Grants for Youth Tech and Art Programs: Maryland Nonprofits (2025)

Grants for Youth Tech and Art Programs: Maryland Nonprofits (2025)

If you’re a nonprofit in Maryland aiming to empower youth through technology and the arts, 2025 offers a wealth of funding opportunities. From robotics programs to arts education, a variety of grants are available to support your initiatives. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these opportunities.

1. Arts in Education Grant (MSAC)

• Purpose: Funds artist residencies and arts learning activities in schools and communities
• Eligibility: Schools and community sites in Maryland
• Funding: Up to $6,000 per grant; up to two grants per fiscal year

2. Creativity Grants (MSAC)

• Purpose: Supports new arts projects and general operations for small organizations
• Eligibility: Independent artists and small arts organizations in Maryland
• Funding: $1,000–$3,500
• Application: Rolling basis

3. Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF)

• Purpose: Invests in summer programs that uplift and empower Baltimore’s youth
• Funding: $9.55 million allocated for Summer 2025 programs
• Focus Areas: Employment, arts, education, and wellness experiences

4. Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council – Community Grants

• Purpose: Supports artistic and cultural projects within Prince George’s County
• Eligibility: Individuals, organizations, and groups contributing to the county’s arts scene
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

5. Montgomery County Special Projects Grant

• Purpose: Funds arts and cultural projects engaging the Montgomery County community
• Eligibility: Small to mid-sized arts and cultural organizations, nonprofits, schools, and government agencies
• Funding: Up to $10,000
• Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

6. Best Buy Teen Tech Center

• Purpose: Establishes free, after-school tech hubs for teens
• Support: Capital funding and three years of operational support
• Note: Invitation-only; Maryland organizations have previously been selected

7. Verizon Foundation – Digital Inclusion

• Purpose: Supports after-school STEM, app development, and teacher professional development
• Focus: Projects emphasizing 5G and coding content
• Application: Invitation-only; typically opens in August

8. Exelon Foundation – Building Exelon’s Future Workforce

• Purpose: Funds energy/clean-tech STEM camps, robotics, and scholarships
• Funding: $5,000–$25,000
• Application: Quarterly

9. Lockheed Martin Charitable Contributions

• Purpose: Supports aerospace coding challenges, drone or robotics leagues
• Funding: $2,000–$35,000
• Application: Open year-round

10. Comcast NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants

• Purpose: Funds projects in Youth Education & Empowerment (STEM/STEAM), Storytelling, and Community
• Funding: $100,000–$225,000 per nonprofit in the DMV area
• Application Window: March 11 – April 11, 2025

11. FIRST STEM Equity Community Innovation Grant

• Purpose: Funds inclusive robotics or coding programs that remove barriers for underrepresented youth
• Funding: $10,000–$30,000
• Application Deadline: January 21, 2025

12. NEA – Grants for Arts Projects (Arts Education)

• Purpose: Supports digital-media, animation, or multi-disciplinary arts curricula for grades K–12
• Funding: $10,000–$100,000
• Application: Two-step process; Part 1 due February 2025

Tips for a Strong Grant Application

• Align with Grant Goals: Make sure your project directly supports the funder’s priorities.
• Engage Youth: Involve young people in planning and delivery to boost relevance and credibility.
• Detailed Budget: Include a clear, itemized budget that shows how every dollar will be used.
• Measure Outcomes: Describe how you’ll evaluate success and track your program’s impact.
• Collaborate: Partner with schools, other nonprofits, or community groups to strengthen your proposal.

By leveraging these funding opportunities, Maryland nonprofits can create enriching tech and arts programs that empower youth and foster long-term community growth. Stay on top of deadlines, clarify eligibility, and submit strong applications to make your project stand out.