Best Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Climate Change Investment Initiative Grant Program, funded by the Exelon Foundation, aims to support innovative start-ups focused on climate change solutions within Exelon's service territories. With a commitment of $20 million over ten years, the program promotes not only environmental sustainability but also social equality and economic prosperity. Eligible businesses can benefit from substantial equity investments and valuable in-kind services. The initiative seeks to empower diverse leadership teams, particularly those representing women and minorities, to drive impactful change.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

The Maryland Affordable Housing Trust, established in 1992, aims to enhance affordable housing availability across Maryland. Governed by a Board of Trustees, it utilizes interest from title company escrow to fund various initiatives. The Trust primarily supports households earning below 50% of the area or statewide median income by financing rental and ownership housing, assisting nonprofit developers, funding supportive services, and covering operational costs of housing developments.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants: Exploratory Projects aim to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability through innovative risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, these grants offer up to $10,000 for projects that address emerging risk topics or support producer workshops. With an 18-month duration from April 2026 to September 2027, this initiative encourages the development of new educational approaches to better serve the needs of farmers and ranchers.

Maryland Department of Transportation

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is made up of five modal administrations: the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA); the Maryland Port Administration (MPA); the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA); the State Highway Administration (SHA); the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) – and authorities that are a part of MDOT, including the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). This unique approach provides the state’s leadership with the ability to develop a coordinated and balanced approach to transportation.

Urban Tree Program 

The MDOT Urban Tree Program is a stewardship community tree planting program to help plant trees in communities that have lost trees as a result of transportation construction projects. The program was established by statute (Transportation - §2–103.8) out of the 2021 legislative session and was developed as a grant program in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee (MUCFC). The opportunity to apply for grant funding is open year-round! Applications will be reviewed twice a year for spring and fall planting seasons. The program awards grants for planting projects with additional funds available for pocket forest projects. The program supports the Maryland Five Million Trees initiative and supports MDOT's efforts to being the greenest department of transportation in the country.

Projects are prioritized if they support environmental justice initiatives, reduce the Urban Heat Island effect, and/or support the urban tree canopy.

The England Family Foundation Grant aims to amplify local solutions for inclusive prosperity in Washington, DC. It welcomes 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for general operating grants that align with its strategic priorities, including economic justice and community safety. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations addressing systemic inequalities and fostering leadership among youth. Grants are awarded twice a year, with a commitment to reducing gun violence and supporting vulnerable communities. Interested applicants can submit inquiries via an online portal.

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

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 U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization is offering funding to establish the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) in Region 1. This initiative aims to provide crucial technical assistance and business development support to small businesses while ensuring compliance and reducing barriers. The program includes a 10-month base year with two potential option years, emphasizing the Department's commitment to accountability and support for small enterprises.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

About PCORI

PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Our Mission

PCORI helps people make informed healthcare decisions, and improves healthcare delivery and outcomes, by producing and promoting high-integrity, evidence-based information that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.

Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. 

Research Initiative Highlights

CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.

Special Areas of Emphasis

For Cycle 2 2026, PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAE) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of identifying these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, rather than limiting submissions to these topics. Applicants addressing one of the below SAEs should identify the area that is best associated with their research approach:  

• Addressing Obesity
• Diabetes Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Management of Urogynecological and Pelvic Pain
• Pain Management for Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease

In PCORI-funded research, patients and other research partners are expected to meaningfully contribute their lived experience or professional expertise to ensure studies are patient-centered, relevant and useful for healthcare decision making. Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research — an evidence-based framework supported by tools and resources to guide effective engagement strategies. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the inclusion of a broad range of patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes. 

Broad Pragmatic Studies PFA: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Study Specifications

PCORI will commit up to $120 million in direct costs through this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity contains three categories for funding:

• Category 1: Category 1 will support research projects with direct costs up to and including $5 million.

• Category 2: Category 2 will support research projects with direct costs greater than $5 million and up to a maximum of $12 million. Applications for funding under Category 2 will be required to provide additional information in the Letter of Intent (LOI) and application to justify the size and scope of the proposed research projects and to explain how additional funds are necessary with respect to the scale, scope and complexity of personnel and material resources needed to address the research question.

• Category 3: Category 3 will support research projects with direct costs up to $12 million that utilize PCORnet® to conduct observational studies and/or pragmatic trials that are national in scale. Category 3 PCORnet Studies® must include two or more Clinical Research Networks and share study progress, performance metrics and best practices with the network to promote continuous learning and improvement. PCORnet Studies® will leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model® as appropriate. Additional details about Category 3 can be found on the PCORI website.  

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Mission Statement​: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources leads the state toward a resilient future by using data, partnerships, and an innovative spirit to improve ecological, social, and economic outcomes for all communities.

​​​Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) supports projects to improve outdoor recreation through the acquisition of land and development or renovation of recreation amenities. 

LWCF funding must be matched 1:1 with non-federal funds. Acceptable federal funding sources for matching:

• Recreational Trails Fund
• Community Development Block Grants
• Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration

Funding: Reimbursement-based. Funds will be issued after the project has been completed.

Recreation Use: The entire park must be permanently protected and dedicated exclusively to recreational use.

Project Completion Timeline:​ Projects must be completed within 3 years of award date (with possibility of 2-year extension)

The Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit, offered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, provides up to $15 million to rehabilitate eligible properties previously owned by government entities. This initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and community development, particularly emphasizing affordable housing. To qualify, businesses must be in good standing with Maryland and engage in projects that align with these goals, focusing on former educational and health facilities.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund's Manufacturing Assistance Program aims to enhance the production of cell therapy products by providing funding up to $1,000,000 for Maryland-based companies. This initiative supports the establishment of advanced manufacturing facilities to meet market needs while fostering an experienced workforce. Companies must be located in Maryland and demonstrate the capability to execute their proposed research efficiently, ensuring compliance with state regulations to advance stem cell research and therapies.

The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship, established in 1989, offers financial support to students pursuing degrees in horticulture across 16 southeastern states. Administered by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund, this scholarship honors the legacy of Sidney B. Meadows, a dedicated advocate for education in the horticultural industry. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria related to academic standing and residency, with preference given to those intending to work in the field after graduation.

The Peoples Bank Foundation Grant aims to create a significant impact in local communities by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of service, the foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants and scholarships across several states. It prioritizes initiatives that assist low to moderate-income individuals and families, encouraging organizations within its footprint to apply for funding to enhance their community-focused programs.

The Rotary Service Partnership Grants, established by the Rotary Club of Frederick, offer funding between $2,000 and $10,000 to nonprofit organizations in Frederick County. These grants support projects that enhance community welfare in areas such as Veteran Services, Education, and Disease Prevention. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations, government entities, faith-based groups, and civic organizations focusing on non-sectarian activities. This initiative aims to foster impactful partnerships that benefit local communities.

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.

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. 

The Maryland Heritage Areas Program Project Grants provide vital funding to preserve and interpret Maryland's rich history. With approximately $3 million available for capital and non-capital projects, these grants aim to enhance local communities, promote tourism, and support economic development throughout Maryland's 13 heritage areas. The Maryland Historical Trust oversees these initiatives, ensuring the legacy of the state's past is honored and sustained.

Land Acquisition and Planning

Greenspace Equity Program​

The Greenspace Equity Program was established in 2023 through legislation (Chapter 487 of 2023) to provide grants to eligible applicants for enhancing the public health and livability of overburdened and underserved communities by implementing projects to preserve, create, and improve public greenspace in overburdened and underserved communities. Funding for the program is authorized to come from the state share of Program Open Space subject to annual budget actions.

Greenspace Equity Program Grants Proposal Guide

Purpose

The Greenspace Equity Program provides grant funding assistance to eligible applicants for enhancing the public health and livability of overburdened communities and underserved communities by implementing projects to preserve, create, and enhance community greenspace, which includes

• (i) community gardens;
• (ii) community gathering open space areas;
• (iii) community woodlands;
• (iv) green networks;
• (v) parks;
• (vi) trails;
• (vii) urban farms.

Land Acquisition and Planning

Greenspace Equity Program​

The Greenspace Equity Program was established in 2023 through legislation (Chapter 487 of 2023) to provide grants to eligible applicants for enhancing the public health and livability of overburdened and underserved communities by implementing projects to preserve, create, and improve public greenspace in overburdened and underserved communities. Funding for the program is authorized to come from the state share of Program Open Space subject to annual budget actions.

Greenspace Equity Program Grants Proposal Guide - Appraisal Funding

Purpose

The Greenspace Equity Program provides grant funding assistance to eligible applicants for enhancing the public health and livability of overburdened communities and underserved communities by implementing projects to preserve, create, and enhance community greenspace, which includes

• (i) community gardens;
• (ii) community gathering open space areas;
• (iii) community woodlands;
• (iv) green networks;
• (v) parks;
• (vi) trails;
• (vii) urban farms.

This grant round is specifically to provide funds for obtaining independent appraisals in advance of the applicant’s submission of an acquisition application for the FY 2028 Greenspace Equity Program Grant Application.