Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The Sarah K. de Coizart Perpetual Charitable Trust, established in 1992, focuses on supporting species conservation and blindness-related services in the Northeast United States. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000 for conservation projects and $20,000 to $50,000 for blindness initiatives. Priority is given to endangered species and innovative research efforts. Organizations must be IRS-designated public charities. The Trust does not fund individuals or matching gifts, ensuring support goes directly to impactful projects.

The Marion F. & Peter Plouff Scholarship is designed to support Maine's nontraditional adult learners pursuing higher education. It alleviates financial burdens, allowing students to focus on their studies. Eligible applicants must be Maine residents and meet specific criteria to be considered nontraditional. The scholarship provides renewable funding for various educational pathways, including degree programs and certificates. Priority is given to those returning to education after a break, with the goal of fostering lifelong learning and personal growth.

John Estrella Foundation: Helping Hand GrantThe John Estrella Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in memory of John Estrella.

Our funding supports a clinical protocol to acquire tumor samples from kidney cancer patients who have a kidney removed. These important samples are being used to identify factors that help predict which patients are likely to require additional therapy for their disease. With our continued funding, this protocol has been expanded to other major hospitals in the area, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Purpose of the Grant: In addition to the ever-mounting cost of medicines and treatment, people with Kidney Cancer often need assistance with expenses like transportation, living expenses, home care, and childcare. The purpose of our grant is to provide support to individuals and their families experiencing financial burdens associated with a diagnosis of and treatment for Kidney Cancer.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The Fence Authority Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fields that enhance community beautification, such as architecture, civil engineering, and environmental sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and involved in community service. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to society while furthering their education in impactful disciplines.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Wolf Kahn Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on visual arts, enhancing education and artist careers through exhibitions and residencies. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, prioritizing projects that promote social justice and environmental awareness. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific regions, while school-based programs and certain other entities are excluded. This initiative honors Wolf Kahn's legacy by fostering artistic collaboration and public engagement.

The ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship offers a one-year award for undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students attending institutions in ASHRAE Region I or those who graduated from high schools in the area. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific program criteria, promoting excellence in HVAC&R education. This scholarship supports future leaders in the field, ensuring a sustainable built environment.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The Maine Section of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offers the SWE Maine Scholarship to encourage high school senior girls in Maine to pursue engineering education. With over 40 years of commitment, this scholarship aims to support future engineers and promote the Society of Women Engineers. In 2025, eligible applicants can receive over $1,000, helping them embark on a successful academic journey in engineering or engineering technology.

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.

The Allison Keller Education Technology Grant Program, established by the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, aims to bridge the technological gap for schools and organizations supporting individuals with autism. Since 2012, over $820,000 has been awarded to enhance learning through technology, including iPads and apps. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and public schools in Massachusetts and surrounding New England states, with one program per district receiving funding annually.

The NESOT Paper of the Year Award, presented by the Northeast Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding publications in toxicology by graduate students or postdoctoral fellows. Eligible applicants must be NESOT members affiliated with institutions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Papers must be published or in press in peer-reviewed journals between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025. The award includes a certificate and a $1,000 honorarium.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants: Exploratory Projects aim to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability through innovative risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, these grants offer up to $10,000 for projects that address emerging risk topics or support producer workshops. With an 18-month duration from April 2026 to September 2027, this initiative encourages the development of new educational approaches to better serve the needs of farmers and ranchers.

The Aimlee Laderman Student Grant, offered by the Society for Ecological Restoration, supports emerging professionals in ecological restoration research. Established in 2005, this biennial grant is dedicated to Aimlee Laderman, a founding member of SER-NE. Applicants must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant program, and their work must be completed by August 30, 2024. The next application cycle is anticipated in early 2025.

The Corporal Eugene Cole Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 2019, honors the legacy of Eugene Cole by supporting Maine residents pursuing post-graduate studies in law enforcement. This scholarship aims to assist individuals seeking careers such as police officers, forensic specialists, and cybercrime analysts, among others. The Maine Community Foundation has a long history of providing educational support, awarding over $3 million annually across nearly 700 scholarship funds.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization is offering funding to establish the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) in Region 1. This initiative aims to provide crucial technical assistance and business development support to small businesses while ensuring compliance and reducing barriers. The program includes a 10-month base year with two potential option years, emphasizing the Department's commitment to accountability and support for small enterprises.

The Snowmobile Club Grant, administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, supports snowmobile clubs in preparing and grooming trails. This grant helps cover expenses such as fuel, equipment repairs, and labor. Clubs must be incorporated and in good standing to apply. Important requirements include submitting an accurate topographical map of the trails and ensuring that the trails do not cross frozen bodies of water. This grant fosters safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experiences.

The Food Systems Grant Program, funded by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, aims to support initiatives in Maine that promote food justice, sovereignty, and nutrition equity. With available funding of $1,870,000, the program prioritizes grassroots efforts led by marginalized communities. Grants range from $10,000 to $200,000, depending on the scope and collaboration of the projects. The foundation encourages applications from organizations that address systemic inequities within the food system.

The Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

The Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust supports nonprofit organizations in Maine through grants in five key areas: Community/Social Services, Medical, Educational, Arts/Culture, and Environment. Each area receives a designated percentage of funds, emphasizing the trust's commitment to addressing local needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and operate within Maine. Notably, the trust does not fund multi-year requests or grants to individuals or religious organizations.

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

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 Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.