Best Volunteer Grants in Maryland

Nonprofit and community-based organizations in Maryland supporting older adults and volunteer engagement can apply for the Maryland Department of Aging’s Aging-in-Place grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $100,000 for person-centered, trauma-informed services. Funding supports volunteer-based neighbor-helping-neighbor models, intergenerational volunteer opportunities, wraparound services, and programs that reduce social isolation for low-income older adults.

Nonprofit and public organizations in Maryland can seek planning funds to design new AmeriCorps programs that engage volunteers in direct community service and workforce development pathways. Focused on volunteerism and philanthropy, the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation offers up to US $240,000 for six-month capacity-building and program development efforts without funding member positions.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in areas like education, hunger relief, health, environment, or public safety can apply for the Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving program, with awards up to US $1,000. Eligible organizations must operate in supported Maryland communities and include a Perdue associate endorsement, which may reflect volunteer involvement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland with at least three years of operation and a $100,000+ budget can receive funding for workforce skills, youth development, and community accessibility projects. RBC Foundation USA supports programs building job readiness, inclusive prosperity, and environmental sustainability; Maryland groups that mobilize volunteers for these efforts may be eligible.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland working on health, hunger relief, or support for everyday heroes can apply for Wawa Foundation grants over More than US $2,500. Grants from Wawa Foundation help organizations fund pediatric health initiatives, food access programs, and services for military, veterans, first responders, and at-risk youth, including volunteer-driven efforts.

Maryland volunteerism and youth development organizations can access funding through Yellowstone Club Community Foundation’s Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship, which provides a summer outdoor adventure and service trip for one student. Big Sky high school students in grades 9–11 who are at least 15 and demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, and passion for the outdoors may be eligible.

Pediatric surgeons providing long-term humanitarian surgical care to underserved children, including those in Maryland, can be nominated for the Donald E. Meier Surgical Humanitarian Award. Offered by the American Pediatric Surgical Association, this recognition honors APSA members whose careers center on volunteerism, missionary surgery, or charitable surgical programs for children.

Maryland high school seniors, gap-year students, and undergraduates planning to attend college or trade school can receive up to US $2,000 for their education through this volunteer-focused scholarship. Community Foundation of Howard County provides this support to individuals who have recently volunteered with Special Olympics Howard County and can reflect on how the experience shaped their advocacy for people with special needs.

Nonprofits partnered with U.S.-based financial advisors who lead long-term volunteer efforts can receive up to US $60,000 to support their charitable work, including in Maryland. Grants from Invest in Others Charitablefoundation help organizations benefiting from an advisor who has driven positive change or helped launch or rejuvenate a nonprofit over at least three years.

Nonprofits partnered with a U.S.-based financial advisor who has volunteered with them for at least three years can receive up to US $60,000 in support for community service and volunteerism programs. With a mission to celebrate financial professionals’ philanthropy, Invest in Others provides grants nationwide, which may benefit Maryland organizations meeting these criteria.

Maryland nonprofits supported by a U.S.-based financial advisor’s volunteer leadership can access funding tied to the Emerging Impact Award, which honors advisors 45 or younger deeply engaged with a charity. Advisors and their nonprofits nationwide may receive up to US $60,000 for community service, volunteerism, and philanthropic initiatives through Invest in Others.

Nonprofits in Maryland benefiting from a U.S.-based financial advisor’s long-term, hands-on volunteer service can receive up to US $60,000 in grant support. Invest in Others provides funding to the advisor’s designated charity, recognizing at least three years of impactful volunteer leadership that advances community services, financial literacy, and broader volunteerism and philanthropy efforts.

Nonprofits in Maryland supported by U.S.-based financial advisors can receive up to US $100,000 in volunteerism and philanthropy funding through the Invest in Others Lifetime Achievement Award. Grants from Invest in Others Charitablefoundation help charities backed by advisors with at least 20 years of distinguished, ongoing service and leadership with a single organization.

With a mission to strengthen community trust, Aspen Institute provides Maryland volunteerism and civic organizations with US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 to collaborate on initiatives that build trust in local or virtual communities. Nonprofits may also join a national network, receive storytelling support, and attend the annual Trust in Practice Summit.

With a mission to encourage education and service, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington provides Maryland volunteer-focused students with US $1,400 - US $1,600 scholarships for postsecondary study. Graduating seniors from specified high schools who demonstrate academic excellence and voluntary community service may be eligible to continue at accredited colleges, universities, or career and technical schools.

Maryland students who are children of eligible first responders, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel can receive scholarship support for accredited college studies. The NRA Foundation Frontline Heroes Scholarship offers up to US $10,000 for tuition, fees, books, room and board, or certain research materials, paid directly to the institution.

Nonprofit women leaders supporting volunteerism and community service in Maryland and across the U.S. can receive US $25,000 to advance their causes. With a mission to celebrate community service, L'Oreal Paris provides Women of Worth Award honorees with funding, mentorship, and a national platform to highlight their volunteer-driven work.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Dr. Jacqueline A. Bello Friend of the AMA Foundation Award

Honors volunteers, AMA staff and donors for their active engagement and unwavering support of the AMA Foundation. Recipients are those who inspire hopefulness and encourage others to join them in giving their time and personal resources to further advance the Foundation’s mission.

Graduating high school seniors in the Elizabethtown Area School District with strong academic standing and a deep record of community service can receive up to US $500 toward college or trade school costs. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Douglas W. Pfautz Memorial Scholarship supports Maryland-area youth who demonstrate integrity, financial need, and a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and service.

Maryland volunteer-focused organizations with Pennsylvania high school seniors in their programs can access funding through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Big 33 Academic Scholarship, which awards up to US $2,000 for postsecondary education. Eligible students must attend a Pennsylvania public or private high school, have a 2.0 GPA in 10th and 11th grades, and plan to pursue higher or technical education.

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities provides Maryland students with up to US $1,000 for higher education through the Lynn E. Poffenberger Memorial Scholarship. Graduating seniors in Middle Paxton Township or Dauphin Borough with financial need and strong community volunteer service may be eligible, supporting both educational access and local volunteerism.

The John D. Dixon and Louise A. Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of its namesakes by supporting graduating seniors from Cedar Cliff and Northern York High Schools. This scholarship aims to assist students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to volunteerism or extracurricular activities. It is a one-time award intended to help students pursue higher education at colleges or technical schools.

The PennHOSA Foundation Scholarship promotes healthcare careers by providing scholarships to HOSA student members in Pennsylvania. It aims to enhance compassionate care delivery and community needs. Additionally, the Helen Heidelbaugh Aspire Award is given to one student focusing on community service. Eligible applicants must be HOSA members and enrolled in accredited healthcare programs, demonstrating financial need. This scholarship is a one-time award, reinforcing the commitment to future healthcare professionals.

The Huether/Gillan Scholarship, established by the Niskayuna Community Foundation, supports community-minded students from Niskayuna or its school district. This need-based scholarship aims to assist those pursuing higher education while emphasizing academic achievement and community service. Mr. Huether initiated this scholarship in honor of his parents, promoting values of dignity, diversity, impact, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Vince Bianchi for further details.

The Capital Region Chamber Chuck Steiner Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady counties who demonstrate diverse interests and local community service. This scholarship has no academic requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has been empowering local communities since 1968, providing meaningful giving opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all.

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.

The Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach, established by the American Chemical Society, recognizes outstanding volunteer achievements in public outreach that enhance public appreciation for chemistry. Awardees, selected based on their advocacy, creativity, and impact, receive a crystal award and a $2,000 prize. Nominees must be ACS members whose volunteer efforts have significantly increased public awareness of chemistry's importance. This annual award highlights activities that engage diverse audiences, promoting the significance of chemical sciences in everyday life.