Maryland Nonprofits

Nonprofits in the state of Maryland are much more than organizations that only do good. They are the backbone of transformation in our communities. Throughout the state, nonprofits are the connective tissue between crisis and care, vision and action. Stepping in where systems fall short, they are the after-school programs keeping children safe and learning, community clinics providing life-saving care, cultural institutions that enrich our neighborhoods, and environmental groups preserving the places we love. From all-volunteer teams to nationally recognized research institutions, nonprofit organizations are essential to Maryland’s quality of life.

Nonprofits in Maryland serve in every sphere:
• Education: from early childhood programs to adult learning
• Health: clinics, mental health support, long-term care, and public health initiatives
• Research and innovation: institutions conducting groundbreaking studies that save lives and advance public health
• Human services: food assistance, housing, job training, domestic violence prevention, and family support
• Arts and culture: museums, theaters, and community arts programs
• Community needs: environmental protection, animal welfare, disaster relief, and more

Since 1992, Maryland Nonprofits has championed the sector serving as a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) state association of nonprofits, strengthening and advocating for the sector, promoting ethical practices, and ensuring their voice is heard where it matters most.

Maryland Nonprofits’ Standards for Excellence® program, launched in 1998, is a national benchmark for nonprofit ethics and accountability. It offers a comprehensive code of best practices, educational resources, and a peer-reviewed accreditation process. Standards for Excellence® is licensed and replicated in more than a dozen states nationwide.

Maryland Nonprofits has shaped stronger legal safeguards protecting nonprofits and the public. In 2014, the organization partnered with legislators, the Maryland secretary of state, and the attorney general to pass House Bill 1352, enhancing oversight and enforcement of charitable solicitation laws.

Beyond advocacy, the Maryland Nonprofits Consulting Group offers customized support assisting hundreds of organizations each year.

The organization helped create the state’s Nonprofit Development Center and integrated vital networks such as Maryland Latinos Unidos, Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth, and the Charge Up Collaborative.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Maryland Nonprofits mobilized rapidly, tripling participation in its programs and helping secure lifesaving relief for the sector. These resources supported thousands of Marylanders, while sustaining the organizations that kept communities safe. More than $60 billion in federal aid flowed to nonprofits, strengthening resilience.

Today, Maryland’s nonprofits face an unprecedented crisis.

Billions in federal funding for education, healthcare, housing, and other vital services are being withdrawn or placed at risk. As funding disappears, the stakes grow more urgent: Every dollar lost is a life disrupted.

Nonprofits in Maryland are once again rising to meet the need—but they cannot do it alone. Now is the time for bold public, private, and philanthropic support. Whether through advocacy, volunteerism, or financial investment, each of us has a role to play in protecting the heart of our communities. Because when we stand with nonprofits, we stand for a stronger, more compassionate Maryland.

When nonprofits are strong, Maryland is strong.