Best Sustainability Grants in Maryland

Nonprofit organizations in Maryland’s Baltimore metropolitan region can seek funding for community well-being, including health access, immigrant services, youth enrichment, and social innovation projects. Focused on Baltimore, the Aaron Straus and Lillie Straus Foundation supports initiatives that address entrenched inequities and may benefit sustainability-focused programs that strengthen local communities and systems.

Maryland public agencies, local governments, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties can seek funding for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. Maryland sustainability organizations can access funding through Appalachian Regional Commission to improve water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, and other public infrastructure that supports long-term regional economic and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Maryland working on environmental conservation, energy efficiency, climate resilience, or related community programs can apply for corporate giving support; awards fund measurable, sustainable community improvements. With a mission to strengthen local vitality, Baltimore Gas and Electric provides Maryland sustainability initiatives with funding across workforce development, environmental stewardship, and equal access to arts and culture.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving educational outcomes for children and youth, including whole-child and community-focused programs, can seek US $5,000 - US $75,000 for pilot projects or capacity building from the Comis Foundation. Maryland sustainability-focused organizations that also deliver youth education or support services may be eligible if they have national scope and reach.

Nonprofit organizations running environmental sustainability projects in Maryland can apply for funding to support renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, and related initiatives. Focused on sustainability, Green Mountain Energy invites eligible 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits in its Maryland service areas to request US $50,000 - US $400,000 for impactful community projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)/509(a) organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects serving Baltimore City in Maryland can apply for the Abell Foundation’s community development grants of more than US $10,000 to support environmental and sustainability initiatives. Funding may cover seed projects, ongoing programs, capital needs, research, and related efforts improving environmental quality and justice.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning one-time, project-based work such as environmental conservation, habitat restoration, or sustainable infrastructure can apply for France-Merrick Foundation grants over More than US $50,000. Capital and capacity-building projects that strengthen long-term organizational impact, especially in the Greater Baltimore area, may be eligible for this sustainability-focused funding.

The CFES Workforce Development Grant supports programs aimed at enhancing job training and career advancement, particularly for underrepresented groups such as individuals with disabilities and non-traditional students. With a maximum funding of $7,500, the grant prioritizes collaborative efforts that demonstrate a commitment to quality education and workforce development. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated nonprofits and educational institutions serving Maryland's Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore, Maryland can seek funding for environmental conservation, education, and community development initiatives that benefit local residents and neighborhoods. Grants from Lockhart Vaughan Foundation help Maryland sustainability-focused groups support greening projects, improve the Chesapeake Bay and its watersheds, and contribute to a greener, more vibrant city through strategic programs and partnerships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore working on education, environment, or community development can apply for program support, including early childhood literacy, K–12 enrichment, greening projects, and neighborhood revitalization. Grants from Lockhart Vaughan Foundation help Maryland sustainability-focused groups advance greener communities, healthier watersheds, and vibrant local neighborhoods through strategic, long-term initiatives.

Maryland environmental and sustainability nonprofits can seek grants for conservation, climate, pollution, and natural resource projects, including educational and community-based initiatives. Focused on environmental conservation, Joseph Robert Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations in the mid-Atlantic to apply for up to US $10,000 in program, project, research, training, education, or general operating support.

501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of Montgomery or Prince George’s Counties in Maryland can apply for Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $250,000 to support community services, education, health, and environmental programs. Sustainability and conservation initiatives that benefit vulnerable or underserved DC-area residents may be competitive.

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.

Cultural 501(c)(3) organizations and their fiscal agents serving the greater Baltimore area can apply for Baltimore Community Foundation’s William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, with awards of approximately US $10,000 for arts and culture. Funding supports organizational effectiveness, innovative programming, professional development, and collaborations that strengthen metropolitan Baltimore’s cultural ecosystem.

Maryland arts organizations seeking general operating support can use this program to fund season- or year-long arts activities and programming. Maryland nonprofits and small arts groups can access funding through Maryland State Arts Council’s Creativity Grants for General Operating Support, which offer up to US $4,000 on a rolling, monthly-reviewed basis until annual funds are depleted.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations based in and primarily serving Washington County, Maryland can access funding for collaborative, community-focused programs that address urgent local needs. Maryland nonprofits forming partnerships of at least two organizations may be eligible for the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland’s Responsive Grants, supporting innovative, high-impact, and sustainable initiatives across areas like youth, families, seniors, education, and community well-being.

Baltimore City-based 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $350,000 that run youth programs can receive multi-year funding and capacity-building support to strengthen services for children and young adults. Focused on youth development, Baltimore Children and Youth Fund offers up to US $250,000 over five years to groups serving residents ages 24 and under in Maryland.

Maryland local governments and community-focused organizations planning green streets, green infrastructure, or urban tree canopy projects can access funding through Chesapeake Bay Trust’s G3 program. Grants up to US $175,000 support conceptual planning, engineered designs, construction, community greening, and related white papers to reduce stormwater runoff, expand green space, and improve local water quality and livability.

Maryland artists and small arts organizations can receive US $1,000 - US $4,000 to support specific arts projects, events, or programs through the Creativity Grants for Projects. Maryland State Arts Council provides Maryland creative and community-focused initiatives with project-based or limited operational support, which may benefit arts efforts that intersect with environmental conservation or sustainability themes.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and families in Anne Arundel County can receive US $25,000 - US $50,000 for programs that prioritize children’s physical, mental, and behavioral health. Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County supports initiatives like preventive screenings, social-emotional development, suicide prevention, nutrition, and summer or school-based programs that address community needs sustainably.

Public and nonprofit organizations improving rural infrastructure in Maryland can access funding for broadband, water, wastewater, transportation, workforce housing, and commercial or industrial facilities. Rural Maryland Council provides matching grants for multi-jurisdictional projects, which may also include GIS utility upgrades and renewable energy facilities such as biomass, solar, or wind to advance sustainable community development.

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.

UNFCU Foundation

In 1947, UN members founded the United Nations Federal Credit Union with the goal of serving the financial needs of those who serve the world. Having learned more about the poverty and inequality that the UN witnessed every day, UNFCU was inspired to do more.

With the support of their membership and over 65 years of financial knowledge, UNFCU founded the UNFCU Foundation in 2015.

Grant Opportunities

We support projects that align with our mission to sustain the path out of poverty for women and youth. These projects must also help to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To be eligible for funding, over 50% of the proposed project’s beneficiaries must be women or girls.

Areas of Focus

Our goal is to empower women and youth with fundamental human rights. To accomplish this, we accept grant applications for projects focused on education, livelihood training, and health care. Each year, we also select an additional strategic focus to deepen our philanthropic impact. This year, particular consideration will be given to projects who provide digital upskilling to economically vulnerable women and youth. Note: projects funding humanitarian relief efforts are by invitation only.

Education

Our education projects work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper. We look to empower girls and women through education so they can unleash their full potential within their community. We also educate boys on the critical role girls and women play in families and societies, to break down antiquated norms around gender.

We fund education projects that focus on the following:

• Reading, writing, and math programs
• Financial education, from budgeting to business planning
• GED training
• Child educational TV programming
• Digital advancements for remote learning

Livelihood Training

Our livelihood training projects create economic opportunities and job prospects for women so they can earn their own incomes.

Livelihood training equips women with the skills and experience they need to rise out of poverty permanently, and bring their families and communities along with them.

We fund livelihood training that focuses on the following:

• Computer skills training
• Customer service training
• Entrepreneurial strategies
• Seed money for new businesses
• Training in specific sectors, like farming

Health Care

We fund projects that ensure proper access to health care for women and girls, including reproductive care.

When women are at their healthiest, physically and emotionally, they can also succeed economically. No one should fear losing their job in order to take care of their physical or mental health.

We fund health care projects that focus on the following:

• Protecting reproductive rights
• Providing healthcare to homeless populations
• Providing access to free or low-cost care
• Providing mental health assistance
• Supporting emotional health and building self-esteem

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing early childhood education or workforce readiness services in Maryland can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 in general operating support. Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Foundation supports programs uplifting vulnerable youth and adults, which may include community initiatives with sustainability or environmental conservation components.

Nonprofit organizations providing year-round wellness, education, or visual arts programming in Maryland and other eligible regions can apply for approximately US $8,300 to support established, direct-service programs. Corinne R & Henry Bower Memorial favors projects with measurable outcomes, strong financial accountability, and broad impact, which may include initiatives serving sustainability or environmental conservation goals.

Nonprofit organizations providing K–12 education for Native American children living on reservations can seek project support that improves educational access and outcomes, including year-round programming. The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund supports charitable and educational initiatives across select regions, including Maryland, which may benefit sustainability-focused programs serving underserved Native communities.