling basis from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. These grants aim to enhance the sustainability of artists and organizations in Maryland, supporting their operational needs and arts programming for an entire fiscal year. This initiative promotes equitable access to artistic resources and fosters community engagement while transitioning to a new General Operating Support option starting FY 2027.

The Pathways Out of Poverty Grant, established by the Herb Block Foundation, aims to empower disadvantaged youth and adults in the greater Washington, DC area through education and vocational training. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 will support projects that enhance student achievement, provide literacy and GED preparation, and promote job placement. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting the underserved and improving community outcomes.

The MSAC Creativity Grants for Projects, offered by the Maryland State Arts Council, aim to enhance the sustainability of artists and small organizations. This program supports specific arts projects that engage the community and foster creative expression. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with monthly reviews from July 2025 to March 2026. Eligible independent artists and organizations can receive funding for diverse arts initiatives, contributing to a vibrant cultural landscape in Maryland.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects Grant, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, supports projects that enhance traditional arts and cultures in the mid-Atlantic region. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with a required 1:1 match. Eligible activities include performances, workshops, and public art collaborations, particularly those engaging underrepresented communities. This initiative fosters artistic expression and cultural connection across diverse communities.

The Gladys Brooks Foundation supports innovative projects in libraries, education, hospitals, and clinics. Grants focus on resource endowments, capital construction, and equipment aimed at improving public access to information and educational resources. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific states and demonstrate that projects will be funded primarily by the grant. Applications for direct salary support or research projects are not accepted.

The Maryland Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, aims to support local education agencies and community organizations in providing after-school academic enrichment programs. This grant focuses on assisting students from low-performing schools to meet academic standards while offering additional services such as youth development, substance abuse prevention, and family literacy opportunities. Grants range from $50,000 to $400,000, enhancing educational and community engagement.