Best Parent-Teacher Organization Grants in Maine

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.

Maine-based nonprofits and community organizations can seek Betterment Fund support for education, health, conservation, and community-wide initiatives, with awards of US $10,000 - US $35,000. Betterment Fund provides Maine K–12 and broader educational efforts with multi-year project funding, favoring systemic, community-driven programs, especially in Western Maine and other rural regions of the state.

Schools and community centers in Maine seeking to establish educational orchards and gardens can access funding through United Charitable’s ReTreeUS program. United Charitable provides Maine K-12 education and greening projects with support to plant and maintain orchards, enhance outdoor learning, and build youth interest in horticulture, botany, and biology.

K–12 schools and related educational institutions in Maine planning new construction or energy upgrades can apply for Efficiency Maine Trust’s School Decarbonization Technical Assistance incentive, awarding up to US $20,000 for qualifying professional services. Funding supports engineering or legal TA studies that reduce carbon emissions, using providers from the approved TA Provider List.

Maine Catholic schools and dioceses seeking to develop K–12 leadership can access funding through Catholic Extension’s Catholic School Leadership Development Grant. This one-year program covers most tuition plus travel for Loyola Marymount University’s online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, preparing nominated novice or prospective leaders to strengthen mission effectiveness, management, and instructional leadership locally.

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

K–12 education and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can apply for US $2,000 - US $25,000 to support program development, facilities, and equipment. Grants from Bangor Savings Bank Foundation help strengthen culture and arts, education, health and wellness, workforce development, and social services to make Northern New England communities more vibrant.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine working on K–12 education, college and career preparation, or workforce readiness can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support students and adults toward thriving futures. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help fund academic success, financial literacy, affordable housing, and small business growth in eligible communities.

Focused on K-12 education, Maine Department of Education invites Maine school and community organizations to apply for funding to create or expand comprehensive before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs. Grants support academic tutoring, enrichment, and student well-being for Pre-K through grade 12 in high-need, economically disadvantaged communities, including support for working families.

The Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program supports educators with innovative class projects that enhance student learning. Annually, 50 selected educators receive $2,000 each, with three top awards of $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000. This initiative, backed by Voya Financial, aims to empower teachers in accredited K-12 schools across the U.S. to transform their ideas into impactful educational experiences, fostering creativity and engagement in the classroom.

Middle and high school science teachers in Maine and other U.S. locations can receive up to US $3,000 to improve chemical safety in their classrooms and labs. The American Chemical Society funds curriculum integration of safety, professional development, and infrastructure upgrades, which may benefit educators collaborating with parent-teacher organizations on K-12 school safety initiatives.

K-12 classroom teachers seeking to design their own professional learning experiences can apply for fellowships that enhance instructional practice and student achievement. With a mission to empower educators, Fund for Teachers provides Maine and other U.S. teachers with support for individualized, self-directed professional development that they then bring back to their students, schools, and communities.

K-12 teachers and education program organizers in Maine can use this grant to fund insect-focused science projects and classroom activities. Entomological Society of America supports K-12 education by covering project-related costs such as supplies, services, travel, and educator stipends, with awards up to US $2,500 available nationwide for creative insect science initiatives.

Parent-teacher groups and K-12 partners in Maine working with their county or state Farm Bureaus can seek up to US $1,000 for agricultural literacy projects. Focused on K-12 agricultural education, the American Farm Bureau Federation invites Farm Bureaus nationwide to start or expand durable, reusable ag literacy programs and materials.

Maine K–12 schools, districts, and education-focused organizations developing STEM and biomedical science programs for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 may be eligible for the NIH Science Education Partnership Award. Parent-teacher organizations can use this U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health funding for classroom or informal science education projects, including after-school and library-based activities.

K–12 educators seeking agricultural literacy materials in Maine can use this grant to purchase accurate ag education resources for their classrooms. With a mission to support agricultural literacy, American Farm Bureau provides U.S. K–12 educators with US $100 in AFBFA store credit, which may benefit parent-teacher organizations collaborating with schools.

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 strengthen charitable and educational efforts, the fund backs year-round, measurable programs, which may benefit parent-teacher initiatives connected to Maine schools serving these communities.

Maine K–12 education organizations and higher-education programs with strong faculty mentors may be eligible for this national recognition supporting academic success and enrichment. Parent-teacher organizations partnering with full-time faculty who are SHAPE America members can nominate outstanding mentors who model professionalism, advise students, and encourage involvement in service, research, and professional activities.

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund provides Maine K–12 and youth music education programs with flexible support to help young people experience and learn bluegrass. Administered by the IBMA Foundation, funds are used where most needed to benefit individuals age 21 and younger across bluegrass-related educational activities.

Nonprofit organizations running K–12 education, workforce development, or basic needs programs in Maine can access funding that supports youth learning, job readiness, and community stability. Grants from OneAmerica Financial help strengthen financial security, food security, housing stability, and social services, with a primary focus on communities in Indianapolis and Maine but eligibility extending nationwide.

Current SHAPE America members in Maine and nationwide can receive US $1,000 to support projects advancing girls’ and women’s participation and leadership in sports, such as research, after-school programs, or professional development. Society of Health and Physical Educators offers this annual NAGWS Legacy Award, which may benefit K–12 educators and parent-teacher groups collaborating on school-based sports initiatives.

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 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 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.

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.

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.