Best Head Start Grants in Maryland

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, colleges, and public libraries offering family-focused literacy programs can seek funding for adult education, children’s education, and parent–child learning time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports early learning and family literacy within 15 miles of its Maryland stores, with awards up to US $10,000.

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects focused on Baltimore City can seek up to US $10,000 to launch or expand programs, operations, capital projects, or advocacy across Abell’s program areas, including early learning. With a mission to strengthen Baltimore communities, Abell Foundation provides Maryland early education efforts with flexible small grants on a rolling basis.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

Maryland early childhood councils and similar local advisory bodies can use this grant to strengthen county-level early learning systems, with awards from US $24,602 - US $34,732. Funding from the Maryland State Department of Education supports needs assessments, collaboration planning, coordinated initiatives, and evidence-based quality improvements that may benefit Head Start and other preschool programs.

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, birth through age 21. Focused on equitable, evidence-based practices, the Maryland State Department of Education supports innovative strategies that enhance inclusive learning and build educator and leadership capacity, which may benefit Head Start and early learning programs.

Child care and early learning providers in Maryland serving children under 6 with developmental delays, physical disabilities, or social-emotional or behavioral challenges can seek major program funding through this grant. Grants from Maryland State Department of Education support health/medical-based child care coordinated with early education services, requiring qualified staff, equipment, and partnerships; awards range from US $500,000 - US $1,917,000.

Maryland local education agencies can receive funding to establish new Judy Center Early Learning Hubs, providing comprehensive early care and education for children from birth to age five. Maryland State Department of Education offers approximately eighteen competitive awards of $330,000 per site per year, supporting school readiness, family strengthening, and early childhood development over three years.

Maryland school districts and local education agencies seeking to strengthen fine arts education can access funding through the Maryland State Department of Education to supplement existing budgets. Grants support prekindergarten–12 programs in dance, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts that align with Maryland State Standards and COMAR 13A.04.16, and may benefit early learning and Head Start-related arts initiatives.

Maryland local education agencies and private early learning providers can receive approximately US $400,000 to expand high-quality prekindergarten and school readiness services for three- and four-year-olds from low- to moderate-income families. The Maryland State Department of Education supports preschool and early learning programs statewide, which may include Head Start or similar early childhood initiatives.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic human needs, income creation, stable housing, or community empowerment can seek local funding to support low- and moderate-income communities. Grants from Bank Of America Charitable Foundation help organizations provide food, shelter, health services, job training, and small business or workforce development for vulnerable populations and working families in eligible Maryland markets.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

The Lockhart Vaughan Foundation focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore, Maryland, with a commitment to education, environment, and community development. Established in 1990, the foundation aims to enhance public education access, promote environmental sustainability, and foster vibrant neighborhoods through strategic grant-making. Applicants must submit a contact information form before applying, with an upcoming deadline for summer learning grants on February 20. The foundation prioritizes impactful initiatives that align with its goals.

Early childhood and K–12 education nonprofits in Baltimore, Maryland can seek funding for literacy, school readiness, after-school, and summer learning programs through the Lockhart Vaughan Foundation. Focused on education, environment, and community development, the foundation invites new 501(c)(3) applicants to submit a letter of intent before being invited to apply.

Early learning and education nonprofits in Maryland can seek large-scale support for programs, scholarships, capital projects, and limited general or endowment needs that improve educational outcomes. Focused on higher education, early childhood, K-12, STEM, and educator development, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors established U.S. 501(c)(3) institutions with sizable budgets and broad reach, which may include Head Start providers.

U.S. nonprofit professional development providers serving early childhood programs can seek up to US $500,000 over three years to strengthen the early educator workforce. With a mission to improve access to high-quality early learning, Stranahan Foundation supports scalable coaching, leadership development, and substitute teacher pool models that may benefit Maryland Head Start and similar early childhood initiatives.

Maryland early learning and preschool education nonprofits, public entities, and qualifying colleges or universities can access funding to improve STEM education and basic needs services. Organizations within American Electric Power’s broader service territory or with regional or national reach may be eligible, especially those advancing early childhood STEM, hunger relief, housing stability, and social justice initiatives.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving educational outcomes for children and youth can apply for Comis Foundation grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $75,000 for programs, pilots, research, and capacity building. Organizations in Maryland offering preschool or early learning, Head Start, or whole-child support may be especially well positioned to benefit.

Education providers offering early learning or K–12 programs in Maryland may be eligible for the Yass Foundation for Education’s national Yass Prize, which awards US $1,000,000 for innovative, student-centered models. Organizations advancing sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless education, including those serving Head Start-age children, can apply to scale their impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, and government entities in Maryland can apply for Cdv5 Foundation’s grants to support early learning, youth development, family services, and healthier communities. Funding may cover general operations, capital campaigns, or specific programs, which can include Head Start or other preschool and early childhood initiatives serving children and families.

Public and MSDE-approved nonpublic schools serving pre-K through 12th grade on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore can apply for Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore grants up to US $5,000 to support teacher-led classroom or schoolwide projects. Grants from Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore help Maryland early learning and K–12 programs enhance student success and well-being, including Head Start classrooms within eligible schools.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.

The On My Way to Kindergarten Program offers essential resources to prepare children aged 3-5 for kindergarten. Developed with input from educators, it includes a bilingual activity book and online access to games, songs, and crafts in both Spanish and English. Funded by The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation, this initiative aims to empower at-risk children and their families, ensuring they have the tools needed for a successful transition into school.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Linda K. Freeland Early Childhood Education Scholarship

For High school senior from Saline County, KS, with an intended major of early childhood education.

Applicant must submit an essay that states why they have chosen to major in early childhood education.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

Jacquie Porter Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Teachers in Austin ISD

Aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.00

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of the Meghan Lynn Rippeon Memorial Scholarship is to honor the life of Meghan Lynn Rippeon by providing a scholarship for any senior graduating from a Carroll County, Maryland high school who has shown academic achievement and is pursuing an education in early childhood development and who has been accepted at an accredited College, University, or Technical School. Applications will also be accepted from continuing students, i.e. those that are already in college, who meet the criteria established for this scholarship.