Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Maine

Maine-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, public schools, public agencies, tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups can apply for Maine Community Foundation’s Community Building Grant Program, with awards up to US $10,000 for community-strengthening projects or general support. Environmental initiatives that build skills, engage residents, and enhance natural or built resources in Maine may be eligible.

Grants from the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund help Maine environmental and conservation nonprofits and agencies support projects in areas like environment, animals, and public benefit. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies in Maine and other New England states may apply, with some preference historically given to Connecticut-based organizations.

501(c)(3) organizations in Maine serving children or advancing environmental stewardship can apply for Sprague’s charitable contributions program; awards range from US $250 - US $10,000. Eligible nonprofits working on local environmental projects may receive priority if they operate within Sprague’s service area and demonstrate strong impact with modest funding.

Students pursuing environmental and plant science fields in Maine can receive scholarship support to advance their studies. Grants from Garden Club Federation Of Maine/Old York Garden Club help Maine residents studying botany, ecology, conservation, forestry, horticulture, landscape design, environmental studies, or sustainable agriculture at Maine institutions or the University of New Hampshire, with awards of US $3,000.

Maine 501(c)(3) organizations, as well as tax-exempt towns, fire or emergency departments, and school systems, can seek Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation support for one-time projects that build organizational capacity, including environmental initiatives. Grants prioritize communities with less access to resources and can also benefit programs in literacy, community development, arts, and related areas.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental, community, medical, educational, or arts and culture programs can seek US $1,000 - US $15,000 to support their work. The Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust funds organizations located, operating, and serving within Maine, and includes environmental conservation among its key program areas.

Maine environmental and conservation organizations can access funding through the John Sage Foundation for projects that promote a harmonious relationship between people and the natural environment. Grants of US $500 - US $50,000 support efforts like land acquisition, water testing, environmental education, conservation easements, and related environmental projects in Maine.

Our Mission

The Baughman Family Foundation aims to make an impact on our local communities by supporting organizations nominated by family members. The goal of the foundation is twofold: to make a meaningful impact on our selected charitable organizations and to encourage family members to become active in charitable giving.

Submission Guidelines

When submitting an application, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

The focus of the Baughman Family Foundation is on supporting local charities where the Foundation can make a direct, tangible impact on causes that matter to our family.

Nonprofit organizations improving food access or STEM education in U.S. communities, including Maine, may be eligible for funding to support their programs. Focused on food as health and building STEM foundations, Takeda invites environmental and community groups to propose projects addressing nutrition, medically tailored meals, urban farming, K-12 math, STEM enrichment, or college success.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion projects in Maine and nationwide can seek sponsorship support for programs and events. With a mission to advance economic mobility, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides regional U.S. sponsorships that may benefit environmental initiatives and related community projects.

Municipal, religious, charitable, benevolent, and educational organizations in Maine can apply for the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust’s project-based grants to support work in areas such as environmental initiatives, education, health, and human services. Eligible entities planning community-focused environmental projects in Maine may be especially interested in this flexible community grant opportunity.

Maine environmental nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations can access funding for general operations or special projects through the Goodnow Fund, which supports environmental initiatives alongside child welfare, Alzheimer’s research, and educational equity. Although based in Connecticut with a focus on Fairfield County, it funds organizations across the U.S. and invites project discussions via its Executive Director.

Environmental and conservation-focused charitable organizations, especially those in Michigan, can seek funding for projects, programs, or capital needs through the Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation. Focused on education, health, human services, environment, arts, and community initiatives, it offers more than US $250,000, which may benefit Maine-based groups working on broader environmental efforts with a Michigan connection.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified government entities working on environmental, education, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment projects in Maine communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities may be eligible for funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports initiatives that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability within its manufacturing communities, including parts of Maine.

U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes working in environmental science, education, or human services can seek project funding, including work that may benefit Maine communities. Grants from Change Happens Foundation help support environmental conservation, climate resilience, and STEM and early education, with a focus on equity and underserved populations.

Maine environmental organizations and related nonprofits can access funding through the James C Stewart Charitable Foundation for projects in areas like environment, animals, health, education, and community benefit. 501(c)(3) organizations may be eligible for approximately US $10,000 to support charitable programs, with the foundation historically favoring Tucson, Arizona and Southern California.

Nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit innovators with early-stage environmental, heritage conservation, or social justice projects in Maine can access funding through the J.M. Kaplan Fund. The J.M.K. Innovation Prize awards up to US $175,000 for transformative pilots or prototypes, plus multi-year guidance and peer-learning support to scale social and environmental impact nationwide.

Students pursuing environmental science, biology, engineering, or related physical sciences in Maine can receive US $1,500 in scholarship support for their studies through the RTK Scholars Program. RTK Environmental Group provides this annual award to U.S. citizens or legal residents enrolled in accredited schools who maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.

Maine environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and public schools can access funding through Sorenson Legacy Foundation to support projects in education, health care, innovation, and community development. U.S.-based groups working on environmental conservation, parks and green spaces, or protecting and enhancing the environment may be especially competitive, with preference for efforts in Utah.

Environmental nonprofits in Maine can seek support for conservation and related projects that promote environmental progress in the U.S. Grants from the Donald & Ruby Branson Foundation also fund educational and social progress initiatives for 501(c)(3) organizations, offering flexible support for programs that keep communities and natural spaces healthy for future generations.

McCormick & Company, Inc. actively supports charitable contributions through its Charitable Donations Committee (CDC), which prioritizes donations to non-profit organizations that enhance education, health, environment, and culture. The CDC focuses on organizations that benefit communities where McCormick employees live and work, ensuring a positive impact. Eligible groups must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination. However, donations are not made to individuals, political organizations, or entities that conflict with corporate values.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) invites U.S. researchers to apply for Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DDRIGs) in Arctic Sciences. This initiative aims to support innovative research that enhances understanding of the Arctic's changing environment and cultural systems. The program seeks to foster early career scientists and strengthen STEM workforce development, while also promoting collaboration across federal and international partners to advance Arctic research and logistical capabilities.

The Bernie Bahr Forestry and Natural Resources Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,000 grant to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related fields. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to graduates from specific high schools in Missouri. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to environmental and natural resource management.

The FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program invites applications for research in various domains, including Advanced Scientific Computing and Biological Research. This ongoing opportunity from the Department of Energy will remain available until September 30, 2026. Eligible projects must align with SC's mission, supporting innovative research that advances scientific knowledge and energy solutions.

The Sensata Foundation, established in 2017, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting community development and STEM education across the U.S. With a focus on improving access to STEM resources and empowering youth, the Foundation partners with nonprofits to address food insecurity, homelessness, and environmental sustainability. By fostering community partnerships and providing financial support, Sensata Foundation aims to inspire future leaders and enhance the quality of life for all, particularly in underserved areas.

The Andrew Burgin Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and focuses on charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. With grant sizes ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 and an annual budget of approximately $55,000, the trust primarily serves Alabama organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, but must meet specific deadlines for review. This grant offers opportunities across diverse areas such as arts, education, health, and human services.