Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The AAD Shade Structure Grant Program provides funding up to $8,000 for non-profit organizations and public schools to install shade structures, promoting sun safety for children and teenagers. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to sun safety, including a year-long awareness program, and submit a letter of recommendation from an AAD dermatologist. The program aims to enhance outdoor safety, supported by donations from members and organizations.

The Never Lose Hoop Fund, established by JC and Joni Hulls, provides grants to support families affected by cancer. The fund aims to enhance the quality of life for children and their families through shared experiences, such as family camps and outdoor activities. Grants are available for those currently battling cancer or who have lost an immediate family member to cancer within the last two years. This initiative helps families create lasting memories and find joy during difficult times.

The Mystery Donor Vocational Scholarship Fund, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports local students accepted into vocational schools. This scholarship aims to assist those pursuing hands-on careers through skill development in various institutions or apprenticeship programs. By easing financial burdens, it encourages students to gain practical experience and contribute to their communities, fostering a skilled workforce for the future.

The Dale A. Nordquist Family Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports students from Clayton, Amery, or Clear Lake High Schools pursuing degrees or training in tech or trade fields. With a commitment to fostering local talent, this scholarship aims to empower future generations by investing in their education and career aspirations. The Foundation has a rich history of connecting local generosity with impactful initiatives that enhance community well-being across the St. Croix Valley.

The Frank Chaney Memorial Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Hudson or Stillwater area high schools pursuing any field within the arts. This scholarship aims to empower young artists and facilitate their educational journeys at any college of their choice, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community impact through local generosity and support for the arts.

The Hudson Physicians Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports graduating seniors from high schools in St. Croix or Pierce Counties who are pursuing a career in healthcare. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and financial need will be considered. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering local talent and enhancing community well-being by investing in future healthcare professionals.

The Floyd Family Scholarship, established by the Erie County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie County, Ohio, who aim to pursue degrees in music, music education, general education, or liberal arts. Preference is given to Huron High School graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, ensuring long-term educational support for deserving students.

The Ewalt and Jocelyn Maurushat General Scholarship, established in 1995, aims to uplift Erie County, Ohio by supporting graduating seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 25. This scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years based on the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee, ensuring continued educational support for deserving students who excel academically and contribute positively to their communities.

The American Legion Post 27 Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides $500 scholarships to two Beatrice High School graduating seniors (one male and one female) pursuing education at accredited institutions. The Foundation, established in 1987, has a $3.8 million Endowment Fund and awards over $55,000 in scholarships annually to support students in their academic endeavors. Applications must be completed by the students themselves and adhere to specific ethical guidelines.

The Goossen Schroeder, Amber, Scholarship offers a $500 award for graduating seniors from Gage County with a minimum 3.0 GPA and ACT score. Managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must complete the application independently and submit original letters of recommendation. The Foundation promotes academic excellence and civic involvement, awarding over $55,000 annually to support educational opportunities in the community.

The Southwest Missouri Resource Conservation and Development Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $1,000 scholarship for graduating high school seniors from select Missouri counties. Eligible applicants must major in Agriculture, Natural Resources, or related fields, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit an essay along with two letters of recommendation, one from school personnel. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to community service and leadership.

The Schilling Technical Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides four scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating seniors from select high schools. It is renewable for an additional year if a 2.5 GPA is maintained while enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and submit a FAFSA-SAI, along with a transcript and an essay. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing vocational or two-year accredited education.

The Springfield Area Foundation for Architecture Scholarship aims to support undergraduate students in their third, fourth, or fifth year majoring in Architecture. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above, and be residents of specific counties. A portfolio and essay are required for submission, ensuring that the scholarship empowers talented individuals to pursue their architectural studies and contribute to the community.

The Carver, We’ll Find a Way Scholarship Fund, established by the Carver Family, offers scholarships to local students passionate about helping others. This fund is part of the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland, which manages over 100 scholarships aimed at supporting both high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing further education. The foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Washington County through educational support and community engagement.

Anita Tarr Turk Fund for Breast Cancer Research

The Anita Tarr Turk Fund for Breast Cancer Research was established in October 2011 as an endowed field of interest fund. Its purpose is to distribute grants annually to one or more charitable, educational or scientific organizations conducting top-level research searching for the cause of, and cure for, breast cancer.

Anita Tarr Turk encouraged the Community Foundation for Monterey (CFMC)’s board to consider grants to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and the California Breast Cancer Research Program. The Fund may also consider proposals from organizations conducting similar research. Due to the narrow field of interest and suggested organizations in the fund’s establishing documents, organizations are invited to share research projects for CFMC to consider.

Grant Amount

• $60,000/year

The Dave and Lori Hermes Memorial Scholarship, established in 2008 in memory of a respected Erie County farmer, supports graduating seniors from Erie County, Ohio, who exhibit financial need and have an agricultural background. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and achieve a 25 ACT score. The scholarship prioritizes academic performance while encouraging community service, athletics, and work commitments, fostering a holistic approach to student development.

The Myasthenia Gravis Network (MGNet) Scholar Program is designed to enhance research capabilities in myasthenia gravis through individualized training and mentorship. Funded by the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN), this program supports scholars with up to $75,000 for salary and research costs, aiming to prepare them for independent careers in clinical and translational research. Eligible candidates include MDs, PhDs, and mid-career faculty committed to advancing MG research.

The Larry A. Weaver, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $4,000 to a graduating high school senior or HiSet diploma holder who is a member of the Buffalo Baptist Church in Buffalo, MO. Applicants must demonstrate financial need via FAFSA-SAI, submit a transcript, and provide an essay detailing community service and school activities, along with a recommendation letter from a church staff member.

The Madeleine Chapter 204, Order of the Eastern Star Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Erie County, Ohio high schools, emphasizing financial need and community service. With a minimum GPA of 3.0, this scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, subject to the Scholarship Advisory Committee's discretion. Preference is given to applicants from Vermilion High School, fostering local talent and community engagement.

The Gravelin Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $450 grant to a graduating high school senior who has faced significant life challenges, such as illness or trauma. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.3, show financial need via a FAFSA-SAI form, and plan to enroll in an accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational institution. Applicants are required to submit a transcript, a personal essay, and details of their community service and school involvement.

The Gunner Lee Thomason Autism Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $700 grant to a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student dedicated to working with autistic individuals and their families. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to those from the Truman Lake area. The application requires a transcript, essay, letter of recommendation, and a description of community service and work experience.

The Polk County Tech Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $2,000 award for eligible high school seniors from select schools. This scholarship is renewable for a second year if a 2.5 GPA is maintained while enrolled in an accredited two-year or vocational program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit an essay detailing their work experience and academic goals, ensuring support for those pursuing careers in technical fields.

The Diane and Peter Christodoulou Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support students with learning disabilities. Offering two scholarships of $1,250 each, eligibility requires a GPA of 2.5 or higher and proof of disability. High school seniors must submit their IEP, while undergraduates need a verification letter from their Disability Service Coordinator. This initiative promotes academic achievement and community engagement among students facing learning challenges.

Casey's Cash for Classrooms Grants support K-12 public and nonprofit private schools through funding for physical improvements, material needs, teacher support, and community engagement. In 2025, $900,000 was awarded across 80 grants, allowing schools to enhance their learning environments. With a commitment to community engagement, Casey's has donated $15 million since 2019, emphasizing their dedication to making life better for communities and guests. Grants range from $3,000 to $50,000, with funds required to be used within 12 months.

The Daniel DiSylvester Memorial Soccer Scholarship offers two scholarships of $2,300 each to graduating high school seniors who have played organized soccer for four years. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.2 or above and demonstrate financial need by submitting a FAFSA-SAI. This scholarship promotes academic success and recognizes the dedication of student-athletes pursuing higher education at accredited institutions.

The Sarah Creech Performing Arts Scholarship, established in 2013 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors the memory of Sarah Creech. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors and college students from Beaufort County pursuing post-secondary education in the performing arts. With a mission to strengthen community ties and provide educational opportunities, the foundation plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of Lowcountry residents through philanthropic leadership.

The Richard I. Stessel Waste Management Award, presented annually by the Air & Waste Management Association, honors outstanding achievements in waste management. This prestigious award acknowledges individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the science and practice of waste management, including technological advancements, waste regulation, and educational excellence. Named after Professor Richard I. Stessel, the award promotes innovative solutions for environmental sustainability, encouraging professionals to serve as role models in the field.