Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The BIE Professional Examination Funding, provided by Native Forward Scholars Fund in partnership with BIE, offers financial assistance to support Native students in taking professional examinations, including Bar Examination funding. This award covers registration fees, preparatory course costs, and other exam-related expenses. Applicants must have graduated within one year and can only receive assistance for one exam. This initiative aims to empower Native scholars and enhance their professional visibility and opportunities.

The National Parks Business Plan Internship aims to enhance the operational health of national parks through a graduate-level program that trains students in business management and NPS operations. Participants will engage in substantive analysis, gain insights into park management, and promote federal careers in conservation. This initiative seeks to involve underrepresented graduate students from disciplines such as business administration and public policy, fostering a commitment to stewardship of public lands.

The Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to women pursuing education in STEM fields. Designed to support tuition, room and board, and related fees, this scholarship aims to empower women in their educational journeys. Eligibility includes demonstrating financial need and enrollment in a qualifying program. With a commitment to building a community of opportunity, this scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring female STEM students.

The National Breastfeeding Support Initiative aims to enhance maternity care quality by engaging diverse partners and providing training to healthcare organizations. It focuses on implementing evidence-based practices to support breastfeeding, ensuring safe and effective maternity care in hospitals across the U.S. and territories. By fostering collaboration and utilizing data for quality improvement, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable impact on maternal and infant health.

The BJA FY 2026 Tribal Justice Training and Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance Tribal justice systems through specialized technical support. This funding opportunity addresses critical issues such as violent crime and substance-use related crime, including opioids. By assisting federally recognized Indian Tribes, the program promotes the development of sustainable legal and corrections infrastructure while fostering collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. Applications are due by October 28, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is advancing Type 1 diabetes research by exploring the innate immune system's role in disease onset. This initiative aims to identify genetic and environmental factors contributing to Type 1 diabetes through multidisciplinary teams. By employing innovative methodologies, the program seeks to determine how immune responses affect pancreatic tissues, potentially leading to early detection and prevention strategies for at-risk individuals.

The Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, initiated by the National League of Cities in partnership with the American Institutes for Research, aims to tackle workforce challenges faced by city governments. The program seeks three cities to engage in an 8-month action planning process focused on recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers. Participants will receive free coaching and technical assistance, helping them enhance their workforce policies and potentially serve as national models for effective local government employment strategies.

The Fash Foundation Grants aim to support and enhance children's education and the arts in Tarrant County, Texas. The Foundation prioritizes contributions to higher education institutions that align with its mission statement. Grants are awarded to initiatives that promote health and educational advancements in various disciplines including sciences and the arts. The Foundation seeks to foster a nurturing environment for children's educational growth.

The Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky High School STEM Scholarship Fund provides financial support to female high school seniors from Erie, Huron, or Ottawa County, Ohio, who plan to pursue a degree in STEM or medical fields at accredited institutions. Established by the Zonta Club, this scholarship aims to empower young women to contribute positively to their communities by facilitating access to higher education opportunities. Since its inception, it has fostered academic growth and leadership among recipients.

The Jennie K. Scaife Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing family support, women's and children's health, and animal welfare. It aims to fund programs that promote beneficial human-animal interactions and early intervention in addiction prevention. Eligible organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) designation. Grants align with at least one of the foundation's focus areas, ensuring impactful contributions to community welfare and well-being.

BAE Systems offers community investment grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of military families and supporting future workforce development in STEM fields. As a U.S. subsidiary of a global defense and aerospace leader, they require applicants to be recognized 501(c) organizations. The initiative underscores a commitment to charitable partnerships that uplift local communities and contribute positively to society.

The JA Community Foundation focuses on funding solutions that address the needs of the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. They prioritize programs that enhance senior health, promote history, arts, culture, and support youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 organizations and can apply from all 50 states. However, organizations with open grants cannot submit new applications until their current grants are closed.

The Howe Foundation, established by Thomas E. Howe in Clark County, Nevada, supports U.S. charitable organizations focused on education, medical advancements, and game hunters associations. Grants are administered by Wells Fargo Bank, with applications reviewed annually in September. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt under the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for meaningful community initiatives.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Rogers and Meredith Scholarship (College) ($4,000) 

This renewable scholarship is available to students who have been residents of Epworth Children’s Home, Thornwell Home for Children or students who’ve been in custody of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. 

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

LinkScholars Program Scholarship ($2,000) 

This renewable scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Richland, or Sumter counties in South Carolina.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLLCF Nursing Scholarship

To award annually a scholarship to a qualified applicant who intends to further his/her education toward a degree in nursing.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Barbara Miller Meeker Art Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.

The Greenpoint Foundation Grant aims to enhance community life by supporting organizations that focus on agriculture, food security, education, and community enhancement. Established in 2022, the Foundation accepts grant applications year-round for both general operating budgets and specific projects. Priority is given to 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities, while faith-based programs are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grant recipients must submit impact reports to ensure continued support.

The BioMarin Medical Education Grant offers funding for educational activities aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals. Eligible applicants include accredited providers, medical associations, and patient advocacy groups. The grant focuses on supporting initiatives related to rare diseases, ensuring timely access to treatments and education. Applications are accepted year-round, but a minimum of 60 days is required for review prior to events. This commitment underscores BioMarin's dedication to improving patient care and advancing medical knowledge.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Peter V. Westhaysen Medical Education Scholarship

Scholarships are available for post-secondary undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students pursuing a degree to become a physician or nurse at an accredited university. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist the student with the costs of tuition, fees, and books. The Advisory Committee consider two basic criteria: academic achievement and financial need.

About Levitt

The Levitt Family Foundation exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. We partner with communities to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

Festival Grants

The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026. 

The C.V. Glassco Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Mr. Clarence Verbal Glassco, a dedicated community volunteer and veteran. This scholarship supports full-time students pursuing higher education or approved workforce training in Alabama. Funded by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, it covers tuition, housing, and books based on available assets. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional financial resources. This initiative preserves Mr. Glassco's legacy of service and commitment to education.

LSW Architects Legacy Scholarship

The LSW Architects Legacy Scholarship Fund was established in honor of LSW Architects' founding leaders and their ability to imagine and build in creative space. 

Number and Size of Awards:

The number and size of awards may vary and are determined by the selection committee. Minimum award amount is $2,500.

Number of Awards: 4

Total Amount Awarded: $10,000

The A.D. and Peggy Hewlett and Colonel David R. Inman Medical Scholarship, established by Steve Hewlett, Pam Inman, and Faye Houston, honors their parents' commitment to education and healthcare. This scholarship supports students pursuing nursing, pharmacy, or physical therapy, prioritizing applicants from Hancock, Ohio, or Daviess County, Kentucky. Applicants must demonstrate academic potential and compassion through relevant experiences. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee administers this fund to foster a more inclusive and thriving community.

The Dr. Chao-ying & Sue Wu Early Learning Scholarship, established by the Chuckanut Health Foundation in 2022, honors the vital contributions of Dr. Chao-ying and Sue Wu to the health and education of Whatcom youth. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for local students pursuing careers in early learning, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to investing in community potential and fostering opportunities for future generations.