Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Maine

Maine-based nonprofits and community organizations working on education, health, conservation, or community-wide initiatives can receive US $10,000 - US $35,000 in project support. Betterment Fund prioritizes systemic, regional efforts, especially in Western Maine, and may fund K-12 education initiatives that fit its broad educational quality and community well-being focus.

Maine K-12 Catholic schools and dioceses developing novice or prospective school leaders can access funding through Catholic Extension for a one-year online Certificate in Catholic School Administration. The program covers most tuition plus travel for an on-campus course and builds mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership capacity for participating schools.

Focused on K-12 education, Maine Department of Education invites Maine schools and community partners to apply for funding to create or expand before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs. Eligible projects provide academic tutoring, enrichment, and student well-being supports for Pre-K through grade 12, especially in high-need, economically disadvantaged communities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

K–12 schools, libraries, colleges, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maine offering family literacy programs can seek up to US $10,000 for adult education, children’s education, and parent–child literacy time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and listed in the National Literacy Directory.

K-12 schools and education-focused nonprofits in Maine can use these grants to support academic success, enrichment, and college or career preparation programs. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen K-12 education, financial literacy, and workforce readiness, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000 for organizations that align with its community-focused priorities.

K-12 schools in Maine planning new construction or energy upgrades can apply for Efficiency Maine Trust’s School Decarbonization Technical Assistance, with awards up to US $20,000 for qualifying professional services. Funding covers up to 50% of approved engineering or legal TA studies from providers on the Approved TA Provider List to reduce carbon emissions.

K-12 schools and community centers in Maine seeking to establish educational orchards or gardens can apply for support through United Charitable’s ReTreeUS program. This grant funds school and community orchards that promote horticulture, botany, biology, and environmental stewardship, with ReTreeUS providing ongoing curriculum support for educators and youth engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving K-12 students in Maine can seek grants from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation to support education programs, facilities, and equipment, with awards ranging from US $2,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Bangor Savings Bank Foundation help Maine education and youth-focused groups enhance academic success, financial wellness, and overall community vitality.

The Local President Release Grant, offered by the National Education Association, aims to support local associations by providing financial assistance for the release of local presidents. This program facilitates critical leadership work, professional development, and member engagement within the community. Eligible local associations, including those offering part-time release, can apply to enhance their capacity without compromising existing programs. The initiative ultimately strengthens the effectiveness of local associations in achieving NEA's strategic priorities.

Maine K-12 schools and education-focused organizations can seek funding to develop innovative STEM and biomedical science education programs for pre-K through grade 12 students. Through the NIH Science Education Partnership Award, projects may include classroom curricula, teacher support, or informal learning such as after-school and library programs, including those building quantitative and computational skills.

K–12 educators seeking agricultural literacy materials in Maine and nationwide can use this grant to purchase accurate ag resources for their classrooms. With a mission to support agricultural education, American Farm Bureau provides educators with US $100 in credit to spend on approved items from the AFBFA store.

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can apply for approximately US $77,000 in program support from the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund. With a mission to advance charitable and educational purposes, this fund backs year-round, measurable programs, including those serving students connected to Maine-based school communities.

Maine K-12 education professionals in higher education roles who mentor future school health and physical education teachers may be eligible for this national recognition award. Maine education organizations preparing K-12 staff can nominate full-time faculty who are SHAPE America members and exemplary role models, advisors, and supporters of student professional involvement.

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund provides Maine K–12 music education programs and other youth initiatives with support to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass. Administered by the IBMA Foundation, funding is used where needed most for individuals age 21 and younger, which may include school-based bluegrass activities.

K-12 schools and education-focused nonprofits in Maine can seek funding for youth education, workforce readiness, and basic needs programs that support students and families. Grants from OneAmerica Financial help communities nationwide, with a primary focus on Indianapolis and Maine, advance academic outcomes, financial literacy, food security, and housing stability.

Current SHAPE America members in Maine working in K-12 physical education, health, sport, or after-school athletics can apply for the National Girls and Women in Sports Legacy Award, which provides US $1,000 for projects advancing opportunities for girls and women in sport. Society of Health and Physical Educators supports research, programs, and professional development through this annual award.

The Measurement and Evaluation Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished SHAPE America professional who has significantly impacted measurement and evaluation in health and physical education. This prestigious award highlights the importance of scholarly achievement and the influence of national standards in enhancing educational practices. It aims to honor those who have dedicated their careers to improving the quality of health and physical education, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles for students across the nation.

The Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award recognizes exceptional contributions by a SHAPE America professional towards the Measurement and Evaluation SIG's mission. This prestigious accolade celebrates those who advance health and physical education practices, inspiring educators to enhance student well-being. Eligibility requires current membership in SHAPE America and the Measurement and Evaluation SIG, ensuring that only dedicated professionals are honored. This award embodies the commitment to fostering excellence in educational environments, ultimately aiming to prepare all children to lead active, healthy lives.

The Measurement and Evaluation Graduate Student Award, offered by SHAPE America, aims to support graduate students specializing in psychomotor measurement and evaluation. This scholarship assists with professional expenses, ensuring candidates can focus on their studies. Eligible applicants must be current SHAPE America members and pursuing relevant master's or doctoral degrees. The award prioritizes those who have completed their first year of study, promoting excellence in health and physical education across the U.S.

The Luther Halsey Gulick Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes individuals with over ten years of membership who have made outstanding contributions to health and physical education. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to a candidate selected for their exemplary leadership and service in the field. Nominations are carefully evaluated based on the candidate's impact on the profession and their ability to inspire future generations to lead healthy, active lives.

The Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals who have made significant contributions to research in curriculum and instruction within health and physical education. Eligible candidates must be current SHAPE America members and have 3 to 6 years of experience post-doctorate. This award emphasizes active involvement and scholarship in the field, encouraging innovative research that enhances educational practices for preK-12 students.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The NCUEA-NEA Urban Grants, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, aim to enhance membership growth through focused organizing proposals. These grants specifically support initiatives that promote density growth, bargaining readiness, and the development of new units. By prioritizing these areas, the program seeks to strengthen collective action and empower educators in their bargaining efforts.

The Aspiring Educators CREATE Grants, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, offer up to $2000 to strengthen the AE Program and foster impactful partnerships. Grants focus on areas such as Educator Quality, Community Engagement, Political Action, and Social Justice. Eligible organizations include state AE chapters, and submissions are accepted three times a year. This initiative encourages aspiring educators to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The NEA Community Advocacy & Partnership Engagement (CAPE) Grant aims to support local affiliates in mobilizing community organizations to enhance student achievement, particularly for students of color. Key priorities include fostering initiatives for racial justice in education, engaging NEA members trained in leadership, and creating union roles for community engagement. This grant encourages collaboration between educators and community leaders to build capacity and drive positive change.

The CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, administered by the National Education Association, aims to enhance racial equity within education by funding initiatives that promote awareness, leadership development, and solidarity among diverse racial groups. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $75,000, supporting projects that address racism and foster equitable policies in educational settings, thereby accelerating efforts towards social justice.