Best Grants for Charities in Maine

Maine charitable organizations working on education, health, conservation, or community-wide support initiatives can receive Betterment Fund grants of US $10,000 - US $35,000. The fund prioritizes systemic, community-driven projects, especially in Western Maine’s rural counties, that benefit Maine residents and address long-term well-being, economic development, and environmental stewardship.

Charitable 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations in the greater Chicago area can seek McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs. Grants from McGraw Foundation help Maine-focused charities only if they operate or are based near Chicago, with typical awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000 for operating, project, or occasional capital needs.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine offers vital financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. This program supports conservation practices to enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats while combating drought and climate change. EQIP promotes sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring producers can integrate conservation into their operations effectively, ultimately fostering a healthier environment and agricultural resilience.

Charities, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and municipalities working on community and economic development, education, environment, and basic needs in Maine’s Oxford County can seek US $20,000 - US $300,000 for large projects. New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund supports regional, systems-change initiatives benefiting Coös County, NH and bordering communities, including parts of Maine.

Charitable organizations in Oxford County, Maine can seek up to US $20,000 for community projects, services, and infrastructure. Focused on areas like rural development, basic needs, health, environment, recreation, and youth, the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund at New Hampshire Charitable Foundation supports small-scale, local initiatives in border communities.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance actionable solutions for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related fields, the American Water Works Association invites eligible students in Maine and across North America to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

Environmental and conservation nonprofits in Maine can apply for funding from Island Foundation to support marine and coastal resource protection, climate resilience, and related initiatives. Grants may cover general operations or projects such as right whale research, coastal habitat preservation, sustainable fisheries and agriculture, environmental justice, and strengthening local conservation organizations.

Agricultural and forestry producers in Maine can receive financial and technical assistance to enhance conservation practices and improve working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine supports environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and habitat and water resource management through five-year Conservation Stewardship Program contracts, with awards of more than US $4,000 for maintaining and expanding conservation efforts.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Maine working on community development, education, workforce readiness, or financial literacy can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support measurable, sustainable programs. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help charities strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, academic success, and employment outcomes in their communities.

Charities and public institutions serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Maine can seek funding for affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, civic and cultural growth, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000, with local employee advisory committees helping set priorities for each community.

Charitable organizations in Maine working on humanitarian aid, child welfare, education, health care, or disaster relief can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation, with awards up to US $750,000. Programs that build self-sufficiency for women and children, such as employment assistance, homelessness services, microfinance, or food security, may be especially competitive.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine and nearby New England states can seek funding for health and welfare, dental care, homeless shelters, food pantries, and youth camperships. Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust, typically US $1,000 - US $7,500, support capital and operating needs for nonprofits serving vulnerable children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Maine seeking support for small-scale biomedical research projects can apply for funding that also enhances their research environment. The National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 for institutions awarding baccalaureate science degrees that have received limited prior NIH support; charities operating such colleges or universities may be eligible.

Maine 501(c)(3) charities working on economic mobility, workforce readiness, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected nonprofits in eligible Maine markets receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant to expand income creation, small business support, financial resilience, or stable housing services.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for intensive career development funding supporting independent clinical research. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Maine-based charities collaborating with LMIC investigators participate in global health projects across areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, environmental health, and more.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including those with ties to Maine charities, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award; awards approximately US $140,000 for mentored health-related research career development. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, this supports three to five years of protected research time.

Focused on education and related community programs, this grant invites U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations to seek funding for scholarships, tutoring, literacy, youth initiatives, arts education, and community services. Maine charities working in these areas may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $20,000, typically for new or enhanced programs or short-term support.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine can apply for Ensign-Bickford Industries’ Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant, offering up to US $5,000 for education, environmental, health, arts, and community programs. Groups in Cumberland County and other listed areas may be especially competitive, with priority given to education and environment initiatives.

Charities, nonprofits, public agencies, and other organizations in Maine working on wildlife, habitat, public lands, or outdoor recreation projects can apply for the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund. Grants from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife support conservation, endangered species protection, recreation access, and natural resources law enforcement through authorized Natural Resource Agency Representatives.

Maine 501(c)(3) charities, fiscally sponsored projects, and governmental units can seek funding for arts education or public arts engagement programs benefiting Maine residents. The Onion Foundation offers general operating or project grants up to US $60,000, prioritizing equity-focused, low-barrier access and strong public participation in arts experiences across the state.

Maine charities and other organizations hosting health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek sponsorship funding that offers tangible benefits like recognition or marketing opportunities. Biogen Foundation provides support for programs focused on neurological and related disease areas, including Alzheimer’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, lupus, lymphoma, and other neuroscience topics.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The Andrew Mitchell Memorial Scholarship supports Maine residents pursuing vocational or technical education, including community college programs. This scholarship is aimed at nontraditional students who face unique challenges in continuing their education. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, such as being over 25 or financially independent. The fund encourages applicants to utilize college preparation resources and demonstrates a commitment to remain in Maine after their studies. This scholarship honors Andrew Mitchell, a dedicated technician and outdoorsman.

The Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, established in 1988, focuses on enhancing community connections through arts, culture, and environmental initiatives in Maine. The Trust supports projects that foster creative expression, promote historic preservation, and encourage environmental stewardship. Grant applicants can seek up to $20,000 for operating support or specific projects that align with these priorities. The Foundation emphasizes equitable access and community representation in its funding decisions.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.