Best Marine Grants in Maryland

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving educational outcomes for children and youth, including those in Maryland, can apply for Comis Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $75,000 to pilot programs or build capacity. Programs that help children explore, learn, and thrive, and related community or policy work, may be competitive.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Grants support evidence-based projects with measurable outcomes and strong community collaboration. Organizations with marine or coastal youth, education, or human services programming in Maryland may be eligible if they meet these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those in Maryland, can seek support for new or unaddressed social issues. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations across areas like health, community development, environment, and public safety; funding is by invitation, beginning with a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children’s health, education, development, and welfare can seek up to US $15,000 for youth-focused programs, including environmental education, clean air and water, and basic needs. The Dan Paul Foundation supports work such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, and refugee enrichment, which may benefit Maryland marine and coastal youth initiatives.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Maryland and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help tech-enabled programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, which may include coastal or marine-focused initiatives that build skills, resilience, or green jobs.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Maryland can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, and K–12 or higher education programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant to support arts and science programming, capital projects, or limited general support. Large Maryland institutions offering impactful arts, museums, STEAM, or arts education programs, especially for youth and underserved audiences, may be competitive for awards over US $100,000.

Nonprofit organizations working in health, education, or community services in Maryland can seek funding for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM education, and preventive health initiatives. Focused on equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to support local communities, which may include marine-focused health or education efforts.

Academic and research institutions, nonprofits, state agencies, tribes, and other professional organizations in Maryland can seek up to US $10,000 for coastal and marine science research, outreach, and education projects. With a mission to advance marine and coastal science, Maryland Sea Grant provides small program development awards for innovative projects, workshops, and educational activities connected to Maryland conservation and restoration.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other eligible organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability for low-income urban children in Maryland and beyond can seek project or scale-up support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds work in the U.S., India, and South Africa that measurably improves outcomes for children and youth.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Maryland nonprofits and humanitarian organizations focused on health, education, or disaster relief for marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving vulnerable people locally or abroad. Organizations working with women, children, people with disabilities, or those needing healthcare access and social services may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or related marine research and conservation work in Maryland may be eligible for this funding, which must be used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help support well-managed programs with broad impact and significant benefits to their target populations.

With a mission to advance life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Hansen Family Foundation provides Maryland and other U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 for children’s services, education, environmental work, humanitarian aid, and arts and culture. Organizations with marine or ocean conservation projects that fit these priorities may be considered.

Wildlife conservation and environmental nonprofits in Maryland can seek storytelling support to showcase their impact through this grant, with awards of more than US $50,000. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations working in preservation, education, or wellness, which may include marine and coastal conservation storytelling projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Maryland and the broader Southern region can seek funding for environmental conservation, wildlife protection, disaster relief, education, and poverty relief projects. Robinson Foundation supports programs with tangible, meaningful impact, and marine or coastal conservation efforts in Maryland may be eligible if they align with its nature and wildlife priorities.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations providing community services, including those in Maryland, can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships to support their service and fundraising goals. Insperity supports charities that are employee-supported, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where its employees live and work; eligible groups may apply once per year.

Focused on community and economic development, Citi Foundation invites eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in select Maryland counties and other regions to apply for the Community Progress Makers Fund; awards US $1,000,000 in unrestricted support. Funding can advance affordable housing, equitable development, financial health, workforce readiness, and related services for low-income communities, including coastal or marine-dependent populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental or community-focused projects in Maryland can access funding via the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation supports charitable initiatives in areas such as environmental conservation, community services, and peacebuilding, which may include marine or ocean-related conservation efforts within the state.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Maryland environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental initiatives. U.S.-based organizations may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 in one-year support, with a single application per year and at least three years of financial history required.

Public and private marinas in Maryland can apply for Maryland Department of Natural Resources funding; awards up to US $20,000 reimburse purchase and installation of marine sewage pumpout facilities. Additional reimbursement is available for pumpout operations, maintenance, upgrades, and replacements, helping marine facilities reduce sewage pollution and protect local waterways and marine environments.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on youth development, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs that touch marine or coastal communities through education, food access, or environmental projects may be competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland with strong, replicable community partnership programs may be eligible for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing exemplary cross-sector collaboration in the U.S. Funding honors partnerships that measurably improve lives, address significant social issues, and can be scaled or replicated, which can include initiatives connected to marine or coastal communities.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities operating in countries including the U.S., India, Kenya, and others may be eligible, including those whose marine or coastal programs address poverty, disability, or disaster relief in Maryland and beyond.