Best Local Government Grants in Maryland

Local government agencies and nonprofit organizations in Maryland can host a full-time Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps member to support environmental and civic engagement projects. With a mission to promote public participation in natural resource restoration, Chesapeake Bay Trust provides host sites with a young adult (18–25) for a one-year, stipend-supported service term.

Local government entities and other tax-exempt organizations in Maryland can seek project-specific funding for sustainability, workforce development, basic needs, and community revitalization initiatives. Norfolk Southern Foundation’s Thriving Communities Grant Program awards US $1,000 - US $50,000 to programs located within 30 minutes of its rail network that strengthen safe, resilient, and vibrant communities.

Public charities and government units in Maryland can seek funding for education, STEM initiatives, and environmental stewardship projects that strengthen local communities. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation prioritizes partnerships with public schools and higher education institutions in its operating areas, especially programs connecting math, science, and industry or promoting balanced environmental education and employee volunteer engagement.

Higher education institutions in Maryland seeking to expand youth-led community service can access civic engagement support through College Service Grants, administered by the Center for Expanding Leadership and Opportunity. Grants of US $10,000 fund student-driven volunteerism, access to service, and deeper impact initiatives at community colleges, HBCUs, and other U.S. campuses.

Maryland local governments, public schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Safe Routes to School National Parternship to host Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events. Grants of US $500 - US $1,000 support student-centered activities that promote activism, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and walking or rolling to school on or around November 14, 2026.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, opportunity, or systemic inequality can seek US $35,000 - US $50,000 in project support from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on social and economic inequities, the program invites innovative, one-year studies that may interest Maryland-based scholars working on civic engagement, education, labor markets, or related topics.

Maryland local governments, schools, and nonprofits can seek support for community health events, memberships, and engagement activities that promote wellness, economic stability, and stronger neighborhoods. Through the Thriving Community Impact Fund, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation prioritizes initiatives tied to community health needs, civic engagement, and measurable improvements in physical, mental, and social well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects in Maryland can seek funding for financial literacy, vibrant communities, or technology education initiatives through Affirm Cares. Affirm Cares provides U.S.-based civic engagement, housing insecurity, community development, and digital literacy programs with support for scalable, measurable projects; submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.

Nonprofit public charities working on democracy, civil liberties, voting rights, money in politics, or gun violence prevention can apply for invitation-only support from the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund. National or multi-state initiatives, including those that may benefit Maryland communities and local governments, begin with a Letter of Inquiry before a possible full proposal invitation.

Local government and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland working on civic engagement and voter participation can seek support for year-round organizing efforts. Focused on democracy and civic participation, Park Foundation invites nonprofits mobilizing voters, protecting voting rights, and combating suppression to apply for funding that advances a more just and equitable society.

Conservation districts, state or territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Maryland can apply for the National Association of Conservation Districts’ technical assistance grants; awards Approximately US $18,000,000 for adding staff capacity. Funding supports conservation outreach, education, technical assistance, and stewardship benefiting producers and communities.

Maryland youth ages 5–25 planning civic engagement, service, advocacy, or philanthropy projects can access funding through Youth Service America’s Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes GYSD Grant. U.S. and Canadian youth-led projects receive US $250 - US $500 for supplies, local transportation, and volunteer support when they engage diverse peers in meaningful community service during Youth Service Month.

Youth-led teams ages 14–24 planning civic engagement or community leadership projects in Maryland and nationwide can receive up to US $4,500 in stipends and project support. With a mission to build civic skills, Institute for Citizens & Scholars provides young changemakers with coaching, peer learning, and resources to design and implement local civic projects.

Local or tribal governments and other eligible entities in rural communities, including parts of Maryland’s Black Belt region, can apply for Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ Trust for Civic Life Civic Experiment Grants; awards Up to US $25,000 for non-partisan, community-led programs that spark civic participation, build inclusive local networks, and strengthen long-term civic infrastructure.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing communications, journalism, leadership, or historic preservation can receive US $500 - US $2,500 in multi-year college tuition support through the Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship. Focused on civic engagement and education, Coral Gables Community Foundation assists students with financial need, including those whose studies may connect to local government and community leadership in Maryland and beyond.

Maryland civic engagement and social justice groups can access funding through the A.J. Muste Memorial Institute for Nonviolence and Social Justice for rapid-response, grassroots nonviolent activism. U.S.-based organizing projects may receive up to US $5,000 to address urgent needs, seize timely political opportunities, and mount powerful direct actions for systemic change.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The James B and Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation offers Large Grants for requests exceeding $10,000. Focused on fostering positive change, the foundation supports initiatives in Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement, Education, Health, and Human Services. Eligibility includes 501(c)(3) organizations, while restrictions apply to consecutive grant cycles and non-qualifying purposes such as endowments and fundraising events. Organizations are encouraged to apply for various projects to enhance community well-being.

The James B and Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation offers Smaller Grants of $10,000 or less to support initiatives in Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement, Education, Health, and Human Services. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and comply with eligibility criteria, including a one-year waiting period for reapplications. The foundation aims to have a significant impact on communities, especially in West Texas, while avoiding funding for specific exclusions such as endowments and fundraising events.

The EA Funds: Long-Term Future Fund Grant focuses on improving civilization's long-term trajectory by funding projects that mitigate global catastrophic risks. With grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to over $500,000, it welcomes applications from individuals and organizations globally. The fund particularly supports innovative small teams and individuals, emphasizing projects that reduce existential risks from AI and enhance global governance of transformative technologies. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility.

The ACS Congressional Fellowship Program offers trained scientists the chance to engage in the policy-making process, providing critical information to lawmakers on science-related issues. Each year, two fellows are placed in the offices of Senators, Representatives, or Committees, with the aim of educating them on how science policy is formed. Candidates with a strong background in chemical sciences or engineering are encouraged to apply, regardless of whether they hold a doctorate.

The Amanda Reed Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Amanda Reed, a Rockford resident and 2001 Boylan Central Catholic High School graduate, who tragically lost her life due to domestic violence. This scholarship supports individuals committed to stopping domestic abuse and promoting community safety. Applicants are encouraged to provide references from those familiar with their work in domestic violence prevention. Academic performance will be considered moderately in the selection process, fostering a compassionate and proactive community.

The Bezos Scholars Program, supported by the Bezos Family Foundation, is a transformative, no-cost leadership development initiative designed for high school juniors. Each year, selected scholars from the U.S. and Africa engage in a year-long program, developing leadership skills through civic engagement and community projects. Participants receive personalized college advising, funding for their projects, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, fostering a diverse community of changemakers committed to making a difference.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.