Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits 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.

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

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.

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

Description

The Maryland Victims of Crime Fund, administered by the State Board of Victim Services under the authority of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, provides for advocacy and support services to victims of crime through the creation of new ideas and the enhancement of existing programs in Maryland.

History

The Maryland Victims of Crime Fund was created by the Maryland General Assembly during the 1991 Legislative Session. This legislation created a source of revenue for programs across Maryland serving victims of crime. The primary purpose of the Fund is to ensure implementation of the Declaration of Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment to the Maryland Constitution and the Federal Guidelines for treatment of and assistance to crime victims and witnesses, along with other laws adopted to benefit victims and witnesses of crime.

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 Watershed Assistance Grant Program, a collaboration between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and state agencies, aims to enhance water quality in Maryland and West Virginia. This initiative supports watershed restoration project designs and planning, enabling local governments and nonprofits to secure future funding for implementation. By fostering innovative planning efforts, the program assists in developing essential strategies like Green Infrastructure Plans and TMDL Implementation Plans, ultimately contributing to healthier watersheds and communities.

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 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 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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations in Maryland and other Appalachian states can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offering up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition. Funding can cover project capital, due diligence, stewardship, legal defense, community engagement, and related operational and indirect costs.

Enhance your organization’s capacity with AmeriCorps Maryland funding opportunities

AmeriCorps is the largest funder of national service in the United States, connecting organizations, public agencies, and institutions of higher education with individuals willing to dedicate their time and efforts to addressing critical needs across the state. AmeriCorps Maryland offers funding to support the development and operation of programs that engage individuals in direct service.

To qualify for funding through an operational grant, AmeriCorps Maryland programs must support the equivalent of 20 full-time AmeriCorps Members in their first year of operation. The amount of the grant award is based on the number of AmeriCorps Members serving with the organization. Organizations launching new programs may apply for planning grant opportunities. These grants do not include AmeriCorps Members but enable organizations to lay the foundation for a successful AmeriCorps operational program.

AmeriCorps Maryland Workforce Development Planning Grants

Planning Grants provide up to $240,000 in funding for the 6-month planning period beginning July 15, 2026. Applicants will propose developing a new AmeriCorps program that includes a defined, Member-focused career pathway that intentionally embeds workforce attributes into a service term.  

Planning Grants support program development and capacity-building activities. They do not fund AmeriCorps member positions during the planning year.

AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages individuals in meaningful service to strengthen communities. Through AmeriCorps Maryland Formula Operational Grants, organizations may place full- or part-time AmeriCorps members in communities across Maryland to address critical local needs.

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.

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 FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants, offered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the EPA, aim to enhance water quality and restore vital habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Funding is available through two programs: SWG Implementation grants for direct on-the-ground actions, and SWG Planning and Technical Assistance grants to support community-based efforts. Projects must align with specific program priorities to qualify for funding.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

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.

Eligible Projects

Grants are available for research, survey, documentation, conservation, planning and educational activities involving historic, architectural, archaeological or cultural resources (i.e., the tangible remains of Maryland's past). 

Research for Novel Approaches in Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Research for Novel Approaches grant program funds ‘proof of concept’ applied research projects that are designed to confirm the benefits and/or feasibility of new practices and approaches—i.e., Novel Approaches—in agriculture.

These applied research projects must have some existing evidence from previous experiments or pilot projects (your own or others) suggesting that the practice or approach is beneficial and feasible, but further testing, data, and refinement are needed before it can be recommended for widespread adoption by farmers.

Research for Novel Approaches Grant projects require an explicit connection to the needs and interests of farmers in the Northeast. All proposals must include documented interest among farmers and service providers in utilizing or promoting the novel approach should it be proven beneficial and feasible.

Funding Available

Novel Approaches grants have a minimum award of $30,000 and a cap of $250,000.

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. 

Non Capital Project Grants

Capital projects funds support and create heritage tourism resources and experiences within the 13 heritage areas. Includes: Planning; Interpretation; and Programming (preference is given to new or pilot programs rather than ongoing activities.

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.

The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust and other local agencies, offers funding for tree planting projects on agricultural lands in Maryland. With approximately $230,000 available, applicants can request up to $10,000 for small-scale projects or $50,000 for larger initiatives. This program aims to enhance environmental stewardship, improve water quality, and increase native tree populations, contributing to Maryland's goal of planting 5 million sustainable trees by 2031.