Grants for Food Security Nonprofits in Baltimore (2025)

If you’re a food security nonprofit in Baltimore, you’re in a unique position to access a variety of grants that can help you expand your impact. From local foundations to federal programs, funding opportunities are available to support everything from community gardens to large-scale food distribution initiatives.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the most promising grants, followed by tips to strengthen your grant-writing success.

1. United Way of Central Maryland – Food Resiliency Grant

• Award: Up to $10,000 per year for two years
• Eligibility: Organizations with annual operating budgets under $500,000 in Central Maryland
• Focus: Community-centric projects that benefit the community
• Deadline: Applications typically open in summer
• More Info: uwcm.org/grants-funding-opportunities

2. Maryland Department of Agriculture – MFARM Grants

• Award: $5,000–$40,000
• Use: 80% for Maryland-grown food; 20% for distribution/operations
• Eligibility: Nonprofits, food banks, emergency food providers
• Deadline: May 2, 2025
• More Info: news.maryland.gov

3. Abell Foundation – Health & Human Services Grants

• Award: $25,000 to $100,000 (typical)
• Eligibility: Baltimore-based 501(c)(3) organizations
• Focus: Equitable access to food as a social determinant of health
• Deadline: Rolling submissions
• More Info: abell.org/grants

4. France-Merrick Foundation – Health & Human Services

• Award: $25,000–$250,000
• Eligibility: Nonprofits serving Baltimore City
• Focus: Food banks, food distribution, nutrition education
• Deadline: Rolling basis
• More Info: france-merrickfdn.org

5. Maryland Food Bank – Food First Capacity Grants

• Award: $500–$7,000
• Use: Cold storage, vehicles, tech, infrastructure
• Eligibility: Maryland Food Bank network partners (current/prospective)
• Application Period: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
• More Info: marylandfoodbank.smapply.us

6. Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation – Nutrition & Food Access

• Award: Small grants (<$50,000) and large grants ($50,000+)
• Eligibility: Nonprofits meeting basic needs in Baltimore
• Focus: Nutrition and food access
• Deadline: Ongoing
• More Info: hjweinbergfoundation.org

7. Walmart Foundation – Spark Good Local Grants

• Award: $250–$5,000
• Eligibility: Local nonprofits addressing community needs
• Application Windows: Opens August 1, 2025 and November 3, 2025
• Apply via: Local Walmart or Sam’s Club
• More Info: walmart.org

8. Clif Family Foundation – Open Call Grants

• Award: $5,000–$50,000
• Eligibility: Grassroots orgs with budgets under $3 million
• Focus: Strengthening food systems and community health
• Deadlines: March 1 and August 1
• More Info: cliffamilyfoundation.org

9. Bank of America Charitable Foundation – Neighborhood Builders

• Eligibility: Nonprofits promoting economic mobility and equity
• Application Period: May 1 – June 1, 2025
• More Info: bankofamerica.com

10. Baltimore Community Foundation – Community & Neighborhood Grants

• Award: Varies ($5,000–$25,000 typical; some larger)
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Baltimore City/County
• Focus Areas:
  • Urban Farm Fund: Supports urban agriculture and food access
  • Neighborhood Grants: Funds resident-led food programs and community gardens
• Deadlines: Rolling and seasonal
• More Info: bcf.org/apply-for-grant

Grant Writing Tips for Success

Securing funding is competitive, but with strategic planning and compelling proposals, your organization can stand out. Here are some tips to boost your chances:

• Demonstrate Impact
  Share specific data (e.g., meals served, yields increased) to show your effectiveness.

• Align with Funder Priorities
  Customize your proposal to reflect the goals and values of each funder.

• Seek Partnerships
  Collaborate with other organizations to show strength and community reach.

• Craft a Winning Proposal
  Clearly describe the need, your solution, and the expected outcomes.

• Follow Up
  If rejected, request feedback to strengthen future applications.

By leveraging these funding opportunities and applying strong grant-writing practices, your nonprofit can enhance its food security initiatives and expand its impact across Baltimore.