Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The NIH Career Transition Award (K22) supports exceptional basic and clinical investigators in developing independent research skills through a two-phase program: an intramural appointment at NIH followed by support at an extramural institution. This award specifically aids NINDS intramural neurologist and neurosurgeon scientists in transitioning to independent academic faculty roles, fostering the engagement of clinician-scientists in both funded scientific research and clinical practices.

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers Seed Grants of up to $10,000 to colleges and universities seeking to explore partnerships that can enhance their operations. These grants support events aimed at fostering collaboration among leadership and stakeholders, paving the way for transformative initiatives. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, encouraging institutions to engage actively in crafting sustainable solutions centered on student success.

The National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses, opening for applications on April 22, 2025, offers $25,000 in funding distributed as $1,000 micro grants to 25 eligible LGBTQIA+ business owners. Designed to support diverse founder-led enterprises, this initiative encourages professional development and aids in achieving over $1 million in revenue. Eligible participants must have a U.S.-based business and meet specific criteria regarding ownership, revenue, and employee count.

The Common Cents Scholarship, offered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, provides up to two $3,000 scholarships to Dallas ISD students involved in the Common Cents philanthropy program. This scholarship can be utilized for tuition, books, and fees at accredited colleges, universities, trade, or vocational schools across the U.S. Eligible applicants must be current Juniors or Seniors at a Dallas ISD High School and must have participated in the program during the application year.

The Stazer Sisters’ Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, supports U.S. citizens graduating from the Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy who are entering a four-year college. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students, based on their academic achievements, financial need, and extracurricular involvement. This scholarship aims to empower deserving students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The NWPA Food Council Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA pursuing post-secondary education or training. With over $800,000 awarded in 2023, this scholarship is particularly aimed at those entering the food, grocery, or convenience store industries. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empowering local students and enhancing workforce development in essential sectors.

The Salad Bars to Schools Grant, initiated by the Chef Ann Foundation, aims to provide salad bar equipment to U.S. schools, enhancing children's access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Launched in 2010, this initiative tackles childhood obesity by ensuring nutritious options in school meals. Eligible applicants receive technical support and free enrollments in educational courses to maximize the impact of their salad bars. By promoting healthy eating habits, the program strives to improve children's overall health and well-being.

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers catalytic grants of up to $100,000 for colleges and universities to explore innovative partnerships. These grants aim to enhance student success by facilitating collaborations that can significantly change institutional operations. Priority is given to partnerships involving diverse student populations and those expected to yield better outcomes. This opportunity supports institutions in assessing transformative possibilities, making it an essential resource for educational advancement.

The Established Advocacy Grant, offered by the AADA, provides crucial financial support to state dermatology societies that have previously received multiple advocacy grant awards. This program aims to enhance health policy initiatives, focusing on specific legislative priorities. Eligible states must align their applications with AADA’s policy priorities and demonstrate their advocacy efforts through a detailed plan. Compliance with IRS regulations and timely reporting is mandatory for continued funding.

The Rotary Club of Milwaukee Scholarship provides financial support and mentorship to high school seniors in Milwaukee pursuing higher education. This program, which has been active for over 110 years, aims to invest in the next generation of community leaders. Recipients not only receive financial aid but also engage in educational programming and are paired with mentors for guidance throughout their college journey, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

The ASTS: Veloxis Fellowship in Transplantation Grant offers $42,500 per year for two years to support clinical training in solid organ transplantation. This grant is aimed at current transplant surgery trainees who have completed their surgical residency and are committed to the field. Awardees must attend the ASTS Award Ceremony and complete their fellowship at the same institution for the duration of the award, ensuring a focused and comprehensive training experience.

The John Berger Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports MPP students who are graduates of Harvard College, aiming to work in U.S. or international institutions focused on international affairs. This fellowship is part of HKS's commitment to improving public policy and leadership, offering scholarships and fellowships based on merit and financial need, without discrimination against applicants based on citizenship, race, or other protected classifications.

The ARRL Foundation offers grants for amateur radio projects, focusing on education, licensing, and community support in the U.S. Organizations can apply three times a year for funding, with a preference for youth initiatives and sustainable projects. Notably, grants are awarded exclusively to organizations, not individuals, and emergency communication equipment requests are ineligible. This funding aims to enhance amateur radio's public service and technological advocacy.

The Betsy & Ryan Colwell Mentorship Scholarships for Women in Thoracic Surgery support early-career female cardiothoracic surgeons by facilitating mentor relationships and networking opportunities at the WTS Annual Conference. Each scholarship, valued at $2,500, covers conference registration, lodging, and travel expenses. Two scholarships will be awarded annually starting in 2025, aiming to empower women in a specialty where they are underrepresented and help them navigate their challenging career path.

The Future of Work program by the Russell Sage Foundation investigates the decline in quality of low-wage jobs in the U.S. It explores factors such as outsourcing, immigration, union decline, and technological changes. Current research focuses on minimum wage impacts, offshoring effects, and job search behaviors influencing employment outcomes, particularly for women and minorities in the post-recession labor market. This grant aims to enhance understanding of these critical issues affecting low-education workers.

RedRover Relief Safe Housing Grants provide vital support for domestic violence survivors by enabling them to keep their pets safe during challenging times. With grants up to $60,000, nonprofit organizations can create or enhance programs that offer shelter for pets, foster care, and veterinary services. This initiative fosters collaboration between domestic violence and animal organizations, ensuring comprehensive community support. By addressing the unique needs of families, these grants promote safety and well-being for both humans and their beloved pets.

The Permobil Foundation offers sponsorships and grants to enhance the lives of individuals with mobility limitations. Committed to promoting independent mobility as a basic human right, the Foundation supports organizations that align with its mission through event sponsorships, grant funding, employee engagement, and in-kind donations. Applications are accepted monthly, with an emphasis on initiatives that yield significant community impact. The Foundation prioritizes relationships with Permobil employees and critical community needs.

The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) offers Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Awards (K08) to support emerging independent researchers in pain management. This program aims to develop a new generation of skilled investigators by providing essential NIH research funding during their early careers. Notable deadlines for grant applications range from October 2024 to June 2027, ensuring ample opportunity for applicants to submit their proposals and enhance their research capabilities.

We are an independent foundation which has been serving Seventh-day Adventist ministries and a select few other humanitarian efforts with financial grants since 1990. We are a self-funded lay organization, and our board is comprised of both lay Adventists and present and former Adventist church employees, all committed to furthering the Kingdom of God and to restoring the “image of God” in those in need. 

Mission

It is the purpose of Versacare Foundation to serve humanity by engaging in activities that will further the kingdom of God and restore the Image of God in man. We believe that this fidelity to the Gospel of Jesus urges us to emphasize human health and dignity and the search for knowledge.

Journalism for Adventist Solutions (JAS) 

Journalism for Adventist Solutions (JAS) grants aim to promote ethical reporting and diverse storytelling by encouraging integrity, creativity, and journalistic excellence in Adventist communication through targeted grant funding. 

The JAS grant application is open year-round, with funds awarded annually each March and September.

Project Priorities

• Systemic issues in Adventism that demand investigation and fresh thinking
• Journalists and media organizations producing major stories on vital issues related to Adventism
• New ways to communicate the diverse Adventist-related stories of what God is doing
• Awards and recognition to celebrate journalistic achievements and foster a culture of excellence in ethical storytelling
• Evaluation methods to maintain accountability and ethics in Adventist communication
• Courses, workshops, and mentorship programs to enhance journalist skills, ethics, and innovative practices in Adventist communication
• Travel, technology, stipends and honoraria as relevant to the project request
• Other projects similar to the above

Applicants must agree to provide a post-grant report, including a full financial accounting of how JAS monies were used and agree to be audited if requested.

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program, focused on odd years, supports individual artists and non-profit organizations in the genres of video/film and theater. Grants, typically around $1,750, aim to uplift marginalized voices in the arts. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with an SSN. The program excludes proposals in other disciplines and projects involving AI. This initiative prioritizes diverse artistic expression and aims to maximize funding impact for those with limited financial resources.

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports innovative research to enhance physical therapy practices. By fostering early career researchers, the grant aims to build a strong evidence base in physical therapy. Over the past 46 years, this initiative has created a sustainable pipeline for research funding, benefiting patients and healthcare professionals alike, while advancing the profession's evidence-based practices.

This grant opportunity from the NIH aims to enhance mechanistic research on precision probiotic therapies through a biphasic R61/R33 award mechanism. It encourages innovative studies to identify specific biological factors influencing probiotic responses, thereby improving clinical outcomes. The program supports up to five years of research, with the initial phase focused on discovering unique host characteristics and the second phase assessing improvements in probiotic efficacy through rigorous studies.

The Performing Arts Global Exchange Grant (PAGE) fosters international performing arts in the U.S., promoting cultural understanding through diverse programming. It offers support to nonprofit presenters who engage artists from a curated roster, focusing on underrepresented regions like Morocco and South Africa. Grants require public performances and community interaction, emphasizing outreach to underserved areas. PAGE is supported by Mid Atlantic Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, aiming to enhance accessibility to global artistic expressions.

The Extramural Discovery Science Accelerator Award supports the commercialization of ongoing cancer research projects, focusing on experiments that facilitate technology validation and de-risking. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a budget of up to $75,000 for one year. This award encourages independent investigators at any career stage to advance their technologies, with a strong emphasis on commercial viability and collaboration within a learning community.

The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) offers Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Awards (K08) to nurture new independent investigators. This program is pivotal in providing early-career researchers with the necessary NIH support to establish their research programs in pain management. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027, including provisions for renewals and resubmissions, ensuring ongoing support for innovative research in this critical area.

The Veterans' Scholarships, established by the American Australian Association, provide financial support to post-9/11 military veterans from Australia and the USA. Scholarships of up to $40,000 are available for those pursuing full-time undergraduate studies in the respective countries. Since 2017, over $2.8 million has been awarded, fostering educational opportunities that enhance skills and promote successful careers after military service. Eligibility criteria include being an honorably discharged veteran and planning to study full-time.

The Veterans' Scholarships program, established by the American Australian Association, offers financial support to post-9/11 military veterans from Australia and the USA for graduate studies. With over $2.8 million awarded, eligible veterans can receive up to $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living expenses. This initiative fosters educational opportunities and career development, encouraging veterans to pursue their academic goals in each other's countries.