Best Grants for Youth Programs in Maine

Kiwanis clubs in good standing in the New England and Bermuda District can apply for funding to support youth-focused community service projects in Maine and beyond. Grants from Kiwanis Foundation of New England help clubs launch innovative, child-serving programs, with up to US $1,000 available and preference for projects reaching many children or leveraging matching funds.

Maine youth-serving organizations focused on food access and hunger relief can access funding through the Kiwanis Foundation of New England to run End Hunger New England meal-packing projects. Divisions or SLP administrators that contribute to a 10,000-meal project may receive up to US $2,500, with potential for a second grant if funds remain.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving ill children in Maine can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 from Joy in Childhood Foundation to build or expand pediatric gaming programs. Funding can cover gaming specialists, equipment, systems, connectivity, and virtual programming, with a focus on engaging teen patients during hospitalization.

Children’s hospitals and general hospitals with pediatric departments in Maine can receive Joy in Childhood Foundation support to host prom-like events for teen patients unable to attend their own school prom. Grants of US $20,000 - US $50,000 help cover themes, space, food, entertainment, formal wear, and other youth-focused program needs.

Maine youth-serving nonprofits and other U.S.-based charitable organizations can seek support for programs that improve communities and families, promote education, and encourage wellness. Maine youth programs can access funding through Encova Foundation of West Virginia, which prioritizes initiatives impacting health, education, safety, and children, especially where Encova associates are actively involved.

Maine 501(c)(3) public charities serving youth and children can access funding for youth services, education, health, and related programs through Libra Foundation, with awards up to US $25,000. Eligible projects must take place within Maine and may also involve arts, environment, human services, justice, public benefit, or religion-focused activities.

501(c)(3) organizations in Maine running youth programs or environmental initiatives can apply for Sprague’s charitable contributions, with awards from US $250 - US $10,000. Funding supports impactful, community-based projects, especially those benefiting children or advancing environmental stewardship within Sprague’s operating areas.

Maine 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups running youth, food justice, reproductive justice, or climate justice programs can seek support through Wild Geese Foundation. Focused on youth services, it prioritizes intersectional, community-based efforts, including New England food justice and sustainable agriculture projects expanding access to affordable, healthy food.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Maine and other eligible regions can receive donated toys to distribute to the kids they serve. The Toy Foundation supports youth services by channeling industry toy donations through regional logistics partners, allowing approved member organizations to pick up toys quarterly from nearby facilities.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth, families, or vulnerable people can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500 for health and welfare, dental care, food security, shelters, and camp scholarships. Grants may help youth programs expand services, equipment, capital projects, or operating support in eligible communities.

The Ludcke Foundation

Guidelines

To identify and support charitable endeavors that provide needed resources and services to children and families, with an emphasis on emotional and physical health, education, and social development.

The Foundation devotes its grants to the fields of education, health, and human services. The trustees have a special interest in programs that focus across two or three of the foundation’s areas of interest and in partnering with other donors with similar objectives to enable more ambitious projects.

Current Grantmaking Preferences

Job training for systems involved young people, job training for adults facing significant barriers, and limited support for innovative approaches to helping children in underserved New England communities overcome significant and often overlapping barriers to educational success.

Access to health programs for all ages, and behavioral health services for children and teens in underserved communities or otherwise facing significant barriers.

Homelessness prevention, housing assistance, food security, legal assistance, holistic family support, support for young people at risk, and support for victims of domestic violence.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and for-profit or nonprofit event organizers can seek support for youth and education programs, financial literacy, workforce development, housing, and economic development projects. Focused on community impact, Machias Savings Bank invites requests for donations, sponsorships, pledges, and capital support that especially benefit low- and moderate-income youth and families.

Maine nonprofits running youth and family programs that strengthen whole-family wellbeing can access funding to support vulnerable children and caregivers. John T Gorman Foundation provides Maine youth services with invitation-only grants for two-generation strategies that prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences and improve outcomes in education, health, social capital, employment supports, and family economic stability.

Nonprofits serving low-income youth, immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities, and elders in Maine can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 for youth services, education, arts access, basic needs, and related programs. With a mission to support environment, health and welfare, arts, education, and churches, Adelard And Valeda Roy Foundation prioritizes projects in Northern New England communities.

Maine youth programs and other 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, health, or the arts can access funding through the Joan M Wismer Foundation, with awards from US $2,500 - US $25,000. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits, schools, state governments, and churches with active, financially competent boards.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth, offenders or former offenders, and crime victims can seek program funding in Maine and nationwide through the CoreCivic Foundation. CoreCivic Foundation supports youth services, reentry services, and crime victim services by prioritizing measurable outcomes and giving preference to organizations with a Tennessee connection or prior relationship to the funder.

The Earth Rising Foundation Grants provide financial support ranging from $200 to $20,000 for grassroots climate initiatives. The foundation emphasizes empowering Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing social justice issues linked to climate change. By fostering youth involvement and supporting innovative projects, the foundation aims to create a vision for a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet. Applications must be submitted through a US-based nonprofit organization.

Maine youth-serving nonprofits, public schools, school districts, and Tribes working on food access and nutrition education can access funding through Newmans Own Foundation’s Hunger to Health Collaboratory 2026 Prizes for Innovation. This national program offers up to US $100,000 for Indigenous food justice and school-based nutrition education projects benefiting kids up to age 18.

Registered U.S. charitable organizations providing direct services to children and young adults, including those in Maine, can apply for youth-focused project funding from the Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation. Grants support programs that quickly improve mental and physical health, education, housing, and welfare, with 100% of funds used for direct, measurable impact within nine months.

The Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes GYSD Grant supports youth-led projects for Youth Service Month and Global Youth Service Day. Open to U.S. and Canadian youth aged 5-25, grants of $250 or $500 are available, depending on volunteer engagement. Projects should address community needs and foster inclusivity among diverse youth volunteers. Successful applications will partner with local organizations and focus on relationship-building. A total of $50,000 in grants will be awarded, encouraging meaningful community service.

The McMillen Foundation Grants Program supports research in cardiology, lipids, and organ transplant, along with educational initiatives and social services in Washington and Alaska. With a single grant cycle annually, nonprofits certified under 501(c)(3) can apply for funding, preferably those benefiting children and promoting equity. The foundation emphasizes programs that leverage the arts to foster social change, impacting youth and disadvantaged communities. Applications must be submitted by July 31 to be considered for the current cycle.

The Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant provides vital support to community-based non-profit organizations focused on Education, Domestic Violence, and Physical or Mental Health Challenges. With grants up to $25,000, the foundation aims to honor Mildred's commitment to improving lives and creating a better world. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits providing direct services in these areas. Notably, the foundation excludes funding for certain institutions, ensuring resources are directed to those genuinely in need.

The Josh Dubin Fellowship, launched in January 2022 by the Shawn Carter Foundation, is a seven-week paid program designed for five exceptional students interested in the legal field. This immersive experience includes mentorship from legal professionals, direct involvement in case analysis, and off-site visits to courtrooms. Fellows not only gain invaluable insights into legal practices but also receive additional scholarship support for their educational pursuits, empowering them to overcome socio-economic barriers and achieve their dreams.

The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, established in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County, focusing on youth programs. The foundation encourages proposals that directly impact the community and emphasizes the importance of a substantial volunteer base. Special consideration is given to projects that were significant to Eleanor and Henry Jansen. Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds from multiple sources, with priority given to youth-serving initiatives.