Best Forestry 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 Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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 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 Land for Maine's Future: Public Water Access to Maine Waters Fund Grant supports projects that enhance public access to Maine's lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. By acquiring small parcels of land, the fund aims to create access points for various water activities, including fishing and boating. Applications require sponsorship from a state agency and consent from landowners. This initiative fosters community engagement and promotes outdoor recreation, benefiting local economies and preserving natural resources.

Workforce Pilot

The Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan provides $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Maine Department of Transportation to support local, regional, and state workforce transportation pilot projects, especially in rural areas. Administered by MaineDOT’s Bureau of Planning, the department’s Workforce Transportation Pilot program is a competitive grant program that provides funds to support other workforce transportation pilot projects around the state. Funds may be used for capital and operating costs, including program start-up costs.

The Bureau of Planning anticipates a $750,000 award cap; however, that award cap is subject to change based on need and volume of applications. MaineDOT reserves the right to negotiate project scope and deliverables prior to finalizing awards. There is no minimum or maximum number of awards. Projects will be selected based on merit and the availability of funding.

While there is no application deadline, applicants are encouraged to submit projects as soon as possible. The Bureau of Planning will accept, evaluate, and make decisions on grant applications on an ongoing, rolling basis until all funds have been disbursed. In its evaluation process and awarding of funds, MaineDOT will consider that some applicants will be able to apply for funds sooner than others. In general, awarded projects should begin within four months of contract execution. This requirement can be waived based on circumstances as described by the applicant.

While projects may support transportation of workers from rural areas to more urban areas or centers of employment, the focus is on workforce transportation in rural areas. As such, some funds will be targeted specifically to connecting workers in rural areas to employment opportunities in rural areas.

Federal guidance provides that funds may be used to respond to COVID-19’s negative economic impacts on the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries. Other identified industries suffering comparable economic impacts include healthcare and social assistance; construction, trade, and logistics; manufacturing; education; agriculture, fishing, and forestry; information; and clean energy. Applicants must demonstrate that they are addressing challenges in these industries. Proposed initiatives must focus on workers and potential workers in these key industry sectors. MaineDOT staff will work with potential applicants to ensure that any proposals meet these requirements.

Applications may be submitted by employers or groups of employers, municipalities, non-profit organizations, human service organizations, and public/private transportation providers. Applicants are encouraged to engage with potential partners including, but not limited to, regional planning organizations, chambers of commerce and other business groups, county governments, workforce boards, and community action programs.

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 Maine Trails Program (MTP) is a state initiative aimed at enhancing trails for recreation and transportation. With a budget of $30 million until 2034, it supports diverse trail projects and encourages community involvement through the Maine Trails Advisory Committee. The program prioritizes projects that ensure public access, promote sustainability, and cater to various users while fostering tourism and economic growth. Eligible applicants include municipalities and non-profits, emphasizing collaboration and matching resources.

The ITTO Fellowship Programme, initiated in 1989, has empowered over 1400 young and mid-career individuals from 49 countries, enhancing their professional development in forestry. With funding of approximately US$7.9 million, the programme primarily supports short-term activities, including conferences and training. Notably, it promotes gender equality, with over 30% of awards going to women. An impact assessment revealed significant contributions to forest conservation and policy influence, with many fellows advancing their careers post-fellowship.

The AgEnhancement Grant, awarded by Farm Credit East and CoBank, provides funding between $500 to $10,000 annually to support projects that enhance agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products in the Northeast. Since 1996, over $3.5 million has been distributed to various organizations. The program seeks initiatives that promote diversity and provide opportunities for all-sized farms, ensuring long-term benefits to the community and industry.

The Weeden Foundation Grant supports biodiversity conservation initiatives worldwide. It prioritizes projects that protect endangered species, restore habitats, and promote sustainable practices. The foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations or their international equivalents, focusing on areas such as bird conservation, marine wildlife protection, and systemic support for environmental policies. Applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry four weeks before the application deadline, and the foundation does not fund multi-year grants or projects outside its focus areas.

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 Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

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 Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Project Canopy, supported by the Maine Forest Service, offers grants up to $20,000 to enhance community forestry programs. This initiative focuses on educating communities about the benefits of trees and fostering collaboration between experts and local governments. By promoting sustainable forestry management and increasing awareness, Project Canopy aims to improve the health and livability of communities through effective tree planting and maintenance strategies.

The ME Project Canopy Assistance Grants support community forestry projects focused on tree planting and maintenance. Applicants, including local governments and non-profits, must attend a grant workshop prior to submission. The program emphasizes sustainable practices, enhancing community health, and improving air and water quality. A 50/50 matching requirement applies to federal funds, encouraging local financial commitment. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and share expertise for long-term forestry success in Maine.

About Project Canopy

Project Canopy is Maine's urban and community forestry program. Our Mission: Create and maintain healthy urban and community forests for or economic, ecological, and quality of life benefits for Mainers.

Project Canopy works to keep Maine's communities green and liveable by working with municipalities and non-profits to help manage public tree resources. Through our grant program and technical assistance, we promote planting and maintaining of trees in Maine communities. Whether we support planting street trees downtown or a management plan development for town forests, Project Canopy works to help Maine communities stay leafy and green.

Grant Applications

Project Canopy encourages communities to develop project proposals that support sustainable community forestry management, increase awareness of the benefits of trees and forests, and increase the health and livability of communities through sound tree planting and maintenance. Project Canopy announces the availability of grants to local municipal units of government, educational institutions and non-profit organizations that support community efforts to develop and maintain long-term community forestry programs.

Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry

$200,000

Projects support range of activities including urban and community tree canopy establishment and protection, urban wood utilization, urban food forests, local capacity building through workforce development, climate resiliency through tree planting, community tree nursery establishment, and building understanding to care for and manage community trees.

The Maine Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is a competitive annual grant initiative by the USDA to support specialty crop producers. Since 2002, over $7.5 million has been awarded to enhance market research and promote new technologies. Administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the program evaluates applications through a statewide competitive process, ensuring that the funding directly benefits Maine's specialty crop industry, rather than individual businesses.

The PF Fund for the Baldwin Area, managed by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Baldwin, Maine. This grant supports nonprofit organizations and initiatives that foster self-reliance, education, and sustainable resource management. Priority is given to projects that can leverage additional funding or address gaps in support. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and public agencies, ensuring diverse community engagement in local development.

The Maine Healthy Soils Program offers a Soil Health Implementation Grant to support projects that mitigate barriers to soil health on farms. Applicants can receive up to $100,000 for expenses related to soil amendments, cover cropping, and equipment purchases. This initiative aims to enhance soil health, improve agricultural yields, and encourage sustainable practices. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in the Maine Healthy Soils Program to apply. This grant helps promote healthier farming practices across Maine.

The ME Boating Facilities Fund Grant, administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, aims to enhance recreational boating access throughout Maine. It supports towns and agencies in developing and rehabilitating public boat launching facilities. Eligible projects include both hand-carry and trailer boat launches on tidal and non-tidal waters, with a required match of at least 25%. The fund prioritizes facilities accessible to both motorized and non-motorized watercraft.

The Old York Garden Club Scholarship Program supports aspiring students in plant sciences, including botany, ecology, and horticulture. The scholarship, established in memory of Marion Prince Hosmer, awards $2,700 to a full-time Maine resident who has completed one year of study in a related field. This opportunity aims to foster the next generation of environmental stewards and gardening enthusiasts, ensuring their educational journey is supported financially.

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.

Overview

The Submerged Lands Harbor Management and Access Grant (HMA) is administered by the Submerged Lands Program (SLP), a program of the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF). The SLP works to balance the public’s right to access state waters with demand for private and commercial use of those waters. The SLP administers the Submerged Lands Leasing Program which provides limited leases and easements that allow piers and other structures to be built on or over publicly owned submerged lands. Lease and easement revenues are used to support harbor planning and public access improvements through grants to municipalities and state agencies. Maine’s submerged lands include:

• Coastal waters:
  • All land from the mean low-water mark out to the three-mile territorial limit (including islands).
• Tidal Rivers:
  • All land below the mean low-water mark of tidal rivers upstream to the farthest natural reaches of the tides.
• Great Ponds:
  • All land below the natural low-water mark of ponds that are 10 or more acres in size in their natural state.
• Boundary Rivers:
  • Land lying between the banks of rivers that form Maine's border with Canada.

The ME Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) supports the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation facilities in Maine. Administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, this program provides grants covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, and tribal nations. For requests of $20,000 or less, pre-application discussions with the grant manager are advised to ensure project viability.