Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Maryland

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.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Pay for Performance Track

In addition to the traditional competitive grant program, the Trust Fund is soliciting pay for performance contracts that provide the following:

• Cost per lb or outcome and cost per unit of implementation that is more cost effective than traditional grant values, as seen in the Trust Fund Table. Maryland DNR may select to not fund proposals as Pay for Performance if found to be less cost effective than traditional grant mechanisms.

• Reduced risk to state as payments commence once the project is installed and verified, with subsequent payments offered once project is verified to be functioning and sustained

• Innovative projects and/or projects of scale: Large scale restoration where implementation units exceed traditional grant acreages; Additionally, the state is interested in supporting holistic projects that maximize co-benefits; Innovative BMPs with a quantifiable reduction in nutrient and/or sediment pollution or increase in co-benefits

• Measurement of goal attainment (%) - Measure of success is more specific than implementation units and must include measurement of hydric soils, plant survivability, canopy cover, plant density or other indicators that measure performance.

• Long-term sustainability of performance measures achieved through expected project lifespan, monitoring, easements/landowner agreements, operation and maintenance and/or adaptive management plans

Pre-Proposal Meetings are required for all Pay for Performance Proposals; site visits are required for stream restoration projects and strongly encouraged for other restoration practices.

Maryland nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community groups can seek funding to deliver environmental education and build environmental literacy for students. Focused on environmental education, Chesapeake Bay Trust invites Maryland organizations to implement Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences or district-wide literacy capacity-building projects, with awards up to US $120,000 across eligible multi-year initiatives.

The Pooled Monitoring Initiative’s Restoration Research Award Program, led by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various partners, aims to address critical restoration questions hindering watershed restoration efforts. By funding targeted research, the initiative seeks to enhance confidence in project outcomes, optimize restoration techniques, and provide valuable insights for regulatory agencies. This collaborative effort pools resources to tackle pressing research queries and ensure effective monitoring and restoration practices in the Chesapeake Bay area.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Maryland aim to support small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. Eligible projects serve rural areas with populations under 50,000. Grants have no maximum limit; however, smaller requests receive priority. Funding types include Opportunity and Enterprise grants, focusing on community and economic development, feasibility studies, and training initiatives to foster growth in rural areas.

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 Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in Maryland supports vital criminal justice initiatives aimed at enhancing community safety. It provides essential funding to address gaps in services related to violent crime, victim assistance, law enforcement, and rehabilitation. Managed by the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, this grant encourages public input on its draft application, fostering community involvement in shaping effective crime prevention strategies.

The Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Program offers essential funding to nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups, to enhance security against potential hate crimes. This initiative, aligned with the goals of the Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, aims to foster collaboration between law enforcement and community services. The grant supports various categories, including personnel, equipment, and operating expenses, ensuring targeted facilities receive necessary protection and resources.

Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Grants Program delivered in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports efforts to improve the condition and connectivity of habitats for at risk and federally listed species.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. We continuously monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure our policies, procedures, and operations align with current federal directives. We encourage all applicants to do the same.  

The ability and extent to which NFWF is able to make awards is contingent upon receipt of funds from federal agencies and/or other funding partners. Final funding decisions will be made based on the applications received and the level and timing of funding received by NFWF.

The WILD Program Pillars are:

• Pillar 1: Restore, conserve, and connect fish and wildlife habitat
• Pillar 2: Improve water quality for fish, wildlife and people
• Pillar 3: Align the power of nature to adapt to changing landscapes
• Pillar 4: Expand access to nature and outdoor recreation for all Americans
• Pillar 5: Build partnership capacity to collaborate and coordinate actions

The Chesapeake WILD Grants Program has three distinct tracks:

• Collaborative Conservation
  • Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded for projects that support and enhance the capacity of partnerships, networks, and other collaborative models working collaboratively to advance place-based, landscape-scale, and crossjurisdictional habitat restoration, conservation, and connectivity outcomes.
• Planning and Technical Assistance
• Implementation

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant supports dairy farmers in enhancing their operations for sustainable success. This funding aids in modernizing outdated systems and implementing innovative solutions that improve farm viability, milk quality, and worker conditions while addressing climate impacts. Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, cooperatives, and service providers across Northeast states. Awards range from $15,000 to $100,000, requiring a 25% match contribution.

The Community Forestry Catalyst Fund Grant supports tree planting projects in underserved communities across Maryland. With funding from the USDA Forest Service, it aims to enhance local capacity for tree planting and maintenance. Projects must benefit disadvantaged areas, with no matching funds required. Eligible proposals can apply for varying amounts depending on the track, facilitating a broad range of initiatives to increase urban forestry efforts and community engagement.

The MSCRF Commercialization Program aims to advance human stem cell research for the prevention and treatment of diseases. It supports Maryland-based companies in developing technologies with commercial potential, offering up to $500,000 in funding for collaborative projects. The program encourages partnerships between public and private sectors to enhance research and technology development, emphasizing the importance of stem cell therapies in addressing critical health challenges.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), invites proposals for Planning and Technical Assistance Grants up to $75,000. This initiative focuses on enhancing conservation and stewardship efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting local partners in effective project implementation. With an estimated $8.5 million available, applicants are encouraged to engage with NFWF staff for proposal guidance and feedback to strengthen their submissions.

The Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund aims to promote environmental justice through community forestry initiatives. This grant supports workforce development in forestry, focusing on job training for historically marginalized communities. It encourages partnerships with educational institutions and local organizations to create equitable job opportunities in tree planting and maintenance. The fund is co-led by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various community partners, emphasizing a collaborative approach to improve health and sustainability in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 1) is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide critical support for small businesses in the transportation sector. This initiative, under NOFO Number OST/OSDBU-2026-SBTTAC-Region 1-FY2026-1, aims to establish a center that offers technical assistance and resources for small and disadvantaged businesses, ensuring their growth and success in the transportation industry.

The MSDE Home Visiting - Healthy Families Grant Program for FY 26 aims to enhance community-based services for children and families in Maryland. With funding between $55,000 and $350,000, the program focuses on improving childhood well-being, addressing trauma, and promoting economic self-sufficiency through evidence-based home visiting initiatives. This grant supports efforts to bridge racial disparities and foster positive parent-child relationships, ultimately contributing to better maternal health and school readiness outcomes.

The Public Schools Opportunities Enhancement Professional Learning Grant Program, offered by the Maryland State Department of Education, aims to support the professional development of teachers in public schools. It provides funding for a non-profit organization to enhance educational programming during the school day, focusing on the recruitment, training, and continuous learning of new educators. This initiative specifically targets local education agencies with over 50% of students qualifying for free lunch, promoting equity in education.

The Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program provides grant support for a wide range of bicycle network development activities. The program supports projects that maximize bicycle access and enhance last-mile connections to work, school, shopping and transit. The Bikeways Program seeks to leverage past investments in bicycle facilities, complement existing state, local, and federal programs, and promote biking as a fun and healthy transportation mode. The program prioritizes funding projects which improve safety and access for disadvantaged communities. 

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invites proposals for grants ranging from $75,000 to $500,000. These funds aim to support on-the-ground conservation projects that enhance vital fish and wildlife habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Up to $8.5 million in funding is available, contingent on resources.

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) is an independent unit of government that operates in the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) and is chaired by the MDP Secretary. MHAA oversees the Maryland Heritage Areas Program, which is housed administratively within the Maryland Historical Trust.  

Maryland Heritage Areas Program Project Grants

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program awards approximately $3 million towards capital and non-capital project grants within one or more of Maryland’s 13 heritage areas. These projects highlight Maryland's diverse heritage, enhance local communities, and promote tourism, sustainability, and economic development. 

Capital Project Grants

Capital projects funds support and create heritage tourism infrastructure within the 13 heritage areas.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Preserving & interpreting the legacy of Maryland's past

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) supports historic preservation and revitalization by providing funding and resources to care for historic sites. MHT serves as the State Historic Preservation Office and operates Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum.

Funding

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) provides grants, tax credits, and loans for a variety of historic preservation projects. Explore our funding programs below.

African American Heritage Preservation Program Grants

The African American Heritage Preservation Program (AAHPP) provides $5 million in grants to assist in the preservation of buildings, sites, and communities significant to African American history and culture in Maryland. 

The program is jointly administered by the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC). 

The Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism Grant Program (MFARM) helps people who are food insecure to access the nourishment that they need, while providing a market for farmers to sell their products. The purpose of this program is to build food system resiliency by leveraging Maryland agricultural/seafood products and services to support the State's food banks and charitable emergency food providers to alleviate food insecurity.

The grant program allows Maryland's food banks, charitable emergency food providers and nonprofits to request funding to purchase agricultural/seafood products listed in the Certified Local Farm and Fish Program and deliver it to Maryland families in need throughout the year.

​​The funding priority is to purchase agricultural/seafood products listed in the Certified Local Farm and Chesapeake Invasive Species Provider Directory.

​Grant funds may also be used to fund the following activities;

• The transportation of agricultural/seafood products

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.

FY27 Aging-in-Place (AIP) Program

Program Authority and Purpose:

The Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA or Department) is pleased to issue this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the award of grants through a competitive process under the Aging-In-Place (AIP) Program, under the authority of and in accordance with the §10-1201 of the Human Services Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, amended by the Village Multigenerational Third Places Act (Senate Bill 530/House Bill 811), which shall take effect July 1, 2026. This funding opportunity aligns with the Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) multisector plan on aging and the Department’s commitment to supporting Marylanders to age with health, financial security, social connection, and purpose.

Like the rest of the country, Maryland is home to a population of older adults which will grow considerably over the next several decades. By 2030, nearly one out of every four Marylanders will be 60 years of age or older (census.gov). The majority of older adults want to age in their homes or have limited alternatives due to the high cost of institutional or assisted living options. The AIP funding opportunity enables older Marylanders to live in their homes and participate in a community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

To provide the highest quality of care, it is essential that aging services are both person- centered and trauma-informed (PCTI) . Consequently, this FY27 funding opportunity prioritizes community-based organizations that provide essential programming, service coordination, and support within high-need areas. We are specifically seeking to reach low-income older adults facing the compounding challenges of declining health, social isolation, financial hardship, and language barriers. Integrating PCTI principles into the AIP model aims to rebuild the sense of security and stability necessary for Maryland's older adults to thrive within the communities we call home.

Description:

This funding opportunity aligns with MDOA’s Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) multisector plan on aging. Successful applicants will propose projects that address the following strategies from the plan:

• Increase awareness and adoption of the neighbor-helping-neighbor Village model;
• Recruit older volunteers and multigenerational volunteer teams into coordinated service opportunities;
• Increase the number of intergenerational volunteer opportunities;
• Expand AIP options by providing wraparound services that include health care, transportation, and social services in coordination with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Centers for Independent Living, Villages, and other community-based aging service providers;
• Increase access to home repair and modification programs that ensure safe and accessible home environments; 
• Leverage technology and community-based services to enhance transportation options and operability for older adults, especially in rural communities;
• Promote innovative opportunities to connect Marylanders across all ages through technology, programming, and community spaces; and
• Promote the adoption of initiatives that increase intergenerational connection to reduce age-related bias.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.