Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Maine

Maine environmental conservation and related 501(c)(3) organizations, as well as eligible governmental agencies, can seek funding for programs in areas such as environment, animals, health, education, and human services. Grants from David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund support qualified nonprofits across Maine and other New England states, with historical preference for Connecticut organizations.

Environmental and land conservation organizations in Maine and other Appalachian states can access funding through the Open Space Institute to protect biodiversity, forests, and habitats. Grants from Open Space Institute help Maine environmental conservation projects enhance climate resilience, retain forest carbon, improve landscape connectivity, and deliver tangible benefits for local communities within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area; awards up to US $4,600,000.

With a mission to support grassroots environmental efforts, New England Grassroots Environment Fund provides Maine community-based groups with US $1,000 - US $4,000 to deepen local projects and broaden participation. Informal groups and small organizations working on environmental conservation, sustainability, or environmental justice in CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, or VT may be eligible.

Grassroots community groups in Maine launching new environmental or conservation projects can apply for the New England Grassroots Environment Fund’s Seed Grant, with awards of US $500 - US $1,000. Volunteer-driven groups with small budgets and up to two staff, including those without formal nonprofit status, may be eligible if they have a group bank account.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Maine and other Appalachian states can seek funding for fee and easement land acquisition projects that protect resilient, connected habitats and benefit local communities. Focused on land protection, The Nature Conservancy supports eligible costs like project capital, development, stewardship, community engagement, and related operations, with awards up to US $100,000.

Maine environmental and conservation organizations can access funding for projects that promote a harmonious relationship between people and the natural environment. The John Sage Foundation supports efforts such as land acquisition, environmental education, conservation easements, community gardens, and nature preserve infrastructure, offering grants from US $500 - US $50,000 for Maine-based work.

Publicly supported charities and governmental units in Maine seeking support for land conservation and natural resource protection projects can apply for grants up to US $15,000. Focused on environmental conservation, the William P. Wharton Trust prioritizes direct land acquisition and related costs, especially projects leveraging matching funds and collaboration among conservation organizations.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in environmental conservation, community services, health, education, or arts and culture can seek project support ranging from US $1,000 - US $15,000. The Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust funds organizations located, operating, and serving within Maine across these five key program areas.

Maine 501(c)(3) organizations, as well as tax-exempt towns, fire or emergency departments, and school systems, can seek funding for community-strengthening projects that build organizational capacity. The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation prioritizes libraries, literacy, information access, community health, arts and culture, and communities with fewer resources, which may include environmental conservation efforts.

Maine nonprofit and community-based organizations working on environmental conservation, land and habitat protection, and related community initiatives can apply for Betterment Fund grants of US $10,000 - US $35,000. Funding supports systemic projects, with a strong preference for Western Mountains and other rural regions, including conservation, community health, education, and cross-sector efforts benefiting Maine residents.

Organizations able to register as insured vendors with the state can seek grants for environmental conservation and outdoor recreation projects in Maine. Grants from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, through the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, support wildlife and habitat conservation, public lands and recreation access, endangered species protection, and natural resources law enforcement via authorized natural resource agency representatives.

Agricultural producers in Maine seeking support for conservation, water management, or sustainable farming practices can apply for funding that covers up to 75% of project costs, with total payments up to US $50,000 per year. With a mission to support resilient agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine helps implement practices like irrigation improvements, windbreaks, erosion control, and organic transition.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine offers vital financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. This program supports conservation practices to enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats while combating drought and climate change. EQIP promotes sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring producers can integrate conservation into their operations effectively, ultimately fostering a healthier environment and agricultural resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental conservation and related work in Maine can apply for funding to support marine and coastal resource protection, climate resilience, and sustainable working landscapes. Focused on coastal regions, Island Foundation invites groups to propose operating or project grants that may include environmental justice, community health, and capacity-building initiatives.

Maine 501(c)(3) land trusts seeking general operating support for conservation work can apply for funding that strengthens governance, leadership, and organizational capacity. Momentum Conservation provides Maine environmental conservation groups with support to integrate equity and inclusion, broaden membership among underrepresented communities, and ensure conserved lands remain accessible and rooted in community needs.

Maine environmental conservation nonprofits focused on specific endangered or at-risk species can access funding through the Sarah K. de Coizart Perpetual Charitable Trust, with awards from US $20,000 - US $75,000 for project support. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities in the Northeast may receive single- or multi-year support for species conservation initiatives.

Agricultural and forest producers in Maine seeking to enhance environmental conservation on working lands can receive more than US $4,000 to maintain and improve stewardship practices. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine’s Conservation Stewardship Program offers five-year contracts with annual payments for activities that improve soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience.

Maine environmental conservation nonprofits working on wildlife, habitat, outdoor recreation, or environmental protection projects can access funding through Davis Conservation Foundation. 501(c)(3) public charities focused on the Gulf of Maine, Northern Forest, or climate change adaptation, mitigation, and resilience may be especially competitive, with grants only rarely awarded outside New England.

Maine environmental conservation groups and public agencies focused on alpine and subalpine ecosystems can access funding through the Waterman Fund for trail rehabilitation, education, stewardship, and research projects. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and local, state, or federal agencies must provide at least a 25% match in cash, labor, materials, accommodations, or in-kind services.

Public agencies, nonprofit conservation groups, tribes, and municipalities in Maine can seek funding to restore, enhance, and protect high-priority aquatic resources, including wetlands and important habitats. Focused on environmental conservation, the State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection invites eligible applicants to compete annually for US $35,139 - US $3,014,882 through the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program.

The Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership honors young leaders aged 13 to 22 in North America who excel in environmental initiatives. Awardees receive a $3,000 cash prize, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact. This prestigious program fosters youth leadership and amplifies diverse voices within the environmental movement, encouraging innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges. Over the past 25 years, the awards have celebrated over 100 emerging leaders dedicated to making a difference in their communities.

The Yocha Dehe Community Fund, established by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in 2000, supports initiatives that strengthen communities throughout Yolo County and beyond. With nearly $40 million in grants, the Fund prioritizes projects in health, education, Native arts, and environmental protection. The Tribe's commitment involves active participation in the grant process, ensuring impactful partnerships with various organizations. New applicants must register on the grant portal and submit a letter of inquiry to be considered for funding.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

BMO Gives is committed to fostering positive societal impact through community support and charitable initiatives. It focuses on enhancing community and economic resilience, as well as environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or non-profits operating in Canada or the U.S. and align with BMO's corporate values, which promote inclusivity and non-discrimination. The program aims to support projects that address significant societal needs and empower local communities.

The Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants offer up to $20,000 for environmental art projects led by women-identifying artists in the U.S. and territories. Focused on themes like regeneration and eco-social engagement, the grants encourage projects that address ecological issues through ethical engagement. For the 2025 cycle, over $520,000 will be distributed, doubling previous funding. Eligible applicants must be 18+, lead artists, and not enrolled in degree programs during the grant term.

The John Goddard Prize offers microgrants to empower youth-led environmental initiatives across the nation. This competitive cash prize supports ambitious young leaders seeking funding for innovative projects that promote environmental sustainability. Applications are welcomed from young people dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. By fostering creativity and action, the prize aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is the leading business coalition for conservation. Uniting companies across industries, perspectives, and geographies, we harness the collective power of our members to protect lands and waters for future generations. Our dual top-down and bottom-up approach pairs corporate advocacy with funding for grassroots action on the ground. Investing in The Conservation Alliance is not only an investment in protecting the resources outdoor businesses depend on—it’s a way to strengthen the outdoor economy and ensure long-term business resilience.

Mission: We harness the collective power of business and outdoor communities to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s natural places.

Confluence Program

Why Confluence?

The Confluence Program, launched in 2021, seeks to expand The Conservation Alliance’s network of grassroots and community partners. We know that our network does not represent a coalition of everyone working to protect natural places. Great things happen when a diverse coalition of voices and perspectives comes together to champion solutions that balance the best interests of land and water, wildlife, and people. The Confluence Program is a first step in our efforts to help create new systems and structures that bring all of the groups, organizations, and businesses committed to this work closer together to protect our shared natural places.

Only in special cases do we fund more than one group working on a campaign – this is typically reserved for TCA Priority Campaigns.

We prioritize the following types of projects:

• Advance TCA’s Conservation Strategy
• Measurably mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect biodiversity
• Are led by or increase engagement opportunities for Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, Latin American, Black, Brown, or additional communities who identify as People of Color
• Projects that uplift/center traditional ecological knowledge, history, and culture in relation to land and water conservation
• Expand outdoor recreation opportunities and/or access to nature in an effort to help create connections to and a sense of belonging in the landscape
• Aim to improve long-term and sustainable economic impacts for local communities
• Increase connectivity to other protected lands
• Incorporate efforts to mobilize / engage local communities
• Projects that focus on groups working in collaboration with others to protect land or water
• Conservation projects that address the social, cultural, and environmental needs of a community and/or region.
• Projects where the resources (e.g., staff, revenue) and strategy align well with the intended goals and outcomes.