Best Plant Grants in Maine

Maine conservation and environmental education nonprofits can access funding through the Roger and Katherine Flahive Foundation for programs in education, health, and conservation. 501(c)(3) organizations working on botanical conservation, natural resources, or related equity and health issues may be eligible for programmatic support, scholarships, or organizational funding that strengthens their long-term impact.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment programs in Maine and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving mostly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an LOI process.

Nonprofit organizations in Maine with audited expenses over $2 million that provide direct social services can seek large-scale support to combat chronic poverty and strengthen families. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides program, capital, and general operating support for efforts like affordable housing, food access, job training, legal aid, reentry, and youth development across the U.S.

Nonprofit and equivalent charitable organizations working on health, education, or community programs in Maine can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation support. Focus areas include food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, which may benefit plant- or conservation-focused groups that also address community health and education.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities working on education, youth health, or family economic stability in Maine and other eligible areas can seek large-scale project or scaling support. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation backs initiatives serving urban low-income children and youth in the U.S., India, and South Africa, with requests of more than US $50,000.

Schools and educational nonprofits restoring monarch habitat in Maine and other eligible regions can receive free milkweed plugs to establish or expand large pollinator gardens. Monarch Watch prioritizes projects with clear educational goals, long-term maintenance plans, adequate sunlit space, diverse nectar sources, administrative backing, and a commitment to fall photo and garden evaluation surveys.

Schools and community centers in Maine that want to establish educational orchards or garden spaces can apply for support from United Charitable’s ReTreeUS program. United Charitable provides Maine plant-focused education initiatives with orchard planting, maintenance, and curriculum resources, which may benefit K–12 programs and community projects centered on horticulture, botany, and environmental stewardship.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is Maine's support center for many land-based natural resource interests, including farms and forestry-related businesses, outdoor recreation, and public access to parks and public lands.

We strive to provide excellent customer service, and we facilitate a team approach to land-use planning, conservation efforts, business support, and economic activity. Our agency has a wide range of duties, from promoting and advancing Maine's agricultural resources; protecting and enhancing our vast forestland, which comprises 89% of our state's land base; managing more than 700,000 acres of state parks and public lands; and administering numerous science-based programs focused on resource management, wise land use planning, and conservation, while strengthening the base of scientific research and information for effective decision-making.  

WoodsWISE Resilience Program

The Maine Forest Service has a new program to support Maine forestland owners. The WoodsWISE Resilience Program provides financial incentives for eight stewardship practices designed to enhance the resilience of Maine’s forests.

What is Resilience?

Forest resilience measures how well forests adapt and respond to changing conditions. A resilient forest can resist disturbances, such as intense windstorms, or recover after insect outbreaks. While some trees or species may be lost, the forest ecosystem endures.

Information for Landowners

Landowners interested in participating in the program should contact their District Forester for a site visit. To enroll in the program, landowners must work with a Resilience Forester. Find a Resilience Forester to work with in your area.

Information for Foresters

Foresters interested in working with landowners in the program must complete a Resilience Forester training with the Maine Forest Service. This training is required for all foresters who want to participate in currently open program funding, as well as a new funding opportunity opening in November. 

Eligible Practices

The program covers three categories of practices: early stand tending, regeneration support, and forest health.

Early Stand Tending Practices:

• Pre-commercial thinning: Reducing the number of trees in young or sapling-sized forest:
• Early commercial thinning: Reducing the number of trees in a forest where part of the trees can create a commercial forest product
• Crop tree release: Removing trees to favor those of the preferred form, vigor, or species

Regeneration Support:

• Regeneration management to promote tree regeneration: The intentional removal of trees to create space and resources for regeneration (seedlings, sprouts, or established small trees).
• Tree planting: Planting tree seedlings to meet landowner objectives
• Regeneration protection: Temporary tree cages or exclosures to protect small trees or seedlings from animal browsing.

Forest Health Practices:

• Sanitation cutting: Removing specific trees or tree species to reduce the threat of diseases, insects, fungi, or other health concerns
• Invasive plant control: Using mechanical or chemical methods to remove invasive plants

Financial Incentives

This is a reimbursement program for landowners. Landowners may request reimbursement for expenses incurred at multiple points throughout the program. Eligible expenses include planning costs, forester time, and practice implementation. Reimbursement is based on Not-to-Exceed rates for each eligible expense.

Underserved Landowners

Underserved landowners, as defined by the US Department of Agriculture, are eligible for an 90% reimbursement rate. All other landowners are eligible for a 60% reimbursement rate. US Department of Agriculture definitions for historically underserved landowners can be found HERE.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

Local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in Maine can receive up to US $20,000 for sustainable community forestry planning and education projects that highlight the benefits of trees and forests. Maine Forest Service’s Project Canopy supports initiatives that improve community livability through tree planting, maintenance, and long-term urban forestry programs.

Local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits in Maine can receive up to US $15,000 to plant and maintain community trees and enhance urban forestry. With a mission to strengthen community forestry, Maine Forest Service supports projects like buffer plantings, business district tree enhancements, nurseries, and green infrastructure through this 50/50 cost-share program.

Maine agricultural producers seeking support for sustainable farming, water management, or plant-focused conservation projects can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine. Grants offer up to US $50,000 and may cover irrigation improvements, tree planting for windbreaks or water quality, soil erosion control, integrated pest management, and transitions to organic production.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine offers vital financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. This program supports conservation practices to enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats while combating drought and climate change. EQIP promotes sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring producers can integrate conservation into their operations effectively, ultimately fostering a healthier environment and agricultural resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Maine and other Appalachian states can seek funding for land acquisition and related costs through the Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy provides up to US $100,000 for fee or easement purchases, stewardship, and community engagement that protect resilient, connected habitats and benefit local communities.

The Nourishment Focus Area Grant by the Quimby Family Foundation supports Maine-based nonprofits that promote human wholeness through community engagement and education in regional, plant-based food choices. Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000, with a focus on empowering people to choose healthier, sustainable food options. The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating community-rooted values and aims to address disparities in access to nutritious foods.

Maine 501(c)(3) organizations seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural work, or environmental initiatives can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S. nonprofits may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year projects, which could include botanical conservation or plant-focused efforts within these broad categories.

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is Maine's support center for many land-based natural resource interests, including farms and forestry-related businesses, outdoor recreation, and public access to parks and public lands.

We strive to provide excellent customer service, and we facilitate a team approach to land-use planning, conservation efforts, business support, and economic activity. Our agency has a wide range of duties, from promoting and advancing Maine's agricultural resources; protecting and enhancing our vast forestland, which comprises 89% of our state's land base; managing more than 700,000 acres of state parks and public lands; and administering numerous science-based programs focused on resource management, wise land use planning, and conservation, while strengthening the base of scientific research and information for effective decision-making. 

PFAS Fund Major Grants

Maine Governor Janet Mills created the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS Fund) in 2022 to support farmers whose land and/or water are contaminated with PFAS. The PFAS Fund is a first-in-the-country coordinated effort to specifically address PFAS in agriculture and is governed by 7 M.R.S.A. c. 10-D. One goal of the PFAS Fund is to fund research that allows farmers to make informed decisions about how to adjust their operations in light of PFAS contamination. Additional goals of the PFAS Fund include direct financial support for affected farmers, the purchase and management of PFAS-contaminated agricultural land, and mental and physical health-related initiatives.  

This grant funding will support research to help commercial farmers make informed decisions about utilizing agricultural property impacted by PFAS. Priority research areas are:

• PFAS in Agricultural Settings: Water, Soil, and Plant Studies
• PFAS in Agricultural Settings: Animals and Animal Product Studies
• Understanding and Managing PFAS in On-Farm Agricultural Settings and Products

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support in Maine communities. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs aiding underserved people, including hunger, homelessness, literacy, job readiness, health access, and related community services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental, human services, or related programs in Maine and beyond can apply for grants from the Lawrence Foundation, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants may support general operating or project costs and are unrestricted, so plant- and botanical-focused initiatives may be eligible if they fit the foundation’s priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs involving gardening, community beautification, or outdoor education may be especially relevant for plant- and nature-focused organizations.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Nonprofit and public entities in rural Maine can receive funding to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses through USDA Rural Development. Grants from USDA: Rural Development (RD) range from US $10,000 - US $500,000 and may benefit botanical conservation or plant-focused economic development projects that aid eligible enterprises.

Organizations in Maine working on in-stream habitat restoration can apply for Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s design-phase funding; awards up to US $450,000 for technical designs. Projects that enhance stream complexity and aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife may benefit plant and botanical conservation efforts in riparian ecosystems.

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.

Nova Vista Foundation

The Nova Vista Foundation is a family foundation formed in 2024. Our mission is to help ensure a livable planet with shared prosperity for present and future generations. This means we focus on the climate crisis. We fund systems-change interventions that can influence global emissions trajectories. We are hits-based and risk-neutral.

Our funding to date has focused on:

• Efforts to increase public support for innovation in hard-to-decarbonize sectors, particularly food (alternative proteins) and industry (steel and chemicals).
• Efforts to create the political conditions to ensure further policy progress and defend against derailment.

Nova Vista Foundation Grant

We are running an open RFP to provide up to $10 million to support policy advocacy, market-shaping work, and other high-leverage strategies to advance innovative proteins, by which we primarily mean plant-based meat, fermentation-derived protein, and cultivated meat. These have also flown under the banner of alternative, sustainable, or new proteins, clean meat, protein diversification, and novel foods. Work on dairy and eggs is also in scope. Advocates for protein innovation have made significant progress in recent years, yet the gap in government investment relative to the technology’s importance remains enormous.

The case for these technologies is not only a climate case — domestic food security and production capacity, supply chain resilience against geopolitical and other shocks, and job growth and economic competitiveness in an innovative, high-tech industry where other countries are investing heavily are key parts of the case for innovative proteins. We think that breadth is an advantage, and we would like to fund new, credible messengers for those arguments.