Best Public Policy Grants in Maryland

Public charities and government units in Maryland working on education, STEM, or environmental stewardship projects can seek funding to strengthen local communities. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation supports K–12 and higher education initiatives, environmental programs, and efforts involving employee volunteers, with priority for organizations serving communities where Vulcan operates.

Nonprofit public charities in Maryland working on adult workforce development or support for diverse and women-owned small businesses can seek grants of more than US $15,000. Truist Foundation provides U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for reskilling, upskilling, employment access, and strengthening small business ecosystems, which may benefit public policy-focused initiatives.

Harvard Kennedy School provides Maryland public policy and international affairs graduate students with fellowship support for Master in Public Policy study. The John Berger Fellowship supports MPP students who are Harvard College graduates intending careers in U.S. or international institutions focused on international affairs, and may benefit Maryland-based students pursuing this path.

Graduate students pursuing public policy, science, and technology studies who are interested in Harvard Kennedy School’s Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program may be eligible for the Charles Edison Fund Fellowship. Grants from Harvard Kennedy School help Maryland public policy students and others extend the scope and impact of this program through merit- and need-based support.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on food-system public policy, farmed animal protection, or food justice can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000. Funding supports transformation-oriented, systems-aware work such as advocacy, research, movement building, and environmental or labor policy efforts in the U.S. and internationally.

Muslim undergraduate and graduate students in film, theater, or related media fields in Maryland can apply for the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s Film Scholarship, awarding US $3,000 - US $5,000 for their studies. Eligible applicants must study at accredited U.S. universities and focus on work that influences public opinion and policy about American Muslims.

Law students in Maryland focused on public policy and judicial internships can receive US $3,000 stipends to support unpaid positions with district, state, or federal judges. Islamic Scholarship Fund provides U.S.-based, first- or second-year American Muslim law students with funding to gain courtroom and chambers experience and build skills for public interest law careers.

American Muslim undergraduate seniors and law students in the U.S. focused on public interest law and policy can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 to advance access to justice through the ISF Law Scholarship Program. With a mission to increase Muslim representation in public policy, Islamic Scholarship Fund supports eligible Maryland students meeting GPA and enrollment requirements.

Pre-graduate individuals interested in community economic development and public policy can access fellowship support that includes work in Maryland through the Nowak Fellowship. Grants from Reinvestment Fund help fellows explore careers in public policy, economic development, and financial literacy, including opportunities connected to Baltimore County and similar communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and research institutions working on pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture can seek funding for public policy and related projects in Maryland and beyond. With a mission to promote pollinator health, One Hive Foundation provides up to US $75,000 for research, advocacy, education, and capacity-building across the U.S. and Canada.

Maryland public policy and international affairs nonprofits can access funding through the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission to run U.S.-Japan research, education, cultural, and exchange programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) or Japanese NPOs must focus on arts and culture, education and public affairs, exchanges and scholarship, or global challenges within the U.S.-Japan relationship.

Maryland public policy and early childhood organizations can access funding through Ohio Children’s Foundation to support innovative programs for at-risk children ages 0–5. Grants up to US $20,000 back quality early learning, family literacy, and advocacy to expand high-quality early childhood education and improve long-term outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Public policy professionals and scientists with PhDs in agronomy, crop, soil, or related sciences can apply for a year-long Congressional science fellowship in Maryland and Washington, D.C., working on federal policy issues. Grants from Crop Science Society of America help fellows bridge scientific expertise and legislative decision-making through placements with members of Congress or committees.

Researchers and research institutions conducting quasi-experimental evaluations of social programs and policies in the U.S., including Maryland, can apply for Arnold Ventures support to study causal impacts. Grants fund rigorous QED studies in areas like public policy, higher education, workforce training, reproductive health, and public infrastructure that align with Arnold Ventures’ key policy priorities.

Researchers conducting randomized controlled trials of social programs and policies in the U.S., including Maryland, can seek funding to generate rigorous evidence on what works. Arnold Ventures supports RCTs across public policy and democracy-related areas, helping build proof of effective interventions that inform government decision-making and resource allocation.

Graduate students in Earth system sciences attending universities in Canada, the U.S., or Mexico can receive US $40,000 in fellowship support for research and leadership development. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research provides public policy, science, and society-focused training, which may benefit Maryland-based students pursuing public policy-related atmospheric and Earth system studies.

The National Fellowship Program, offered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, invites Ph.D. candidates across various disciplines to apply. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly leadership and aims to foster intellectual collaboration. Eligible candidates must be nearing completion of their dissertation or have a detailed two-year plan. The fellowship includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and participation in conferences, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and professional growth.

Prospective graduate students in public policy or related fields, including those from Maryland, can apply for Harvard Kennedy School’s Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships to support higher education studies. These merit- and need-based awards may benefit individuals aiming to advance public policy leadership and impact in their communities.

Public policy and higher education graduate students in Maryland committed to LGBT+ issues can access fellowship support through Harvard Kennedy School’s Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship. Harvard Kennedy School supports advanced study in public policy and leadership for U.S. and international students, including those focused on public policy work in Maryland.

The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Scholarship at Harvard Kennedy School is designed for alumni of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. This scholarship aims to support both U.S. and international students by considering merit and financial need. Harvard Kennedy School is committed to fostering leadership and public policy expertise, making a significant impact on global societal issues. Recipients must have participated in the PPIA program to be eligible for this limited funding.

The Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship in Science, Technology, and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School supports students excelling in research and management at the intersection of technology and public policy. This fellowship fosters future leadership in these critical areas, ensuring a commitment to addressing pressing public challenges. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, as the program is designed to promote inclusivity and recognizes the importance of varied perspectives in policy-making.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.

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.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms at all levels of government and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools

The Opportunity

Smartphones are nearly universal among children and adolescents in the United States: 95% of teens reported having access to a smartphone, giving them regular exposure to social media, gaming, and video streaming platforms. While smartphones can support learning and social connection, emerging evidence suggests that using phones during school may also interfere with important educational goals, including student engagement, attendance, and academic performance.

In response, more than 30 states have passed laws restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools in recent years. These policies vary widely, ranging from “bell-to-bell” policies to classroom-level bans on phones only during instructional time. Despite the rapid adoption of these policies, rigorous evidence on academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts remains limited. In the absence of strong research, federal and state policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, lack the information needed to make informed decisions that effectively support student success. Building a robust evidence base is critical for shaping policies and practices that improve learning and well-being in both the short- and long-term.

This RFP seeks to address these gaps by supporting rigorous, causal research on the academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts of cell phone policies in K-12 schools in the United States. We seek studies that generate actionable insights for policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, who are deciding whether and how to implement or refine such policies. This RFP will support both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs (QEDs) that can credibly estimate causal effects. While we are open to a range of research questions, we highlight 2 areas of particular interest below.

What are the overall impacts of policies restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on student-level outcomes, including academic achievement and attainment (e.g., standardized test scores, graduation rates), behaviors (e.g., engagement, attendance, disciplinary actions), and/or mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness)?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on school-level outcomes, including school safety (e.g., reported incidents), school climate (e.g., bullying, social connections), and administrative factors (e.g., costs, logistics, communications with parents)?

• Do initial impacts persist, fade, or grow as schools refine their practices over time?

What factors explain variation in the impacts of cell phone policies?

• Which students, schools, and districts are most impacted by cell phone policies?

• Which policy design features (e.g., what devices are banned, when devices are banned, how devices are stored/locked) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• Which implementation strategies (e.g., training and supports for school staff, consistent approaches for enforcement) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• How do the resource and operational implications of different policy approaches (e.g., costs, staff time, infrastructure needs) influence their effectiveness? How do these factors affect the scalability and sustainability of effective approaches?

Transportation Research and Policy

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through evidence-based solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice.

The Infrastructure team has been investing in efforts to build better, faster, and lower-cost infrastructure with a focus on housing, energy, and transportation. For transportation, we are investing in policymaking and research that tackles the inefficiencies that make U.S. transportation infrastructure so difficult and expensive to build. 

Purpose

Transportation policy represents an avenue for improving the systems moving people, goods, and services. The Infrastructure team is seeking proposals evaluating the effectiveness and/or benefits of existing transportation or transportation-adjacent policies on outcomes for communities in the United States.

Eligible Projects and Topic Areas of Interest

This Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to bolster the knowledge base of potentially effective policies, programs, and interventions by funding efforts that align with key AV Infrastructure policy areas.

AV is primarily focused on traditional surface transportation — road and public transit — but is open to proposals in aviation, maritime, passenger and freight rail, trucking, and more.

We seek proposals for: 1) research, expanded data sets, or analysis; 2) administrative or legislative policy reforms at the federal, state, or local level; or 3) models of effective implementation including proposals for implementing agencies to partner with researchers or program evaluators to conduct baseline and post-intervention research on implementation effectiveness that will advance the knowledge base and provide illustrative examples within, but not limited to, the following topic areas:

• Transportation Capital Investment Reform. Evaluating how capital funding is prioritized and selected at the federal, state, or regional level, including discretionary grant programs and formula-based funding. What reforms could ensure projects deliver higher public returns?

• Cost Estimation, Oversight, and Accountability. Why do major transportation projects frequently exceed budgets and timelines, and how can we identify strategies to improve transparency, cost realism, and performance oversight?

• Access in Mobility Outcomes. Measuring how current transportation investments affect access to jobs, services, and economic opportunities for workers and families, and what policy changes could improve access.

• Performance-Based Project Selection. How can public agencies shift from current, politically driven allocations to datadriven, performance-based decision-making on capital project selections?

• Institutional Barriers to Reform. What organizational, legal, or procedural hurdles prevent DOTs and MPOs from adopting better practices (e.g., outcome-based planning, integrated land use/transportation policy)?

• Permitting and Permit Reform. How do current local, state, and federal permitting practices affect project cost, quality, timeline, and other concerns?

• Intergovernmental Dynamics. How do federal, state, and local funding structures and requirements enable or constrain effective transportation investment? What governance structures would improve outcomes when it comes to transportation planning and project delivery?

• Data Sets and Root Causes of High Delivery Costs. Expanded data sets on unit costs and/or research illuminating the root causes of why transportation and transit projects cost so much and take so long to deliver. What policy and practice changes could manage project delivery risks and improve the likelihood that projects will be delivered on s chedule and on budget?

• Domestic Content. How do Buy America and domestic content requirements affect the cost, speed, innovation, and effectiveness of transportation infrastructure projects?

• Procurement Process. How do current procurement practices affect project cost, quality, innovation, and accountability — and what policy and regulatory reforms could improve outcomes?

• Other. AV also welcomes innovative proposals on other transportation issues that align with our mission.

These research, policy development, and implementation proposals can be relevant to federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation or federal administrative changes; state reforms to Departments of Transportation; and/or local-level reforms relevant either to regional transportation agencies, transit agencies, or municipal governments.