Best Grants for Food Pantries in Maine

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations operating food pantries, food banks, or food distribution services in Maine can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500 to support capital and operating needs. Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust also assist related health, welfare, and homelessness services across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Maine food distribution and youth-focused groups working on hunger relief can access funding through the Kiwanis Foundation of New England to run End Hunger New England meal-packing projects. Divisions that raise at least $1,500 toward a 10,000-meal project may receive up to US $2,500, with potential for a second grant if funds remain.

Henry P. Kendall Foundation provides Maine food access and distribution organizations, schools, and public agencies with US $25,000 - US $100,000 to strengthen New England’s institutional food supply chain. Eligible nonprofit or government applicants must partner with at least one K-12 or higher education institution to expand locally sourced food for students, including infrastructure, equipment, staffing, and training.

Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation goes beyond food aid to create lasting change. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships and volunteer action, Stop Hunger tackles the root causes of food insecurity.

In 2025, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and the Hunger Center awarded grants to 131 programs representing 118 communities in 37 states plus the District of Columbia. Collectively, these programs provided an estimated 22,000 backpacks full of shelf-stable food items for students to take home for the weekend or holidays when school meals are not served.

Since 2006, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has been a driving force behind weekend and holiday hunger relief for students across the U.S. Through support of food backpack programs, the Foundation partners with local food banks and schools to discreetly provide K-12 students with backpacks filled with nutritious, shelf-stable meals. These backpacks are distributed in safe, familiar settings – typically on the last school day before a weekend or school break – ensuring that all children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals don’t go hungry when school is out.

K-12 Backpack Grant

The K-12 Backpack Grant is an initiative launched by the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and administered in partnership with the Congressional Hunger Center to support community backpack programs. Grants of $1,000 will be issued to community organizations with established backpack feeding programs that provide students with shelf-stable, nutritious meals when school is out of session.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Elder Organizations

The Markoly Foundation takes pride in supporting local organizations that provide services for elders in our community. Seniors face a number of challenges that come with aging, especially when they don’t have loved ones who are able to assist them with their needs. We provide grants for a variety of senior-related programs from Caregiver Education and Support to Emergency Meal Delivery and Transportation Services.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

Maine community-based nonprofit food pantries and food access programs can access funding through Save Mart Cares to support fresh food, food access, and youth- and family-focused services, including food distribution efforts. Organizations may apply for US $500 - US $10,000, with a special Q3 cycle for retail food recovery infrastructure projects.

U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities providing food security, refugee services, free healthcare clinics, or community development can apply for Islamic Relief USA’s Summer Food Service Program (SUN) 2026 funding. Grants support starting or expanding USDA-approved summer meal sites, helping Maine food pantries and similar programs increase summer food access for children, with most funds going to direct services.

Maine 501(c)(3) food pantries and community organizations providing food delivery and distribution services can access funding through Islamic Relief USA to support Thanksgiving turkey distributions and related food security efforts. Eligible U.S.-based nonprofits must have at least three years of activity, use funds exclusively within the country, and limit administrative costs to 15% of the grant.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools that distribute food to people in need can receive ongoing bakery donations through the Day-End Dough-Nation program. Panera Bread Foundation provides unsold bread and baked goods from local Panera bakery-cafes to support food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other food delivery and distribution services.

Food retailers, food enterprises, and related organizations in Maine can seek funding to expand access to healthy foods in underserved areas. Grants from Reinvestment Fund help U.S. food access and distribution projects with planning or implementation, offering US $20,000 - US $250,000 plus technical assistance that may benefit food pantries and distribution services.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that are registered nonprofits and provide food delivery and distribution services can apply to purchase food or provide shelter. Focused on hunger relief, UNICO Foundation invites eligible U.S. programs, including those serving Maine residents through established community food or shelter initiatives, to use funds entirely for direct services to low-income and vulnerable people.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine providing food pantries, food distribution, or related hunger relief can apply for Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation’s Fighting Hunger Grants, with awards up to US $10,000 per program. Funding supports direct food assistance, food rescue, and nutrition education, and is available to organizations across the U.S. and Canada.

School districts in Maine participating in the National School Lunch Program and operating self-run food service programs can receive support to shift from processed foods to scratch-cooked, whole-food meals. Whole Kids Foundation’s Get Schools Cooking program offers multi-year training, assessments, strategic planning, and a Technical/Equipment Assistance Grant, with support valued up to US $250,000.

Maine 501(c)(3) food pantries and other nonprofits working in food delivery, conservation, education, or wellness can access funding to tell powerful stories about their impact through the Storytelling Grant. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers more than US $50,000 to support communications and storytelling projects that highlight community change.

Food pantries and hunger-relief nonprofits in Maine can seek support for food delivery and distribution services, shelters, and related basic-needs programs. Focused on meeting basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those engaging Ameriprise volunteers, to apply for funding that strengthens food access and economic stability.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing food distribution, nutrition education, diabetes support, or housing programs in Maine may be eligible for this funding. FDC Foundation supports improved nutrition, treatment for people with diabetes, alternative health approaches, early childhood development, returning scholars, literary initiatives, and housing access, which can include food pantry operations tied to health and nutrition.

The Therapeutic Garden Grants program, sponsored by the National Garden Bureau, awards $7,500 annually to five selected therapeutic gardens, promoting health and healing through gardening. Organizations must have a defined therapeutic program for at least a year and a commitment to the garden for five years. Grants are co-funded by several partners, and winners are determined through a social media voting contest, ensuring community engagement and visibility for the gardens.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.

Nonprofit food banks and related food access organizations in Maine can seek more than US $100,000 to expand proven, direct-service programs that reduce poverty and strengthen families. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with strong track records, larger operating budgets, and scalable approaches, including food delivery efforts that facilitate economic independence.

Hospitals, 501(c)(3) charities, and NICU teams in Maine can seek funding to ease the neonatal intensive care unit experience for families. Grants from Little Giraffe Foundation offer up to US $2,000 for items like gift bags, books, gas cards, and other supports, which may complement services provided by hospital-based food pantries.

Grants from Wal-Mart Foundation help Maine community service organizations fund local projects and services, including food pantries and other basic-needs programs, with awards from US $250 - US $5,000. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, schools, and faith-based organizations with community-benefit projects, all verified through a Spark Good account and Deed.