Best Fisheries Grants in Maine

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, established in 1996, supports essential wildlife and conservation initiatives across Maine. Funded by a dedicated lottery ticket, it allocates resources to diverse categories such as habitat conservation, public land management, and species protection. The fund prioritizes projects that foster public-private partnerships and address significant natural resource concerns. Grants are awarded semi-annually, with over 28 million dollars distributed to more than 1200 projects to date, enhancing Maine's natural heritage.

The Henry Arnhold Fellowships, offered by the Mulago Foundation, seek innovative leaders with impactful conservation and climate solutions. This one-year fellowship provides $100,000 in funding, workshops, and a community of experts to help fellows scale their initiatives. The program emphasizes designing high-impact strategies and building sustainable organizations, aiming to create significant environmental change. Applications are open until August 7, 2025, encouraging recommendations for promising candidates.

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.

The Island Foundation offers Environment Grants to support projects in coastal regions of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, focusing on marine and coastal resource conservation. Priority is given to initiatives addressing climate change, promoting sustainable landscapes, and enhancing community health through environmental conservation. The Foundation encourages 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with a preference for those engaged locally, to apply for funding that strengthens both ecological and community resilience.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The Land for Communities (L4C) Grant, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports community land projects that enhance relationships to land for underserved populations in Maine. With funding options up to $50,000 for land acquisition and $25,000 for other land-based projects, the grant aims to empower communities by expanding access and promoting stewardship. This initiative prioritizes projects that engage local populations and focus on land return and community agriculture.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

The Maine Sea Grant, in collaboration with NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, offers undergraduate internships focused on sea-run fish research. This program provides students with hands-on experience in fisheries science. Eligible participants must be enrolled in an accredited degree or certificate program in Maine and maintain at least half-time enrollment (6 credits) for the Fall 2024 semester. Interested students are encouraged to apply for this valuable opportunity.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium and NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center invite proposals to explore the interactions between fishing communities and offshore wind development in the U.S. Northeast. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of community resilience and economies, while fostering collaborative research that informs decision-making. Proposals should utilize qualitative and quantitative methods and involve at least one Co-PI from the six states of the NESGC, with a requirement for a 25% non-federal match.

The Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, offered by New Hampshire Sea Grant, provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in marine resource projects while receiving mentorship and training. This paid fellowship supports students interested in marine-related research and education, with potential earnings of up to $5,000 over a 10-week summer period. By participating, fellows gain valuable insights into coastal and marine management, enhancing their skills and expanding their professional networks.

Offshore Wind Science and Research RFP

Massachusetts remains committed to offshore wind as a key energy source to provide critically needed energy, spur economic development, and create good-paying jobs. MassCEC recognizes that offshore wind development occurs in a dynamic ocean environment that supports existing marine industries of economic and cultural importance, is inhabited by critically endangered wildlife, and is itself undergoing climate-induced changes. These variables, among others, present a wide range of technical, logistical, and analytical research opportunities related to the offshore wind industry, particularly now that several projects have or soon will reach commercial operation. Focused science and research activities, and the organizational capacity to conduct that science and research, are needed in the near- and long-term to inform, optimize, and catalyze industry growth.   

The 2026 RFP will fund up to $2.5 million for projects aligned with priority research areas identified by MassCEC. While a broad array of research projects will be eligible to apply, this round of funding has also specified topic areas of interest within each of the following categories:

• Fisheries: Understanding Effects in Southern New England Lease Areas
• Wildlife and Habitat
• Regional Transmission Planning
• Gulf of Maine Regional Monitoring
• Communicating Existing Science and Research

MassCEC has allocated up to $2.5 Million Dollars ($2,500,000) in funding for awards and commitments under the Solicitation. We expect that awards will range from approximately $50,000 to $500,000. An application proposing higher amounts of MassCEC funding must present a compelling case for the funding need and potential outcomes toward achieving the Objectives.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Maine Sea Grant Undergraduate Scholarship in Marine Sciences

In partnership with undergraduate institutions throughout the state, Maine Sea Grant is recruiting applications for its annual Undergraduate Scholarship in Marine Sciences. The goals of this scholarship program are:  

• Provide support for tuition or other academic or research-related expenses.
• Develop a statewide network of undergraduate scholars doing exemplary academic work on marine and coastal issues.
• Offer participating students academic and professional development opportunities.
• Create mutually beneficial outcomes for students, partner institutions, and Maine Sea Grant. 

Award

Each applicant selected for this award will receive a $2,000 scholarship to support tuition or other academic or research-related expenses. This award is made possible through a matching grant program in which each $1,000 award from Maine Sea Grant is matched with a $1,000 award from the selected applicant’s home institution.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.