Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

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 Presser Foundation, established in 1939, offers grants between $2,500 and $50,000 to support music organizations across diverse genres. Focused on fostering music education and philanthropy, the Foundation seeks to empower non-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. However, it does not fund theater or dance productions. Proposals are evaluated based on organizational accomplishments, community value, stability, and overall contributions to the music community.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates in conservation. This full-time, two-year position focuses on the preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage, allowing fellows to engage in meaningful research projects under expert guidance. With an annual stipend of $50,000, plus funding for research and travel, this fellowship aims to foster a deep understanding of Native American cultural practices and conservation techniques.

The Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation Grant offers approximately $35,000 annually to support wellness, education, and visual arts programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The foundation prioritizes year-round programming, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations. However, it does not fund general operating costs, new programs, or for-profit entities. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record of service and demonstrate financial accountability.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

Maryland Special Education Family Engagement Grant SFY 2027

Purpose

This grant opportunity is designed to equip families, educators, and Local Family Support Specialists (LFSS) with shared training, aligned tools, and coordinated support structures that promote positive student outcomes. The initiative emphasizes a joint approach – parent and educators learning together – to build trust, reduce disputes, and ensure that young learners with disabilities are supported through cohesive, research-based strategies.

This grant opportunity focuses on the following key areas:

• developing and delivering research-based training that strengthens communication and collaborative problem-solving between families and IEP team, reducing the need for formal dispute resolution;
• implementing a consistent, evidence-based behavioral support model that is aligned across home and school to reduce instances of exclusionary discipline for students with disabilities in Pre-K through Grade 2;
• building sustainable local capacity by coordinating with LEAs, supporting LFSS roles, and ensuring long-term integration of effective practices into school systems;
• creating accessible resources, training materials, and tools that can be used statewide by families, teachers, administrators, and service providers to improve outcomes for students with disabilities; and
• supporting activities that promote leadership development, implementation fidelity, and statewide dissemination of effective practices.

Grant funds support coordinated training, evidence-based behavioral support, and conflict-prevention practices that help families, educators, and Local Family Support Specialists use shared tools and aligned support structures.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

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 Eastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding graduate students in entomology. Sponsored by the Entomological Society of America, it offers a fully funded trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate. Eligible nominees must be student members of ESA, pursuing or recently completing a graduate degree in entomology. Nominations are limited to two per university, ensuring the selection of the most deserving candidates.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors in the mid-Atlantic region pursuing STEM degrees. With a focus on expanding access for underrepresented students, the scholarship supports full-time undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative reflects Scholarship America's commitment to educational equity and student success, ensuring every student can achieve their academic goals.

The Anne Arundel County Community Tree Planting Mini Grant Program, a collaboration between the Anne Arundel County Forestry Board, City of Annapolis, and Chesapeake Bay Trust, provides grants up to $5,000 for community tree planting and invasive species removal. This initiative aims to enhance tree canopy and promote environmental stewardship across neighborhoods and parks in Anne Arundel County. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted, ensuring support for local projects that improve air quality and watershed health.

The Crane Family Foundation Grant supports Jewish education and violence prevention programs in Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1991, the Foundation allocates 70-80% of its funds to Jewish education and 20-30% for violence prevention initiatives aimed at local youth. Organizations based in Maryland are eligible to apply, with specific deadlines for submissions. This funding opportunity reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community welfare and educational opportunities.

About

The mission of Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) is to promote and enhance safer school communities. This is done through various training, grants, and community outreach programs.

SRO Adequate Coverage Grant

The SRO Adequate Coverage Grant is a non-competitive, State-funded grant program designed for local school systems and law enforcement agencies located within the State of Maryland. The main purpose of the SRO Adequate Coverage Grant is to assist local school systems and law enforcement agencies in fulfilling the requirements of the Safe to Learn Act of 2018. Funding is intended to support the costs of salary and fringe benefits for SROs, School Security Employees (SSEs), as well as overtime wages to provide adequate law enforcement coverage during routine school hours or for after-school activities . To be assigned as a School Resource Officer or School Security Employee, an individual must meet the conditions as outlined in MD. Code Ann., Education Art. §7-1501(j)(k) of the Safe to Learn Act and COMAR 14.40.04.03. 

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5430 - Unlocking Value and Opportunities from Carbon Flows in Water Utilities

Grant Information

• Identify carbon flows across drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, and advanced treatment systems. Carbon flows may include source water, stormwater, process emissions, process inputs, residuals, and biogas.
• Identify the most relevant carbon recovery, capture, conversion, storage, and avoidance opportunities.
• Evaluate value creation pathways, including products, avoided costs, and environmental attributes, and mechanisms and partnerships needed to put them into practice.
• Assess how opportunities vary across system types and local contexts by focusing on more common scenarios for utilities.
• Provide practical, research-based insights to support identification, prioritization, evaluation, and advancement of carbon management opportunities under site-specific conditions and constraints.
• Evaluate implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, environmental attribute claims, and other potential benefits across pathways.

The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, supports music education and philanthropy through capital support grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Eligible organizations include non-profit, 501(c)(3) music education and performance entities located within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. Projects funded may include construction, renovation, or equipment purchases. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance music education while excluding non-music related venues and general operating expenses.

The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic's Jubilee Trust Fund supports mission projects aimed at enhancing African-American leadership within congregations. Established in 1982, the fund promotes clergy recruitment, Christian education, and youth ministry. It addresses specific community needs through well-defined initiatives, ensuring that resources are allocated to projects that foster growth and presence of African-American churches in the region. Applications are reviewed by the Jubilee Fund Committee for potential funding.

Interagency Commission on School Construction

The Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) is established in Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. The IAC is subject to the Open Meetings Act and other State agencies are empowered to lend employees to serve as staff to the IAC. Currently, the Maryland Department of General Services, the Maryland Department of Planning, and the Maryland State Department of Education each lend employees to serve as staff to the IAC.

The mission of the Interagency Commission on School Construction is to achieve a safe, healthy, and educationally sufficient learning environment for every child attending a public school in Maryland. Our vision is a fiscally sustainable statewide portfolio of Pre-K-12 school facilities that will remain educationally sufficient for current and future generations of students and teachers.

Nonpublic Aging Schools Program

The Maryland General Assembly is providing $3,500,000 for the Senator James E. “Ed” DeGrange Nonpublic Aging Schools Program for FY26 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027) in grants for renovations and improvements to existing nonpublic school buildings. Nonpublic schools (except preschools) that were eligible in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) for the Aid to Nonpublic Schools Program for the purchase of textbooks or computer hardware and software for loans to students (commonly known as the “Textbook and Technology Program”) are eligible to apply for the FY26 Senator James E. “Ed” DeGrange Nonpublic Aging Schools Program. Nonpublic schools that serve students with disabilities through the Nonpublic Placement Program R00A02.07 Subprogram 0762 are also eligible.