Maryland Private Grants

The General Operating Grants (GOG) program, offered by the Allegany Arts Council (AAC), is designed to support the daily operations of 501(c)3 arts agencies within Allegany County, Maryland. The program aims to address critical funding gaps that often hinder arts organizations from compensating professional staff, maintaining facilities, or pursuing capital improvements. This initiative aligns with the AAC's mission to foster and sustain a vibrant arts community by providing essential operational support, thereby ensuring the continued availability of arts-related programming and general organizational functionality in the region. The target beneficiaries of the GOG program are non-profit, 501(c)3 arts organizations (or those eligible for IRS tax-exempt status) based in Allegany County, with programming and business primarily conducted within the county. The program seeks to impact the local community by ensuring that arts-related programs and events funded by GOG money are accessible to the general public. The overarching impact goal is to stimulate, rather than replace, community support for the arts and to promote broad participation and engagement in artistic endeavors, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. The program prioritizes the use of funds for arts-related programming or general organizational operations. It explicitly excludes funding for capital purchases, fundraising events, or social functions. A significant focus is placed on community engagement and support, as evidenced by the requirement of a 1:1 cash match, where GOG funding cannot exceed one-half of the proposed program budget. Funds from the Maryland State Arts Council and in-kind or donated services are not eligible for this match, emphasizing the need for direct community and organizational investment. Furthermore, programs that proselytize for specific political actions or religious beliefs are strictly not eligible for funding. Expected outcomes include enhanced operational stability for local arts organizations, leading to a greater capacity to offer diverse arts programming to the Allegany County public. Measurable results will include the provision of final grant reports at the conclusion of the grant period, detailing how the funds were utilized and the impact achieved. Grantees are also required to notify the AAC of any major program changes and comply with various civil rights and anti-discrimination acts, ensuring equitable access and participation. The program's strategic priority is to strengthen the local arts infrastructure, and its theory of change posits that by providing direct operational support and encouraging community matching funds, local arts agencies will be better equipped to deliver high-quality, accessible arts experiences, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Allegany County.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Grant, facilitated by the Rural Maryland Council, is accepting applications for its 2025 Regional Planning and Development Councils initiative. The overarching mission of RMPIF is to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to meet or exceed statewide benchmarks by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural lifestyle. This grant program is a strategic investment designed to bolster economic and community development, foster regional and intergovernmental cooperation, and enable local and nonprofit organizations to attract additional non-state resources for sustainable rural development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the five established regional planning and development councils: the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, and Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Additionally, multi-county efforts serving rural communities not covered by these councils are also eligible. The impact goals are broad, aiming to increase entrepreneurial activity, reduce unemployment and underemployment, retain valuable farm and forest land, and generally enhance the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunities, and general welfare of rural residents. The program prioritizes several key areas: encouraging a balanced economy, promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public/private partnerships, enhancing infrastructure for housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications, and supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The grant specifically provides funding for projects and activities undertaken by the regional councils and other multi-county initiatives, with approved grant agreements reflecting strategic needs identified within the rural communities. Expected outcomes include stronger and more effective rural regions, the creation of economic development strategies, preservation and assistance for agricultural and resource-based industries, successful acquisition of federal funding for infrastructure, coordinated regional transportation projects (including public transit), and the development of support for diverse public policy initiatives. Each regional council is eligible to receive $600,000 in FY2025 for rural regional planning and development assistance, providing measurable financial support to achieve these objectives. The Rural Maryland Council's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that by investing in regional cooperation and targeted development, rural areas can achieve sustainable growth and a higher quality of life, ultimately benefiting the entire state.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector in metropolitan Baltimore. The fund's mission is rooted in the belief that arts and culture are vital for the development of healthy individuals and thriving communities. This grant program is designed to promote and sustain this sector by supporting organizational effectiveness, promoting local artists, and providing inclusive cultural experiences. The foundation's strategic priority is to enrich the life of metropolitan Baltimore through a lively creative environment and deepened civic connections. The program targets cultural organizations and their fiscal agents serving the Baltimore area, as well as individual artists using a fiscal sponsor. Beneficiaries also include residents of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Annes counties in Maryland, who will benefit from enhanced cultural experiences and strengthened community cohesion. The impact goals are to strengthen the region’s sense of cohesion and identity, enhance residents' lives, and ensure programs are inclusive and outreach efforts are broad, welcoming people of all backgrounds. The fund's priorities include strengthening organizational and artistic practices, supporting innovative programs, and fostering cultural sector collaboration. Under "Strengthening Organizational and Artistic Practices," capacity programs are supported to improve internal management, board training, strategic planning, fundraising, and professional development for artists. "Innovative Programs" focus on initiatives that deepen audience engagement or attract new audiences, with specific small grants available for organizations with budgets under $75,000 and for professional artists. "Cultural Sector Collaboration" aims to support strategic alliances that enhance cooperation and strengthen organizational abilities within the cultural community. Expected outcomes include improved organizational and management practices for cultural groups, increased professional development opportunities for Baltimore artists, and the presentation of innovative programming that broadens audience engagement. The program also seeks to facilitate strategic alliances, leading to a more cohesive and effective cultural ecosystem. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing artistic funding, supporting organizational health, and encouraging collaboration, it can foster a vibrant cultural sector that enriches civic life, strengthens community identity, and ensures broad access to cultural experiences for all residents. The maximum grant size is $10,000, with applications accepted year-round, requiring a Letter of Inquiry.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County is offering grants to support agriculture in Frederick County, Maryland. These grants are specifically for nonprofit organizations that provide agriculture education, support the renovation, construction, and/or maintenance of buildings promoting agricultural activities, and/or promote agriculture as an industry and way of life. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to foster community well-being by investing in local initiatives. The available funding for this grant cycle totals $45,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The target beneficiaries for this program include existing nonprofit 501c3 organizations, existing government/quasi-governmental agencies applying for extraordinary projects not funded by tax revenue, faith-based organizations requesting funding for non-sectarian activities, and civic groups that are not 501c3 organizations requesting funding for a community cause. The impact goals are to strengthen agricultural education, improve infrastructure for agricultural activities, and elevate the profile of agriculture within the community. The program prioritizes initiatives that directly contribute to the vitality of the agricultural sector in Frederick County. This includes educational programs that inform the public about agriculture, projects that enhance facilities used for agricultural promotion, and efforts to celebrate and sustain agriculture as a core industry and lifestyle. The expected outcomes are an increase in agricultural literacy, improved resources for agricultural activities, and a stronger community appreciation for the agricultural sector. While specific measurable results are not detailed, successful projects would likely demonstrate an increase in participation in agricultural education programs, an improvement in the condition or accessibility of agricultural facilities, and enhanced public engagement with agricultural events and initiatives. The Foundation's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, include supporting local economic drivers and cultural heritage. By investing in agriculture, the Foundation operates on a theory of change that by strengthening key community pillars, overall community health and prosperity are enhanced. This grant specifically aims to contribute to a thriving agricultural community, which in turn supports local businesses, preserves local heritage, and provides educational opportunities for residents.

The Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program is a funding initiative by the Chesapeake Bay Trust that supports projects by various organizations to address environmental and public health issues through education, small-scale greening, and large-scale restoration in specific areas affected by wastewater treatment plants and energy companies.

Talbot Arts invites grant applications for its Community Arts Development (CAD) Program, aimed at funding arts activities that serve Talbot County, Maryland. This program aligns with Talbot Arts' mission to engage all community members through targeted outreach, fostering equitable access to diverse and inclusive local arts activities. The simplified application process, accessible support, and transparent evaluations are designed to create an even playing field for all applicants, ensuring that the focus remains on the artistic merit and community impact of proposed activities. The CAD program primarily targets non-profit and government-related organizations that provide artistic experiences for citizens and visitors to Talbot County. A particular emphasis is placed on bringing arts to underserved communities, including individuals in healthcare settings, the economically disadvantaged, seniors, and those with special needs. The impact goal is to broaden participation in the arts, enriching the lives of these specific groups and the wider community by making artistic expression and engagement more accessible. Priorities for funding include proposals demonstrating strong artistic merit and organizational effectiveness—the ability of the applying organization to successfully carry out the proposed activity. Crucially, Talbot Arts seeks projects that exemplify service to the community, focusing on how well the proposed activity or program will benefit students, residents, and guests of Talbot County. This strategic focus ensures that grants are awarded to initiatives that can demonstrate both artistic quality and tangible community benefit. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and inclusive local arts activities, particularly in underserved areas, and a more engaged community through participation in the arts. While specific measurable results are not detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics within the provided text, the criteria of "organizational effectiveness" and "service to the community" imply an expectation of successful project implementation and positive community reception. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $24,000, with an overall program size between $100,000 and $500,000, supporting activities for a duration of one year, specifically from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits and community organizations in Baltimore to implement projects that enhance heritage tourism and improve neighborhood quality of life through activities like signage, beautification, and revitalization planning.

This grant provides funding to organizations and businesses in the Northeast to develop and expand dairy workforce training programs, enhancing opportunities for current and potential employees in the dairy industry.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential health, education, and financial stability services to residents of Kent County, Maryland.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that develop innovative resources and services to help adults in the middle or late stages of their careers with reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.

The Kahlert Foundation's grant program is designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities, aligning with its mission to support vital sectors. The foundation's strategic priorities are primarily focused on health care, education, youth programs, veteran organizations, and human services. These areas represent the core of their philanthropic efforts, with a significant emphasis on health care, which accounts for approximately 50% of their grants. This strategic allocation reflects their theory of change: by investing heavily in health care, they aim to achieve the broadest possible positive impact on community well-being. Target beneficiaries for the Kahlert Foundation's grants include a wide array of individuals and groups within Maryland and surrounding areas, particularly Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, and Howard County. In health care, beneficiaries include patients in hospitals, hospice and palliative care, and uninsured/under-insured individuals receiving free exams and medicine, as well as those benefiting from health care research in areas like cancer, urology, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Youth programs target children and adolescents through education, after-school activities, mentorship, and health care initiatives, while education grants benefit K-12 public education, higher education students through scholarships (especially in STEM), and adults seeking degrees. Veterans and their families are also key beneficiaries, receiving support for medical care, TBI research, housing, scholarships, and financial assistance. The foundation's grant program has specific impact goals and expected outcomes, all centered on improving the quality of life with measurable results. For health care, the goal is to provide better access and quality of care, with expected outcomes including improved health outcomes for individuals and advancements in medical research. Youth programs aim to develop skills and values, leading to enhanced educational attainment and personal development. Education grants are expected to produce a generation of leaders, with outcomes such as increased degree attainment and stronger local communities and economies. For veterans, the anticipated outcomes include improved medical care, housing stability, and financial security, recognizing their sacrifices for the country. To ensure effectiveness and alignment with their strategic priorities, the Kahlert Foundation maintains strict eligibility criteria. Organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) status and are strongly encouraged to have at least a Silver Seal of Transparency from Guidestar, with a preference for Platinum-rated organizations. The foundation favors organizations that dedicate a high percentage of their funds to programs and services rather than administration. Grant requests must clearly demonstrate need, impact, and effectiveness, contributing to the measurable improvement of life quality. Organizations are also expected to exhibit strong leadership, financial stability, and a minimum of two years of operational history, ensuring that the grants are directed towards well-managed and impactful initiatives, whether for capital campaigns, special projects, or general operations, for one year or multi-year durations.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that deliver essential services and enriching programs in health, education, arts, and community development.

The 2024 Sustainable Communities Grant Program, a collaborative effort between Delmarva Power and the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature), aims to distribute $35,000 to support open space and resiliency projects within Delmarva Power's service area in Delaware and Maryland. This program continues Delmarva Power's commitment to sustainability, having already provided over $235,000 in grants for similar projects since 2020. The initiative aligns with both organizations' missions to foster environmental well-being and community strength. The program targets municipalities, recreational authorities, and nonprofits operating within the Delmarva Power service area. The grants, each up to $10,000, are designed to fund projects demonstrating significant impact across several key areas. The overarching impact goals are to strengthen natural systems and provide reliable community resources in emergencies, thereby addressing the realities of climate change and increasing extreme weather events. The grant program prioritizes projects focusing on Open Space Preservation, Conservation & Habitat Improvements, Environmental Conservation, and Community Resiliency. Community Resiliency is a broad focus, encompassing community engagement and education regarding resiliency, the purchase of energy storage solutions, and solar installations, including mobile solar units. This holistic approach ensures that projects can address various facets of environmental and community preparedness. Expected outcomes include enhanced natural systems, increased community preparedness for severe weather, and innovative solutions for emergency resource provision. The program encourages initiatives that not only mitigate the effects of climate change but also build resilience within communities. By funding projects that strengthen natural systems and offer reliable resources during emergencies, the program aims to achieve measurable improvements in local sustainability and safety.

The FY25 Workforce Development Grant is dedicated to supporting educational and training opportunities aimed at enhancing workforce capabilities. With a special focus on populations such as people with disabilities, high school juniors and seniors, non-traditional students, nonprofit professionals, and skilled workers in critical sectors, the grant provides up to $7,500 for qualified applicants. Programs eligible for funding include summer work experiences, pre-apprenticeship programs, internships, occupational skills training with recognized credentials, concurrent educational programs, and leadership development initiatives. Additional consideration is given based on the scope of impact, collaborative efforts, organizational competence, and fiscal sustainability of applying organizations. Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits, civic groups, and government agencies in Frederick County, Maryland, for projects that enhance community well-being and address local needs.

The 2025 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Grant: Rural Health program, overseen by the Rural Maryland Council, aims to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to meet or exceed statewide benchmarks by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural aspects of rural life. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster economic and community development through targeted investments and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation. The underlying theory of change is that by facilitating strategic investments and leveraging additional non-state resources, local and regional public and nonprofit organizations can achieve sustainable rural development objectives. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Maryland's rural areas, particularly those facing challenges in accessing adequate healthcare services. The program specifically seeks to address health workforce shortages in primary care, surgical specialties, dentistry, mental health, and other medical specialty areas. The impact goals are to improve overall health outcomes, enhance access to a variety of healthcare services, and reduce health disparities in rural populations. The program's priorities and focus areas are multifaceted, encompassing improvements in health and medical/dental/behavioral health care access, expansion of tele-medicine and telehealth networking, and the development of programs for healthcare planning and coordination. It also prioritizes addressing rural population health needs, ensuring health care insurance and treatment enrollment, and implementing components of the state’s rural health plan. Additionally, the grant focuses on rural nonemergency medical transportation, recruitment and retention of health care and public health professionals, and addressing behavioral and mental health issues such as substance use disorder, depression, and domestic abuse. Expected outcomes include improved access to health services, a stronger rural healthcare workforce through recruitment and residency programs, and enhanced behavioral and mental health support. Measurable results will likely involve metrics related to increased access to care (e.g., number of new patients served, reduction in travel distances for care), improvements in health outcomes (e.g., reductions in chronic disease prevalence, improved mental health indicators), and the number of healthcare professionals recruited and retained in rural areas. The program also anticipates better coordination of nonemergency medical transportation and a reduction in health impacts on minority populations.

This grant provides financial support to small for-profit businesses in central Maryland that are BGE customers, helping them grow and better serve their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Maryland schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to enhance environmental education and engage students in hands-on learning experiences that promote environmental stewardship.

This funding opportunity supports Maryland-based public and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to engage communities and implement projects that protect and restore local natural resources, particularly in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays.

This grant provides funding for community organizations and local governments to engage in environmental outreach, education, and restoration projects aimed at improving water quality and ecological health in the Jones Falls watershed of Maryland.