Best Youth Sports Grants in Maryland

The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program, a collaboration between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Maryland Environmental Trust, supports land trusts and organizations in Maryland. With funding up to $10,000, this initiative aims to enhance civic engagement and stewardship practices. Projects should focus on education, outreach, and local environmental solutions. Inspired by Janice Hollmann, the grant fosters organizational capacity and promotes the long-term stewardship of protected lands.

The Keep Maryland Beautiful Grant Program, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust and other local agencies, offers funding for tree planting projects on agricultural lands in Maryland. With approximately $230,000 available, applicants can request up to $10,000 for small-scale projects or $50,000 for larger initiatives. This program aims to enhance environmental stewardship, improve water quality, and increase native tree populations, contributing to Maryland's goal of planting 5 million sustainable trees by 2031.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers vital financial and technical assistance to agricultural and forestry producers in Maryland. It aims to address natural resource issues and enhance environmental quality. Participants can access conservation practices that lead to improved soil health, reduced pollution, and enhanced wildlife habitats. With continuous application acceptance until December 1, 2025, EQIP fosters sustainable agricultural practices while ensuring compliance with environmental standards, benefiting both producers and the ecosystem.

The Department of Natural Resources

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources leads the state toward a resilient future by using data, partnerships, and an innovative spirit to improve ecological, social, and economic outcomes for all communities.

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) is a nationally competitive grant program that provides funding to enhance recreation opportunities in rural and urban communities. ORLP’s funding helps communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors.

Recreation is core to the American experience. ORLP is making recreation attainable for more Americans funding an array of projects from sports fields and playgrounds to walking trails, and community gardens. Land acquisition, site development, or renovation of existing facilities are all possible ORLP projects. Projects are locally led and designed to meet pressing community needs.

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) provides 50/50 matching grants for park projects in urban areas with a population of 25,000 or more, with a preference for projects in low-income communities. You can us​e this map to determine if your park is in an eligible location. The minimum grant amount is $300,000 ($600,000 project) and the maximum grant amount is $15,000,000 ($30,000,000 project​​). 

The Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) offers research grants for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers. These grants support projects utilizing Forest Dynamics Sites for fieldwork and data analysis, encouraging both natural and social science research. Proposals must integrate site data and can last from 3 months to 2 years. Funding covers research-related expenses, with priorities for projects enhancing educational and capacity-building efforts.

The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) Grants provide funding to enhance recreational opportunities near military installations, established in 2023 by the Department of the Interior and the Department of War. RARI offers 50/50 matching grants for projects focused on sentinel landscapes or REPI Opportunity areas, aiming to preserve the environment and boost disaster resilience. The program complies with the Land and Water Conservation Fund rules, and the current Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines eligibility and application details.

The RMPIF MD Rural Health Care Grant aims to elevate living standards in rural Maryland by 2030, focusing on healthcare access and economic development. It supports initiatives that enhance health services, promote intergovernmental cooperation, and encourage entrepreneurship. The grant also addresses critical healthcare provider shortages and improves transportation for medical access, ensuring comprehensive support for rural health and community well-being.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service

About Us

The Maryland Forest Service restores, manages, and protects Maryland’s trees, forests, and forested ecosystems to sustain our natural resources and connect people to the land.

MUCFC Grant Program

Community Tree Planting and Education Grant Program

The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council (MUCFC) provides funding to support community-based tree planting and forestry education projects that strengthen Maryland’s urban forests. Grants are open to organizations statewide for work on public lands that improves the urban tree canopy, engages citizens, and promotes long-term environmental stewardship.

The purpose of the Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance  program is to improve the health outcomes of racial and ethnic minority communities through community engagement, partnerships, outreach, technical assistance, and ongoing intervention with individuals with demonstrated need. The current health focus areas include: Asthma, Cardiovascular Diseases , Cancer , Obesity, Diabetes/Pre diabetes, Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes, and Mental Health​. 

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides annual grants to qualified non-profit organizations that provide enriching, educational programs to Maryland students. Eligible programs provide learning experiences that align with the State’s curricular and educational priorities and cannot be replicated in the classroom. These educational opportunities emphasize experiential learning and one-on-one support services. This includes, but is not limited to, free or reduced admission, full-day and residential field trips with hands on activities, mentoring, and tutoring. 

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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.

Established in 1969, Program Open Space (POS) Local provides financial and technical assistance to local subdivisions (counties and municipalities) for the planning, acquisition, and/or development of public recreation land or open space areas.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

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.

The President’s Innovation Award at Johns Hopkins University recognizes a promising early-to-mid career faculty member each year, providing $250,000 to support their innovative research aimed at solving societal problems. This award, which does not require a specific business proposal, fosters the recipient’s ability to translate scientific discoveries into real-world applications, enhancing their career during crucial developmental years. It builds on existing commercialization support, empowering faculty to advance their innovations in the marketplace.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Maryland Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program aims to create a sustainable teacher pipeline by recruiting local school employees to become licensed teachers. This initiative supports collaboration between school systems, employee organizations, and higher education institutions. Grant funds cover essential costs such as tuition and mentoring. Participants commit to teaching in high-needs areas for three years, helping to address educational inequities and strengthen community ties within Maryland's diverse educational landscape.

The Bayard Long Award supports students researching plant species in the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. With a typical funding of $2000, it encourages studies that enhance understanding of local flora, including field and herbarium work. Eligible projects must include at least one native plant species, promoting both academic and practical botanical endeavors. This opportunity is available to all students enrolled in degree programs at any post-secondary institution, furthering educational and scientific exploration in botany.

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 Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers grants ranging from $35,000 to $100,000 aimed at enhancing community safety through lighting, camera surveillance, and related services. These grants are intended for tax-exempt nonprofits or local governments in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. By investing in these safety measures, the program seeks to address illegal activities and improve the livability of communities across Maryland.

The Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in Maryland supports vital criminal justice initiatives aimed at enhancing community safety. It provides essential funding to address gaps in services related to violent crime, victim assistance, law enforcement, and rehabilitation. Managed by the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, this grant encourages public input on its draft application, fostering community involvement in shaping effective crime prevention strategies.