Best Earth Science Grants in Maine

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative approaches to human services and social problems, including those in Maine and potentially earth science–related community work, may be eligible for support. Creag Foundation considers proposals from smaller or evolving organizations that are developing new ways to address societal issues after holding 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs from the Dan Paul Foundation, including projects in Maine. Grants up to US $15,000 may support child advocacy, poverty and homelessness services, refugee enrichment, and youth environmental education such as clean air and water initiatives.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits tackling major social or environmental challenges can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable solutions. Organizations in Maine working on earth science, sustainability, climate, or related environmental issues may be eligible if they serve underserved communities and operate within the foundation’s priority geographies.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to address social challenges can seek up to US $100,000 for innovative programs benefiting underserved communities in Maine and worldwide. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations working in crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience, which may include earth science–related initiatives that build community resilience or green economic opportunities.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Maine can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, fire prevention, automotive and home safety, and related community programs that may benefit earth science and resilience efforts.

Maine nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, and community-focused programs that may intersect with earth science, such as environmental health or STEM initiatives. Focused on health and welfare, education, and community, Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports efforts like food pantries, healthcare access, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle research.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Maine nonprofits and community organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services to marginalized people can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation. Grants support efforts such as healthcare access, disease prevention, child and women’s health, disaster relief, and social services. Organizations in Maine whose work overlaps these priorities may be eligible within the foundation’s broader global portfolio.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Early-career postdoctoral researchers in earth science and related fields can pursue time-limited research projects at the American Museum of Natural History in association with museum scientists. Focus areas include Earth and planetary sciences, astrophysics, paleontology, and related disciplines, which may benefit researchers in Maine whose work aligns with these scientific divisions.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with support for hunger relief, housing and shelters, financial literacy, workforce readiness, community development, and cultural enrichment initiatives.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Maine nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, or environmental programs. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded annually, and organizations working on earth science–related environmental efforts may be eligible.

Solar Radiation Management Program

The Simons Foundation’s Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS) division invites applications for a new Solar Radiation Management program (SRM). The foundation strongly encourages applications from scientists in the global south and from investigators who may not have worked in SRM but have expertise that could bring new perspectives and skills to this field.

Please note that in the event of budgetary or other considerations, The Simons Foundation, Inc. reserves the right to refer an application to The Simons Foundation International, Ltd. (SFI) for consideration and funding, in which case SFI’s grant policies would apply.

Basis for Awards

The Simons Foundation has launched an international collaborative research program designed to fill fundamental scientific knowledge gaps relevant to Solar Radiation Management. SRM is an emerging collection of approaches, including stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), marine cloud brightening (MCB) and cirrus cloud thinning (CCT), designed to modify the Earth’s radiative balance and cool the planet. Although reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations is the only long-term strategy to mitigate climate change and other impacts, SRM might be able to ameliorate some of the negative impacts this century. However, SRM also may pose significant environmental and societal risks, including stratospheric warming, ozone depletion and changes in rainfall, thereby affecting water resources and agriculture. At present, not enough is known about SRM systems and their potential impacts to allow informed decision-making. This call aims to help fill key fundamental knowledge gaps in the science of SRM.

Priority areas for this call include:

• Environmentally benign materials discovery for SAI and CCT.
• Laboratory physicochemical characterization of SAI and CCT materials and their interactions with light, clouds, atmospheric trace gases and with themselves or ambient aerosols, with the aim to improve microphysical inputs to existing climate models.
• Approaches to minimize cirrus cloud formation, including from aircraft emissions.
• Assessments of near-field (<100 km) atmospheric turbulence and its impact on SAI and CCT interventions, primarily through modeling.
• Integration of improved representations of aerosols and turbulence into global-scale modeling, and characterization of global and regional impacts of novel materials for SAI and CCT.

Areas not within the scope of this program include social science research and in-situ field experiments involving aerosol release.

Proposals can be from individual investigators or small teams; the latter are not required to be from the same institution but must be organized via a main institution and subcontract institution(s). 

Proposals will be judged on scientific quality, potential for impact, potential for collaboration, extent of training graduate students and postdocs, and broadening participation domestically and globally.

As a part of the program obligations, awardees will be invited and expected to attend an annual meeting held at and paid directly by the Simons Foundation.

Funding

Proposal budgets should not exceed $500,000 per year, including indirect costs (limited to 20 percent modified total direct costs), for a period of three years. 

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Maine working on environmental or human services programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support program or operating needs. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help eligible organizations with unrestricted funding for environment, human services, disaster relief, and related community-focused work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine working on youth education, food security, family services, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful community programs. Earth science and environmental projects tied to food, community, or youth initiatives may be especially competitive.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Maine, can seek funding for community-based programs, facilities, and services. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports museums, cultural and performing arts, schools and hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife protection, and job readiness initiatives, with awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $20,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, nature, or wildlife projects in the Southern U.S. can seek program support from the Robinson Foundation. Grants focus on tangible, meaningful impact and direct results, and Maine-based groups may be eligible if their work serves communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine with strong, replicable community partnerships that address significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, offering recognition to programs that measurably improve lives and can serve as models for other communities.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant may be eligible for Gupta Family Foundation’s humanitarian and social services grants, including groups in Maine. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help fund focused interventions, poverty alleviation, disability services, and disaster relief worldwide, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities working in education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment in Maine communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for this funding. Focused on strengthening Georgia-Pacific communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible Maine organizations to propose projects that enhance long-term community well-being and sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports these community-focused efforts, and Maine groups with earth science-related youth or family programming may be eligible.

U.S. undergraduates and recent graduates at participating institutions planning one-year master’s-level STEM research at the University of Cambridge can apply for Winston Churchill Foundation’s Churchill Scholarships, including a US $4,000 special research grant. Earth science students in Maine may be eligible if enrolled at a participating college and nominated by their institution.