Best Caroline County Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

​​​​​​​​​​​Mission

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development transforms communities into places people want to call home. Through investments in community-led placemaking, housing and small business development, infrastructure and broadband deployment, we partner with local government, nonprofits, and private sector stakeholders to make great places.

Vision

All Marylanders will have the opportunity to live and prosper in affordable, lovable and just communities.

Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Community Development Block Grant Program funds help strengthen Maryland’s communities by expanding affordable housing opportunities, creating jobs, stabilizing neighborhoods and improving the overall quality of life.​

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) Grant supports rural-serving nonprofits and community colleges in enhancing agricultural education, economic development, and community initiatives. The fund aims to strengthen their capacity to tackle rural challenges and foster partnerships that leverage additional funding. Key focus areas include agriculture, energy efficiency, broadband expansion, youth leadership, and community development, ensuring targeted assistance for sustainable growth and innovation in rural Maryland.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Grant aims to enhance living standards in rural areas of Maryland by 2030. The Fund supports targeted investments in economic and community development initiatives, fostering regional cooperation and leveraging additional resources. Key objectives include boosting entrepreneurship, reducing unemployment, preserving agricultural land, and improving essential infrastructure such as housing and broadband services. This initiative is vital for promoting the overall well-being of rural communities across the state.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Drs. Kenneth and Michael Judd Health Professions ScholarshipAwarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue careers in healthcare.

The M&T Charitable Foundation Grants provide essential support to a variety of organizations focused on enhancing community well-being. With a mission rooted in corporate responsibility, the foundation prioritizes partnerships with 501(c)(3) organizations in sectors such as arts, health, education, and human services. By investing in local initiatives, the foundation aims to create healthier communities and improve the quality of life for all stakeholders involved.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Enhancing the quality of life throughout the Mid-Shore Region of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties. 

Caroline Foundation Grants

The Caroline Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations that provide medical and/or health-related services to residents of Caroline County. 

There is one grant cycle per year. 

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to enhance the quality of life in rural Maryland by 2030 through strategic investments in economic and community development. The RMPIF MD Rural Agricultural Development Grant supports agriculture, which is vital to Maryland's economy, contributing $16.5 billion and over 73,000 jobs. This initiative fosters sustainable development while preserving the cultural heritage of rural areas, ensuring that local organizations can leverage additional resources for continued agricultural growth and agritourism.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to enhance the quality of life in rural areas by 2030, focusing on economic and community development. It promotes investments in education and workforce initiatives, such as apprenticeships and STEM programs, to empower young adults to stay in their communities. The fund encourages collaboration among public and nonprofit organizations, ensuring sustainable development while preserving cultural heritage and rural lifestyles.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to elevate living standards in rural areas by 2030, preserving cultural heritage while fostering economic growth. It supports targeted investments in community development, entrepreneurial activities, and infrastructure improvements, including broadband and housing. By promoting intergovernmental cooperation and leveraging additional resources, RMPIF seeks to enhance the overall welfare and opportunities for residents across rural Maryland.

Enhancing the quality of life throughout the Mid-Shore Region  of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties. 

Mid-Shore Community Foundation: Women & Girls Fund Grants

Women & Girls Fund is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation that provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations that address significant needs of women and girls in the Mid-Shore region. 

There is one grant cycle per year. 

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, offers grants between $2,500 and $50,000 to support music organizations across diverse genres. Focused on fostering music education and philanthropy, the Foundation seeks to empower non-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. However, it does not fund theater or dance productions. Proposals are evaluated based on organizational accomplishments, community value, stability, and overall contributions to the music community.

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.

The Secular Distribution Grant supports charitable activities aimed at enhancing community well-being, particularly within 100 miles of Coatesville, PA. Focused on health and human services, the grant encourages projects that address community needs, foster self-reliance, and promote civic engagement. With a commitment to philanthropic impact, funding is reserved for organizations demonstrating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and a proven need, while maintaining strict eligibility criteria to ensure effective resource allocation.

The Bartus Trew Providence Preservation Fund, established by a generous gift to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports local efforts to acquire and preserve historic landmarks on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Grants aid in the restoration and maintenance of culturally significant sites, fostering public awareness of heritage conservation. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations capable of matching funds. This initiative prioritizes the preservation of unique local history and heritage, ensuring its continuity for future generations.

The Maryland Forest Legacy Program aims to protect vital forest areas from conversion to non-forest uses through conservation easements. This federal initiative collaborates with state efforts to identify and preserve environmentally significant forests, with funding support where the federal government covers up to 75% of costs. Eligible areas must be designated Forest Legacy Areas, ensuring that at least 75% of the land remains forested. This program not only benefits wildlife but also supports local economies and water quality.

About Us

The Rural Maryland Council

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) brings together citizens, community-based organizations, federal, state, county and municipal government officials as well as representatives of the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to collectively address the needs of Rural Maryland communities. We provide a venue for members of agriculture and natural resource-based industries, health care facilities, educational institutions, economic and community development organizations, for-profit and nonprofit corporations, and government agencies to cross traditional boundaries, share information, and address in a more holistic way the special needs and opportunities in Rural Maryland.

Our goals are to:

• Encourage healthy, connected communities throughout Rural Maryland through convening of stakeholders, education, public relations, and advocacy.
• Support the development and growth of vibrant economies in Rural Maryland.
• Foster stewardship of Maryland’s natural resources.
• Maximize RMC outreach, resources and mission through financial and organizational development.

As a collaborative partnership, the RMC operates in a nonpartisan and nondiscriminatory manner. Policy-makers and managers from stakeholder agencies and organizations at all levels of government and the private sector are valued participants. Where practical, the decision-making undertaken by the RMC is made by reaching consensus.

RMC’s vision is a future where all of Rural Maryland is prosperous with thriving resources, vibrant economies, and healthy, connected communities.

Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Purpose:

To support initiatives that improve access to healthy, locally sourced food across rural communities. The program will support projects that expand post-harvest infrastructure for small farms, enhance food distribution through food hubs and mobile markets, and increase procurement of local foods by institutions such as schools, hospitals, and community organizations. Additional priorities include advancing nutrition education and supporting regional coordination to address food insecurity in rural “hot spot” communities.

The Presser Foundation's Special Projects Grant supports innovative music organizations with funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Established in 1939, the Foundation aims to promote music education and philanthropy. The grant focuses on newly formed organizations and those impacted by funding changes, encouraging applications for projects enhancing artistic development, financial stability, and collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia, ensuring a broad reach in supporting diverse musical initiatives.

The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, supports music education and philanthropy through capital support grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Eligible organizations include non-profit, 501(c)(3) music education and performance entities located within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. Projects funded may include construction, renovation, or equipment purchases. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance music education while excluding non-music related venues and general operating expenses.

The Mid Shore Community Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties. These grants are available through an open application process, allowing eligible applicants to receive funding for specific philanthropic purposes. All applications are reviewed by the MSCF Grants Committee, ensuring that funding is directed to those who meet the established criteria. This approach fosters community development and enhances the impact of local initiatives.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Elizabeth Loudenslager Clark Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, female graduating high school senior who is a resident of Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, or Cape May counties. Scholarships are based on unmet financial need and merit.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Jane Wynne Woolley Scholarship

Open to English Language Learners demonstrating financial need.

Award Amount:

• $1,000-$2,200   

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Richard & Dolla Squires Memorial Music Scholarship

Open to graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in music and demonstrating financial need. 

Award Amount:

• $1,000 

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Robert Woolley Scholarship

Open to graduating seniors from Stanislaus County attending a four-year university to study horticulture.

Award Amount:

• $10,000