Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Maine

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The C4O Organizing Grant, offered by the National Education Association Staff Organization, supports collaborative strategic organizing projects. It provides resources for training, coaching, and workshops aimed at enhancing member engagement and addressing equity in education. Eligible projects include those that align with NEA Strategic Goals, fostering leadership among members on critical issues affecting their practice. This grant aims to empower educators and improve opportunities for all students.

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.

The NEA Professional Excellence Grants aim to empower state and local affiliates by providing funding for innovative practices and resources that enhance the education profession. These grants support initiatives focused on student success, professional development, and the establishment of a quality educator workforce. Typical funding ranges from $3,000 to $25,000, enabling affiliates to implement programs that address specific learning needs and foster community partnerships.

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.

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.

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.

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 education programs that build agricultural literacy can receive up to US $1,000 for reusable materials and projects, including those serving Maine schools. Focused on agricultural education, American Farm Bureau Federation invites state and county Farm Bureaus to apply for competitive funding to start or expand classroom and school-related ag literacy initiatives.

K-12 teachers and educators in Maine can seek funding for insect-focused classroom and youth programs, including supplies, services, travel, and educator stipends. The Entomological Society of America’s Chrysalis Fund offers up to US $2,500 across micro, regular, and large grant tiers for creative projects that engage students in insect science education.

Full-time preK–12 teachers in Maine can pursue self-designed professional learning experiences that enhance classroom instruction and student achievement. With a mission to strengthen teacher leadership, Fund For Teachers provides U.S. educators who spend at least half their time teaching, and have three years’ experience, with fellowships they can bring back to their school communities.

Middle and high school science teachers in Maine who use or manage chemicals can seek funding to improve chemical safety in their classrooms and labs. The American Chemical Society supports K-12 education nationwide, offering up to US $3,000 for safety training, PPE, professional development, and chemical safety infrastructure upgrades in U.S. and territory schools.

The Principal Student Support Services Grant, offered by the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network, aims to enhance mental health support for students in grades 6-12 at under-resourced public schools. With funding available for hiring mental health professionals and performance-based awards, this initiative addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues. By providing targeted interventions, the grant seeks to improve academic performance and overall well-being among students facing mental health crises.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The All Kids Play: Youth Sports Grant aims to support families and community-based organizations in low-income areas, ensuring access to recreational sports for children in grades K-12. This grant assists those who struggle to afford youth sports, providing essential funding on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible organizations must demonstrate budget constraints and operate in areas with high low-income student percentages, promoting inclusivity in youth sports participation.

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.