Best Plant Grants in Maryland

Students conducting plant science or botanical conservation research that includes at least one species from the northeastern or mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, can apply for grants of US $2,000. Grants from Philadelphia Botanical Club help cover field, herbarium, or lab work, plus related travel, living expenses, supplies, and minor equipment.

Researchers and research institutions studying plant science, zoology, fisheries, or related natural history topics in Maryland and the broader Mid-Atlantic can apply for Washington Biologists' Field Club’s awards, up to US $6,000, to support field-based research. Projects on Plummers Island, the Potomac River drainage, or poorly known taxa and biodiversity are especially encouraged.

Researchers and advanced students conducting botanical field, herbarium, library, or archival studies on plants of northeastern North America, including Maryland, can apply for the Les Mehrhoff Botanical Research Award, offering up to US $2,000. Grants from New England Botanical Society help support travel, living expenses, supplies, equipment, and modest stipends for underfunded plant science projects.

Maryland botanical conservation and forestry nonprofits restoring diminished native tree species can access funding through The Oak Hill Fund for project-specific work such as scientific research, seed orchard development, and forest land preservation. 501(c)(3) organizations across the continental U.S., including Maryland, may apply, and limited overhead directly tied to the project is eligible.

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting botany, plant ecology, or other plant-focused research within the Northern California Botanists (NCB) geographic range can receive US $1,500 research scholarships, regardless of where they attend college, including Maryland. Northern California Botanists supports independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects that advance plant science and botanical conservation.

Students pursuing natural resources or environmental studies in Maryland can apply for the Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship to support full-time college or university enrollment. With a mission to support higher education in conservation-related fields, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides scholarships for studies such as botany, ecology, forestry, hydrology, soils, pollution control, and water quality.

Students in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture can receive scholarship support through The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. Focused on higher education, this scholarship aids financially needy third- or fourth-year undergraduates and graduate students, including those interested in botanical conservation, who reside in designated New York counties.

PhD students at U.S. graduate institutions conducting plant-based scientific research can receive US $6,000 for research and outreach expenses through this fellowship, usable in Maryland or other locations. Grants from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens help emerging plant scientists advance botanical conservation, sustainable agriculture, and public-facing science communication training and activities.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study landscape architecture, environmental science, horticulture, botany, forestry, agriculture, or environmental engineering may be eligible for tuition assistance through the Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship. Focused on environmental and plant-related fields, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains supports students, with priority for those from Susquehanna County high schools.

Graduating high school seniors in Maryland planning to study natural resources conservation, fish and wildlife management, forest management, or similar fields can apply for this scholarship, which considers financial need. With a mission to support conservation-focused education, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation provides assistance to students pursuing plant and broader environmental studies at 2- or 4-year colleges.

Undergraduate students interested in botany and plant conservation can receive full support to attend the 2025 Botany conference, including travel, lodging, meals, and registration. Focused on botanical education and mentoring, Botanical Society of America invites students from across the U.S., including Maryland, to explore research, careers, and networking in plant science.

Individuals studying or conserving native orchids in North America, including work relevant to Maryland botanical conservation, can receive recognition and US $500 through the Philip Keenan Award. American Orchid Society considers students, amateurs, and professionals, and applications may be submitted either on one’s own behalf or to nominate another deserving individual.

Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or related fields working on rare and endangered plants can receive up to US $4,500 for research at a U.S. botanical garden, including in Maryland. Grants from Garden Club of America support botanical conservation through the Center for Plant Conservation, with preference for projects on flora of the Carolinas or southeastern U.S.

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

TREE Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.

TREE Fund’s research and education programs shape industry best practices, improve workforce safety and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities in the following crucial ways:

• Improving the quality of nursery grown trees and overall tree survival through the development of hardier, drought- and disease-resistant species.
• Stopping diseases and pests while reducing pesticide use with the evolution of integrated pest management programs.
• Enhancing public and workforce safety with advanced tree risk assessment techniques and greater knowledge about why and how trees fail.
• Quantifying the benefits of trees which makes it easier for governments and businesses to project their return on tree care investment.
• Revolutionizing global best practices for growing strong, healthy landscape trees.
• Connecting youth with nature to promote environmental stewardship in the next generation and inspire them to consider careers in green industries.

Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund

Since 1926, John Lucas Tree Expert Co. has worked with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, railroads, and pipeline customers throughout the United States and Canada. Innovation has always been a core value, and Lucas remains committed to innovation that makes the industry safer, greener, and more efficient. The Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund is a new endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support research in Integrated Vegetation Management in the United States and Canada.

This fund program was created in 2026 to help celebrate Lucas Tree’s 100th anniversary. Lucas Tree’s anniversary marks a century of innovation, safety, and stewardship in utility vegetation management.

Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. No project may receive more than one award from this program.

Application Requirements can be found here.

About The American Chestnut Foundation:

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Small Grants Program

Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research? External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut. This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with scalable affordable housing innovations can seek US $2,000,000 grants to expand their impact, including in Maryland. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo fund proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that increase housing choice and access for lower- and moderate-income residents.

Focused on nutrition education, the Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation invites Maryland nonprofits to request support for programs that teach healthy eating, improve food access, or advance culinary arts careers. 501(c)(3) organizations, including schools and community groups, may be eligible if they serve students, families, or communities with nutrition-focused initiatives in the U.S.

Nonprofits and educational institutions working on food system transformation and farmed animal issues, including those in Maryland, can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000, for project or general operating support. Eligible 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups addressing areas like sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, and food justice may benefit.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministries seeking funding for evangelism, leadership development, holistic outreach, media, stewardship, or children and youth programs may be eligible for support, including work in Maryland. Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation considers specific projects with local, national, or international impact, with applications accepted year-round.

Maryland environmental nonprofits focused on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can access funding via Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation for general operating or program-specific support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working to reduce fossil fuel use or provide scientifically accurate climate education for young adults may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on biodiversity and ecosystem restoration in Maryland and across the U.S. can access funding through the Biophilia Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants support private land conservation, watershed and habitat restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy, which may benefit plant and botanical conservation efforts.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

HCLTech Grant Edition II focuses on impactful climate action by investing $5 million over five years to support NGOs in the Americas. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable projects that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a history of significant contributions in India, HCLTech is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and fostering innovative solutions to address pressing climate challenges. The grant encourages collaboration and aims to transform communities through effective climate action.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.